Characteristics of Our True Nature 何期自性

The Buddha says everyone has a "buddha nature" inside them. But how much do we know about it? Here is an explanation that can help us.

In the Platform Sutra, there is a fascinating moment when the Fifth and Sixth Patriarchs meet secretly one night. The Sixth Patriarch says:

何期自性本自清淨！

何期自性本不生滅！

何期自性本自具足！

何期自性本無動搖！

何期自性能生萬法！

Who would have thought our true nature is already pure?

Who would have thought our true nature is already eternal?

Who would have thought our true nature is already whole?

Who would have thought our true nature is already still?

Who would have thought our true nature could create all things?

Our true nature is inherently pure, eternal, complete, and still. All wisdom comes from it. Photo by Amanda Flavell on Unsplash

Here's my humble take on it:

Our true nature is naturally pure: We don't have to try to make it pure; it already is! It's just that our thoughts and feelings get in the way. If we take a moment to see what is in the way and let it go, then our true nature can shine through.

Our true nature is always eternal: There is a part of us that has always been here and will never change. This part stays the same, even when all else goes through four stages of existence: being made, existing, changing, and disappearing.

Our true nature is naturally whole: Being whole means our true nature is already perfect in goodness and wisdom. We are complete because everything we need is already inside us!

Our true nature is naturally still: Our true nature is calm and steady, even when our minds are in a whirlwind of thoughts. It is not swayed by what's going on around us.

All things come from our true nature: Our true nature instinctively knows how to respond wisely to every circumstance, whether it is challenging or joyful. It remains pure, eternal, whole, and serene, regardless of what happens in our lives.

Knowing these characteristics of our true nature helps us see our Buddha nature more clearly.

Here is the video of the translation.