The Profound Meaning of Yogācāra in the Diamond Sutra (40)

Since all phenomena arise and manifest from the Tathagatagarbha, their functioning cannot be separated from it. When perceiving phenomena, a wise person can discover the true reality that accompanies them. Who discovers this true reality, the true mind? It is the delusive mind. Enlightenment occurs when the delusive mind finds the true mind, thereby attaining prajna-wisdom. Within the various illusory phenomena operating through the five aggregates and eighteen realms, the true mind can be found everywhere—whether in raising a hand or moving a foot, in welcoming guests or seeing them off, in chanting the Buddha's name or prostrating to the Buddha, even in hitting or scolding others, the true mind journeys alongside. The Sixth Patriarch said, "If one perceives the true nature, even amidst wielding a sword in battle, one sees it"—this is the principle.

The Vimalakirti Sutra states: "When a Bodhisattva lifts a foot or sets it down, it all comes from the place of enlightenment." Tang Dynasty layman Pang said: "Carrying firewood and hauling water—all are divine powers and wondrous functions." Deshan used his staff to strike people, revealing this principle to students. Linji used a great shout to point it out to students. Zhaozhou simply said, "Go drink tea." Yongming Chan Master instructed his disciple, "Go prostrate to the Buddha." All these Chan masters used various skillful means and sharp devices to point out the truth to students. When their merit and conditions were sufficient, students awakened to the true reality and realized the great matter. A disciple once approached his master and said, "Since I arrived here three years ago, Master, you have never once expounded the Dharma for me." The master replied, "Where have I not expounded it for you? When you hand me water, I drink it. When you bring me food, I eat it. When you greet me, I put my palms together in return. Where have I not expounded the Dharma for you?" Hearing this, the disciple fell into thought. The master said, "If you want to see, just see! What are you thinking about?" At that moment, the disciple was enlightened.