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Sutra on the Enjoyment of the Ultimate Dimension 1
Deer and antelope dwell peacefully in the countryside, birds soar freely in the sky—happiness is only possible when there is freedom, and nirvana means the vast, open space in which we can walk at ease. All phenomena—moon and stars, mountains and forests, birds or human beings—arise through distinction; perception is the very source of all dharmas. Nirvana transcends the notions of “being” and “non-being”; it is not a realm outside of us, but the profound nature within our own mind. In the same way, Amitabha or the Kingdom of God in Christianity is not a distant reality, but our true nature, present in the here and now. Those who have touched their true nature live at ease; “standing or sitting right where you are” is already to be in touch with nirvana.
The practice of returning to nirvana includes
- closing the six sense doors with mindful breathing and meditation to prevent the winds of afflictions from entering
-
extinguishing the five primary afflictions—
- craving,
- anger,
- ignorance,
- arrogance,
- doubt
- nourishing the sangha—the Beloved Community—because individual happiness cannot be separated from collective happiness. Nirvana is the cool, peaceful state of mind when the flames of afflictions have been calmed; observing the precepts, calming the mind, practicing patience and contentment will help us attain true freedom right here and now.