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The Plum Village Dharma Seal Propositions 8-10: The Three Doors of Liberation - The Three Dharma Seals
The Three Doors of Liberation in Buddhism
Concentration is an important mental state, translated as “dhyana” in Chinese - the act of maintaining a stable, uninterrupted mind. This is one of the five important mental formations in practice.
Thich Nhat Hanh speaks about three core concepts in Buddhist teachings:
- Emptiness
- Signlessness
- Aimlessness
These three concepts should not be understood as doctrines but as tools to help deepen understanding of the world in both the historical dimension and the ultimate dimension (Nirvana). To use them effectively, they must be transformed from ideas into concentration. These are the three doors of liberation (three liberations) that help free us from suffering, anxiety, and fear.
The Concept of “Emptiness”
“Empty” is more accurate than “nothingness.” It means no separate existence, but rather interdependence with other factors. Understanding the concept of “emptiness” is understanding dependent origination.
For example, a flower depends on the sun, light, seeds, and soil. If those elements are removed, the flower cannot exist.
According to Nagarjuna: “All phenomena arise from dependence and manifest, they are called empty because they do not have separate existence.“
The Concept of “Signlessness”
“Where there is a sign, there is deception“ (Diamond Sutra). Perception arises from signs, and when we are caught in signs, we are deceived.
Seeing with the eyes of signlessness helps us see that space, matter, and energy are not separate but interconnected. For example, a cloud: when it is no longer in the sky, we say the cloud is gone, but in reality, the cloud still exists in the form of rain or snow.
The Concept of “Aimlessness”
Aimlessness does not mean having no purpose, but rather desirelessness. When we set goals for our lives, we often chase after them without realizing the value of the present moment.
Seeking Nirvana or God is like looking for water in the waves - it is laughable. The wave does not need to seek water because it is already water. Life is like water, there is no need to search.
“Happiness is not something that comes after we achieve our goals, but the journey itself brings happiness.“ It is important to recognize each step, each present moment is the ultimate dimension we seek.
The Three Dharma Seals and Nirvana
The Three Dharma Seals in Zen Buddhism are:
- Impermanence
- Suffering
- Non-self
Meanwhile, other scholars mention:
- Impermanence
- Non-self
- Nirvana
Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes Nirvana as the important seal, helping to realize that suffering is not due to things but due to perception. “Nirvana is the return place of all dharmas, it is the ultimate dimension.“
The Four Dharma Seals are also mentioned:
- Impermanence
- Suffering
- Emptiness
- Non-self
Impermanence is a concept that can be understood, but to truly live with impermanence, one must see impermanence in everything, thereby realizing non-self and Nirvana. Non-self is the bridge to Nirvana.
True happiness is only achieved when living in the spirit of emptiness, signlessness, aimlessness, impermanence, non-self, and Nirvana - transforming these abstract concepts into a way of living in daily actions.
The Eleventh Mindfulness Training of Plum Village