Non-Abiding in Appearances Can Only Be Achieved After Attaining the First Bhūmi

Question: Is it only after attaining enlightenment that when seeing the phenomenon of rain, one can naturally be free from the mental image of rain, knowing it is raining yet not clinging to it? Whereas before enlightenment, one tends to cling, 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 phenomenon of rain and all phenomena. Avoiding phenomena precisely demonstrates an inability to be non-attached and non-abiding. Bodhisattvas at the Three Sage Stages, even after initial enlightenment, will still cling to the image of rain upon seeing it, though less intensely than before. Only from the First Ground onward can one gradually become non-attached to the image of rain, and it is not until the Eighth Ground that a Bodhisattva truly becomes non-attached to the image of rain and all other phenomena. Therefore, after initial enlightenment, one must turn to rely on Suchness. Only upon reaching the First Ground can one genuinely achieve a partial turning to rely, because by then 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 to a great extent, yet this is still not ultimate. Bodhisattvas below the First Ground may verbally proclaim turning to rely, but due to the obscurations of afflictions, successful reliance is impossible. Suchness is free from afflictions. Are the sixth and seventh consciousnesses similar in nature to the mind of Suchness? They are fundamentally dissimilar due to their heavy defilements, hence the inability to turn to rely. Shouting slogans only partially corresponds to reality upon reaching the First Ground. As for those who are not enlightened, shouting slogans is utterly meaningless clamor. Without even discerning their own true state, they boast of turning to rely. What can one rely upon when no refuge has been found? After all, one cannot elevate oneself; it requires Tathagatagarbha and the law of cause and effect to elevate one.