Discourse on the Paternal and Filial Compilation Sūtra (135)

Cultivation Involves Making Provisional Phenomena Better and Purer

One might ask, if all phenomena are unattainable, then what is the purpose of our cultivation? Cultivation is first understanding the principle that all phenomena are unattainable, then realizing that all phenomena are indeed unattainable, and finally attaining an empty, serene mind. This leads to great liberation, freeing one from the bondage of attachment to attainment, thereby liberating oneself from all suffering of birth and death. Even though true attainment is ultimately absent, we must still attain this very understanding of non-attainment; otherwise, the cycle of birth and death will never cease.

All phenomena are illusory and unattainable. Suffering retribution is illusory, yet no one wishes to suffer; committing evil deeds is illusory, yet we must still refrain from committing unwholesome karmic actions; killing is illusory, yet we must not kill; hell is illusory, yet no one wishes to go there; Buddhahood is illusory, yet we all wish to attain it. This is how cultivation works: provisional phenomena have their provisional functions, and truth has its true function. Since we cannot eliminate them entirely, we must make the provisional phenomena better and purer. Our seven consciousnesses are provisional, yet they possess great function. Therefore, we must ensure they perform beneficial functions; we cannot simply discard the provisional entirely, for that would prevent Buddhahood. This dialectic may seem contradictory, but upon attaining enlightenment, one realizes it is not contradictory.