The Form of Rain After Dharma Realization

Question: After realizing the Way, when seeing the phenomenon of rain, does one naturally not cling to the phenomenon of rain in the mind, yet still know 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. The original system of ordinary beings is like a camera, which must leave an impression (negative) in the mind.

Answer: So-called non-attachment and non-dwelling must be the inner practice when facing the phenomenon of rain and all phenomena. Avoiding phenomena precisely demonstrates an inability to be non-attached and non-dwelling. Even Bodhisattvas in the Ten Grounds after enlightenment will still cling to the phenomenon of rain upon seeing it, though less intensely than before. Only from the First Ground onward can one gradually cease clinging to the phenomenon of rain, and it is not until the Eighth Ground that a Bodhisattva truly ceases clinging to the phenomenon of rain and all other phenomena.

Therefore, after enlightenment, one must turn towards Suchness. Only upon reaching the First Ground can one truly speak of genuinely turning towards Suchness, because the sixth and seventh consciousnesses have transformed into wisdom—this is the mark of turning towards Suchness. Bodhisattvas at the Eighth Ground can turn towards Suchness to a great extent, but not yet completely. Bodhisattvas below the First Ground may chant slogans about turning towards Suchness, but due to afflictions, they cannot succeed in turning towards it. Suchness is without afflictions. Do the sixth and seventh consciousnesses resemble the nature of Suchness? Not at all, due to their heavy defilements. Chanting slogans only partially corresponds to reality upon reaching the First Ground. As for those who have not attained enlightenment, chanting slogans is mere empty clamor. Without even seeing their own true face, they boast about turning towards Suchness. When one has not found a refuge, what can one rely on? One cannot uplift oneself; it requires the Tathagatagarbha and karmic causes to uplift one, only then can one be uplifted.