Non-abiding in Appearances Can Only Be Achieved After Reaching the First Bhūmi

Question: After realizing the Way, is it only then that when seeing the appearance of rain, the mind naturally has no attachment to the appearance of rain, yet knows it is raining without dwelling on it? Whereas before realizing the Way, one easily dwells on it, unless distracted by other matters or indifferent to the rain?

Answer: So-called non-attachment and non-abiding must refer to the inner practice when facing the appearance of rain and all appearances. Avoiding appearances precisely demonstrates an inability to be unattached or non-abiding. Bodhisattvas at the Three Worthy Stages, even after enlightenment, will still attach to the appearance of rain upon seeing it, though less so than before. Only from the First Ground (Prathamabhūmi) onward can one gradually become unattached to the appearance of rain, and it is not until the Eighth Ground (Aṣṭamabhūmi) that one truly becomes unattached to the appearance of rain and all other appearances.

Therefore, after enlightenment, one must turn to rely on Suchness (Tathatā). Only upon reaching the First Ground can a Bodhisattva genuinely achieve partial turning to rely, because at this stage, the sixth and seventh consciousnesses have transformed into wisdom. Only with wisdom can one recognize Suchness and rely upon it. The transformation of consciousness into wisdom is the mark of turning to rely on Suchness. Bodhisattvas at the Eighth Ground can turn to rely on a large part, but it is still not complete. Bodhisattvas below the First Ground may chant slogans about turning to rely, but due to the obstruction of afflictions, successful turning to rely is impossible. Suchness is free from afflictions. Do the sixth and seventh consciousnesses resemble the mind-nature of Suchness? Not at all, because they are heavily defiled. Hence, without turning to rely, chanting slogans only becomes partially effective upon reaching the First Ground. As for those who are unenlightened, chanting slogans is utterly meaningless clamor. Without even seeing their own true state, they boast about turning to rely. When they have not found a refuge, what can they rely on? Moreover, one cannot lift oneself up; it requires Tathāgatagarbha and karma to lift one up.