The Relationship Between Sentient Beings and Nirvana

< p > Are sentient beings perpetually abiding in Nirvana, or do they return to Nirvana only after attaining Parinirvana? To clarify this question, one must comprehend the meaning of Nirvana. In Buddhism, some terminologies have undergone continuous extension, derivation, and evolution by later generations, resulting in increasingly broad and unfocused referents and increasingly dispersed meanings. If people discuss the Dharma together using terms that do not refer to the same object, they will speak at cross-purposes and fail to reach agreement. The term "Nirvana" primarily refers to the Tathagatagarbha's pure nature or pure state—unborn and unceasing, uncoming and ungoing, unproduced and undiminished. Secondarily, it refers to the Tathagatagarbha essence of sentient beings, the latter meaning being an evolution by later generations. < /p >

< p > In this question, the phrase "return to Nirvana" clearly refers to the Tathagatagarbha essence, not its nature or state. After Parinirvana, only the inherently pure original mind, the Tathagatagarbha, remains, with none of the five aggregates present. Thus, there are no sentient beings. Since there are no sentient beings, who enters Nirvana? Who returns to Nirvana? There is neither an entrant into Nirvana nor a person returning to it. < /p >

< p > Nirvana represents the pure Dharma Realm, representing the inherently pure mind—unborn and unceasing, formless and signless, without inside or outside, quiescent and unmoving. Sentient beings can neither emerge from nor enter Nirvana. The relationship between sentient beings and Nirvana is that sentient beings in their entirety are Nirvana, just as gold vessels relate to gold. Though the forms of gold vessels are infinitely varied, every vessel, from inside to outside, is entirely gold. There is no concept of gold vessels needing to return to gold. Every single phenomenon of sentient beings' five aggregates of body and mind is created by the pure Nirvana mind; in essence, all are pure Nirvana. There is no talk of re-entering Nirvana or returning to Nirvana. < /p >

< p > Sentient beings have never departed from Nirvana and can never be separated from it. Yet, obscured by ignorance, they abide perpetually within Nirvana without realizing it, deludedly rushing about seeking restlessly and vainly suffering the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, Nirvana requires no returning to and no entering. Sentient beings are merely veiled by ignorance and do not recognize it. Once recognized, they are immediately pure, immediately quiescent and liberated, with no further birth, death, or bondage. Everywhere is gold—why cling to vessels! < /p >

< p > Gold vessels are valued due to their gold substance, while gold's function increases or decreases according to the vessel's form, resulting in distinctions of good and evil. Gold used for adornment illuminates humble abodes; gold used to contain filth appears defiled. Gold saving lives forges wholesome karma; gold taking lives manifests unwholesome karma. Buddhas skillfully utilize gold; sentient beings misuse gold. Buddhas and sentient beings share the same gold substance, yet their usage yields different results. < /p >

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