The true nature does not change under any circumstances

Pema Dragpa July 8, 2019

The true nature does not change under any circumstances

“The absolute nature of reality is unchanging and incorruptible, so it does not decrease or increase. It is unquantifiable. When we rest in the absolute nature, we are not expanding it in any way; and when we wander away from our recognition of this nature, we are not shrinking it in any way. Enlightened beings understand that the true nature does not change under any circumstances, whether sentient beings recognize it or not. Even Lord Buddha did not change this nature when he turned the wheel of the Dharma.

In the more elaborate Prajñāpāramitā teachings, it is often stated that the absolute nature—also known as “buddha-nature”—is the inheritance of each and every sentient being. All of us possess it, regardless of our intelligence, character, or species; it is this very nature we seek to discover on the path to enlightenment. Here we use the word “discover” to indicate that buddha-nature is not something different than ourselves. We don’t have to fabricate or construct it on top of something else. When our buddha-nature is revealed, we can access its many beautiful qualities, such as wisdom, compassion, and loving-kindness. These qualities are extremely valuable. Even now, they guide us in times of delusion and radiate out to others in the form of communication, friendship, joy, and happiness. Based on the experience of these aspects of buddha-nature, sentient beings become relaxed and cheerful, and they can share and work together.”

Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches

Ceaseless Echoes of the Great Silence: A Commentary on the Heart Sutra Prajnaparamita (pg 44-45)

Photo of Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches in the 1990s.