The Transformation of Mind and Conduct After Enlightenment

The Zen patriarch said: "After enlightenment, one is no different from the former self, yet one's conduct and actions are no longer the same as before." This means that after attaining enlightenment, the person remains the same individual, but the mental conduct in dealing with people and affairs has changed—it differs from the past, distinct from former mental activities. The intention behind actions has transformed, the perspective on the world has shifted, and the understanding of the five aggregates has altered. These changes demonstrate that enlightenment is not merely the awakening of consciousness; the mind root must also awaken. Only then can one be "no different from the former self" while no longer acting "from the same place of conduct" as before. If one's conduct and actions remain unchanged, or if the nature of the mind and mental conduct shows no transformation, then one must examine whether this is genuine enlightenment or false enlightenment.