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The Middle Way Verses, Chapter 14
After the Tathagata’s passing, we cannot place Him within the four dualistic propositions—existence, non-existence, both existence and non-existence, neither existence nor non-existence—because the truth of Nirvana, as well as the true ontological ground of the World-Honored One, transcends all notions of being and non-being, birth and death. In the Anuradha Sutra, when faced with the four questions—does the Tathagata exist after death, not exist, both exist and not exist, or neither exist nor not exist—Venerable Anuradha simply replied that the Tathagata does not lie within those four propositions. From this, the gatha reminds us to let go of all limiting ideas, to not be caught in duality, so that we may realize the truth with a mind that is at ease and free from attainment.
A monastic who practices according to the teachings of the World-Honored One must embody four essential characteristics:
- Stepping onto the path of freedom—transcending worldly entanglements.
- Manifesting a mind and form distinct from the world—shaving the head as a clear symbol of leaving worldly life behind.
- Subduing the armies of Mara—overcoming doubt, anger, jealousy, arrogance, and all inner and outer obstacles.
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Repaying the Four Great Gratitudes:
- To parents
- To teachers
- To friends (spiritual companions)
- To all beings
From this foundation, we develop the practice of mindful eating, invoking the Bodhisattvas’ names to acknowledge the origins of our food—reflecting on “from where has this food come?”—and cultivating gratitude with each breath and each smile, offering happiness to parents, teachers, friends, and the sangha. This is the path that continues the spirit of compassionate liberation, blending Nirvana and the world into one, non-dual reality.
