Manjushri and Emptiness

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JamesNewell
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon May 26, 2014 3:57 am

Manjushri and Emptiness

Post by JamesNewell »

"Form is Emptiness and Emptiness is form". If that quotation is true, then it applies to all the different kinds of form.

Thus, to take a hint from Manjushri, one can say:

Ideas are Emptiness and Emptiness is Ideas, and
Intellect is Emptiness and Emptiness is Intellect.

Yet, intellect and ideas can be a hindrance.

This seems to mean that it depends on how one holds ideas, and how one uses intellect.

When used in the right way, ideas and intellect lead to enlightenment.

However, when misused, ideas and intellect are a hindrance to enlightenment.
dude
Posts: 789
Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 3:38 am

Re: Manjushri and Emptiness

Post by dude »

A double edged sword indeed.
They're indispensable, but at times can really get in the way.
JamesNewell
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon May 26, 2014 3:57 am

Re: Manjushri and Emptiness

Post by JamesNewell »

On your "get in the way". It looks like your comment might lead to something important.

My first thoughts are that an idea would get in the way if it formed a barrier or boundary. It would help if it were something like transparent and let a flow to continue, or a flow to become more advanced.
dude
Posts: 789
Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 3:38 am

Re: Manjushri and Emptiness

Post by dude »

I think they get in the way when they become an end in themselves.
Understanding is one thing, but putting the teaching into practice, upholding it and embracing it wholeheartedly is another.
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