Non-Abiding in Appearances Can Only Be Achieved After Attaining the First Bhūmi

Question: After attaining enlightenment, when seeing the phenomenon of rain, does one naturally not cling to the mental image of rain while still knowing it is raining, yet without dwelling on it? Whereas before enlightenment, one easily clings, unless distracted by other matters or indifferent to the rain?

Answer: So-called non-attachment and non-dwelling must be an inner practice when facing the phenomenon of rain and all phenomena. Avoiding phenomena precisely demonstrates an inability to be non-attached or non-dwelling. After enlightenment, Bodhisattvas in the Ten Grounds of the Three Sage Stages still cling to the phenomenon of rain upon seeing it, though to a lesser degree 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 to rely on Suchness. Only upon reaching the First Ground can one truly begin to turn to rely on Suchness to a partial extent, because by then the sixth and seventh consciousnesses have turned consciousness into wisdom. Only with wisdom can one recognize Suchness and rely on it. Turning consciousness into wisdom is the hallmark of turning to rely on Suchness. Bodhisattvas at the Eighth Ground can turn to rely on Suchness to a great extent, but it is still not yet ultimate. Bodhisattvas below the First Ground may chant about turning to rely, but due to afflictive obstructions, they cannot succeed in turning to rely. Suchness is free from afflictions—do the sixth and seventh consciousnesses resemble the nature of Suchness? Not at all, for they are heavily defiled and thus incapable of turning to rely. Chanting slogans only begins to correspond partially upon reaching the First Ground. As for those who have not attained enlightenment, chanting slogans is nothing but empty clamor. Without even seeing their true nature clearly, they boast about turning to rely. Without finding a refuge, what can they rely on? Moreover, oneself cannot lift oneself—it requires the Tathāgatagarbha and karmic causes to lift one, for only then can one be uplifted.