Physical and Mental Reactions to Personally Realizing Tathāgatagarbha (2025-07-13)

Ven. Shi Ruyuan: After experiencing some incredible things these past few days, my meditative concentration has deepened and stabilized. The Dharma principles in my head have become clear and distinct, constantly flowing out. I dwell in meditative absorption (samādhi) all day long; even if I want to give rise to a wandering thought or cling to something, I can no longer be the master of it. It feels as if some mysterious force is clearing away the thoughts in my mind. My mind is clear and joyful, and my whole body feels relaxed — it cannot be described in words or language. Master, how amazing it is to dwell in samādhi as you said!
Ever since you, Master, told me to investigate the huatou "Who is dragging this corpse around?", I suddenly remembered that a few days ago you, Master, had said the words "I'll hit you with a stick." In that instant I understood the meaning of those words, which is... (over a hundred characters directly pointing to the operation of the tathāgatagarbha omitted here). I understood in my mind, but the details simply could not be expressed in language.

Yesterday at around 2 p.m., I was investigating the huatou. Suddenly I recalled that a few days ago you, Master, had said to me, "I'll hit you with a stick." At the time I could not answer the question you asked, but the secret within it suddenly became clear and distinct. At that moment I was so grateful that I immediately wanted to kneel and bow to you, Master, to express my gratitude, feeling deeply thankful in my heart for the painstaking care you have shown toward your disciple.
These two days have been truly miraculous. Unable to sleep, I instead feel full of energy, as if I had exchanged for a new set of the five aggregates' shell of form — such tranquility and joy. Suddenly I again recalled your words, Master, "I'll hit you with a stick." It is not that you wanted to hit me with a stick — it is that you, Master, wanted to... At that moment, a light suddenly appeared before my eyes, and I understood in my heart the true intention behind Master hitting me with a stick: it was out of compassion, to point out and awaken this disciple to realize her self-nature, so that I could find my own family treasure! Just like the previous few times, I was moved to tears for a long while, and I was so stirred that goosebumps rose all over my body as if my hair were standing on end. My head suddenly went blank, and it took me a long while to come back to my senses. From last night until this morning, whenever I contemplated the Dharma principles, my tears never dried. I understood clearly in my heart that this is you, Master, painstakingly intending to guide and receive this disciple with skillful means. Thank you, Master! From now on, I will diligently and carefully investigate how the tathāgatagarbha operates within the five aggregates.

Assessment: This time Ven. Shi Ruyuan has genuinely and truly realized enlightenment, without the slightest doubt or uncertainty. The general-aspect wisdom (总相智) of realizing the tathāgatagarbha has arisen; the rough, overall operation of the tathāgatagarbha within the body of the five aggregates is crystal clear to her, without any vagueness whatsoever. Within first-dhyāna meditative concentration, transforming intellectual understanding into realization was as easy and effortless as child's play. While Ven. Shi Ruyuan was dwelling in samādhi throughout the entire day, a gentle pointing-out was all it took, and through investigation she personally realized the true reality of the Dharma realm. At the moment of realization, her inner joy overflowed beyond words; afterward, awareness and clarity arose, her spirit was full, she no longer felt sleepy, and her whole body was tranquil and at ease. Although her description of the tathāgatagarbha's operation is rough, her mind is certain and without doubt.

The Master only said he would hit with a stick, and without actually striking the body, this was already the effect. If he had actually struck the body, wouldn't the effect be even better? Clearly, there are still a few individuals who deserve a beating! A few solid whacks, and even if they don't awaken, they won't be far from awakening. As for me, your Master, I loved hitting people when I was young — now I finally have a place to put that to use. Anyone who wants a beating, just say the word to the Master.

The prerequisite for attaining meditative concentration is cultivating merit. If merit is insufficient, meditative concentration will not arise. Meditative concentration plus merit gives rise to wisdom; meditative concentration alone is not enough. When you have obtained that key and mastered the skill of making keys, then I, your Master, can leave at any time with peace of mind, and you can say to me, "Master, you may leave with an easy heart; we will cultivate the practice well and nothing will go wrong." In the opposite situation, when I have no choice but to leave, some people will clutch at my robe, tug at my arms, faces covered in snot and tears, refusing to let me go. Why would this be? Because they have not yet learned the skills of living and are afraid of starving to death. But parting is inevitable; no one will provide for you forever. You should learn independence as quickly as possible, able to live by supporting yourselves.