Ansel Adams

Aspiration and Discipline

  Bhutatathata has a twofold influence – one derived from its essential nature, the other from its energy. In its essential nature, bhutatathata enshrines eternal purity, supremely stainless and without any limit. As an inexhaustible reservoir of benefits, it is the basis of all manifestation. Under its irresistible influence, men and women turn away from oppressive samsara and seek the life-giving bliss of nirvana. They share the faith that the energy of bhutatathata resides within themselves, but they must release it through their aspiration and discipline.

  If it is true that all beings without exception share the energy of bhutatathata among themselves, why are some conscious of this indwelling energy while others are oblivious to it, and why are there glaring inequalities amongst beings in their pilgrimage from aspiration to nirvana? Should not everyone attain enlightenment simultaneously? This diversity is due to the fact that though bhutatathata is com­mon to all beings, their degrees of ignorance are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, and human beings entangled in ignorance markedly differ in their imprison­ment. Ignorant notions and desires are numberless. Their range and reach are known only to the Tathagata.

  The sacred teachings have always distinguished between energy and its use, and there must be a fusion of the two for true attainment. Though wood contains within itself the latent force of fire, it will not burn unless ignited. So, too, with the divine fire of bhutatathata. Although human beings share it among themselves, they might never release it if the means to do so were not disclosed by the enlightened ones. And if they learn it but do not practice, it is of little avail. Yet even the exemplification of the enlightened could not arouse the sacred flame within human beings were it not for the latent resolve within them to nurture it with devotion. Only when the energy is used is true attainment possible.

  There is within the inner recesses of each human soul a divine flame – nurtured and protected by the compassionate ideation of the blessed ones – which in its own radiance has no connection with samsara, but which continually turns toward nir­vana. This inner radiance sustains the practice of virtue together with the earnest endeavor to achieve it. Thus the aspiring soul enters into the companionship of the blessed ones, receives their instruction, is benefited and beatified, and eventually attains to the blissful realm of nirvana.

  Bhutatathata in its energetic flow exerts externally incalculable force, radiating its influence over all that exists. Its mode of activity is twofold, the specific and the universal. The specific influence suffuses every stage of a person’s unfoldment, and to this end the buddhas manifest themselves as parents, family, relations, servants, friends and even as seeming enemies to those whom they choose to instruct. The buddhas may endear themselves to humanity in every conceivable way to persuade it to perfect itself in wisdom and goodness. The blessed ones through tenderness inspire them to increase their store of merit. Their specific influence is also twofold, direct and indirect.  Through direct influence, attainment is very rapid, and through indirect influence, it is gradual in respect to time. Each mode is divisible into phases of practice and attainment.

  The universal influence is active through the determination of the mighty ones to deliver all beings from bondage. It is like a great benediction eternally uttered, encouraging all beings to think on them and thus grow in merit. When human beings at last enter into a state of purity, they behold the hidden buddhas that are germs in the souls of all humanity.

Mahayana Shraddotpada III, 1                                                                Asvaghosha

Treatise on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana

Notes:

Bhuta-tathata is the energy of buddha-nature, or enlightened nature, which dwells in all beings.

The “great benediction” is—we all are one substance with the Buddha, the great life-force of the universe, and caused to live by it.