The Transformation of Mind and Conduct After Enlightenment

The Chan patriarch said: "After enlightenment, one is no different from the old self, yet it is no longer the same way of conduct." This means that after realization, the person remains who they were, but their mental conduct in dealing with people and affairs has changed—it is no longer the same as before, different from past mental conduct. The intention behind actions has changed, their perspective on the world has changed, and their understanding of the five aggregates has changed. These transformations demonstrate that realization is not merely intellectual understanding; the fundamental mind must awaken. Only then can one be "no different from the old self, yet no longer the same way of conduct." If one's way of conduct remains unchanged, and mental conduct and nature show no transformation, then one must examine whether their realization is genuine or false.