When I first came across this word ‘Suchness’ in Zen literature, I thought, ‘What the heck is Suchness?
Chan / Seon / Zen
Two Tibetan works on Chan from the Tenth-century
Later Tibetan accounts agree that the Chinese side lost, leading to expulsion of Chan (Zen) Buddhism from Tibet. However, evidence from Dunhuang, such as this manuscript, suggests that Chan’s influence in Tibet continued well into the tenth-century.
Birth and Death, by Shen Hui
However hard I practise seeing my true nature, I am always brought back into birth and death. What method must be practised in order to obtain the birthless and the deathless?
Part 1 Zazenshin: Acupuncture Needle of Zazen, by Shohaku Okumura
When we practise for certain lengths of time we find that our motivation itself is influenced by poison. Then we often have doubts about our practice and whether or not it works to lessen the suffering caused by the three poisons. Sometimes we might even quit because we feel it doesn’t work…
The Record of Tung-Shan
Earnestly avoid seeking without, lest it recede far from you.
Today I am walking alone, yet everywhere I meet him.
He is now no other than myself, but I am not now him.
It must be understood in this way in order to merge with Suchness.
Tung-Shan
Form is Void by Shen Hui
Form exists because the mind produces it; void exists because of that which cannot be perceived. It is also said…
Cabinet Making, by Trevor Leggett
We often do not realise clearly that all our actions are of the same nature: they are bits for the ‘cabinet’ which is being made. One piece is as important as the other; some are bigger, some are smaller, but they are all important…
Absence of Thought, by Shen-Hui
To see the absence of thought is to master all the dharmas. To see the absence of thought is to embrace all the dharmas…
Buddhism now 