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The next section of the root text explores the selflessness of phenomena and presents the key arguments which refute even the tiniest speck of intrinsic existence. The main focus is on meditation on the four foundations of mindfulness. Also called the four close placements of mindfulness, these four contemplations take respectively as their object (1) the body, (2) feelings, (3) the mind, and (4) phenomena, putting each of them under the analytical microscope to look into their deeper reality. Although this method of meditation is shared across all Buddhist traditions, Śāntideva has a unique take on the meaning. The more mainstream approach to these foundations of mindfulness is to watch the flow of sensations in the body or the stream of our thoughts and to see through their solidity. Here, Śāntideva goes beyond those levels of analysis and encourages us to look into the deeper level of reality of these phenomena—their lack of any intrinsic reality, or existence from their own side. | The next section of the root text explores the selflessness of phenomena and presents the key arguments which refute even the tiniest speck of intrinsic existence. The main focus is on meditation on the four foundations of mindfulness. Also called the four close placements of mindfulness, these four contemplations take respectively as their object (1) the body, (2) feelings, (3) the mind, and (4) phenomena, putting each of them under the analytical microscope to look into their deeper reality. Although this method of meditation is shared across all Buddhist traditions, Śāntideva has a unique take on the meaning. The more mainstream approach to these foundations of mindfulness is to watch the flow of sensations in the body or the stream of our thoughts and to see through their solidity. Here, Śāntideva goes beyond those levels of analysis and encourages us to look into the deeper level of reality of these phenomena—their lack of any intrinsic reality, or existence from their own side. | ||
The last verses of the ninth chapter present classical arguments from the Mahāyāna sūtras | The last verses of the ninth chapter present classical arguments from the Mahāyāna sūtras that establish emptiness as the ultimate nature of phenomena. These include many of the arguments from the five great reasonings (''gtan tshigs chen po lnga''), such as the diamond-splinters argument, the argument of identity and difference, the reasoning of dependent arising, and the reasoning of existence and nonexistence. The diamond-splinters argument, whose main protagonist is the Sāṁkhya school, is dealt with extensively in this chapter. | ||
The chapter concludes by expounding the benefits of emptiness and explaining how the true power of compassion is built on an understanding of emptiness. To have true compassion for sentient beings, we must realize how our own ignorance of the nature of reality creates our own suffering. Seeing that clearly in our own lives, we can then understand the depths of others' ignorance, and only then does our compassion for them really deepen. {{TextEndMarker}} | The chapter concludes by expounding the benefits of emptiness and explaining how the true power of compassion is built on an understanding of emptiness. To have true compassion for sentient beings, we must realize how our own ignorance of the nature of reality creates our own suffering. Seeing that clearly in our own lives, we can then understand the depths of others' ignorance, and only then does our compassion for them really deepen. {{TextEndMarker}} | ||
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