Changes After Enlightenment

The Chan masters say: 悟后犹是旧时人，只是不是旧时行履处。 This means that after awakening, the person still appears to be the same person from the outside, yet his mental conduct, virtue, and so forth are no longer the same as before—there has been change, transformation; of course he has become purer and better, his moral cultivation has been elevated, and his character has become more kindhearted, pure, and innocent. Why is this so? Because he has realized the non-self of the five aggregates (pañcaskandha) and his mind has penetrated the truth. Since there is no self, a portion of his selfishness and scattered thoughts has been removed; his morality is naturally much nobler, and his sentiments and cultivation are naturally much elevated. His starting point, focus, and breadth of vision in doing things will all change, and his entire mental conduct becomes different—even though the person still bears the same appearance as before.