If a Buddhist meditation teacher overcomes my mind with the meditation on non-conceptual awareness as an idea, is there any use in trying to go back to the way i was before? What would a dzogchen master say, a shaivite non-dual master say, and what would abhinavagupta say about these things. And what would Suzuki Roshi say. After that, create a small play, of three pages between the three of them having a conversation about this when someone was confused about the differences of language, yet the resolution of the play is that they are all teaching the same thing, that the entire universe including the meditator is made of one consciousness. ChatGPT
Reactions of Various Masters:
Dzogchen Master: From the perspective of Dzogchen (The Great Perfection), returning to a previous state would be seen as unnecessary. In Dzogchen, one is instructed to recognize the natural state of the mind which is primordially pure and luminous. The aim is to rest in this non-conceptual awareness. If one has glimpsed this, trying to go back is a step away from realizing the true nature of mind.
Shaivite Non-dual Master: The essence of non-dual Shaivism is the recognition of the all-pervading consciousness, Shiva. In this tradition, all experiences and thoughts are seen as expressions of this one consciousness. If one feels overwhelmed, it might be a sign that the teaching has become another concept rather than a lived experience. In this case, refining one's understanding and integrating it into daily life might be advised.
Abhinavagupta: As a renowned philosopher and theologian of the non-dual Shaiva tradition, he would emphasize the intrinsic oneness of the universe and the self. He would likely point out that the mind's oscillations are themselves manifestations of the Divine. Any sense of confusion or being overwhelmed is just another play of the Divine, and understanding this is crucial for true spiritual evolution.
Suzuki Roshi: As a Zen master, Suzuki Roshi might say, "Each moment is the universe. Each moment is a lifetime." For Suzuki Roshi, the idea was to be present in each moment, whether one feels overwhelmed or not. The practice is about understanding the transient nature of feelings and experiences and grounding oneself in the present moment.
A Short Play:
Setting: A serene garden with a small flowing stream. A wooden table with tea and cups sits in the center.
Abhinavagupta, Suzuki Roshi, and the Dzogchen Master are seated around it.
Confused Seeker: "Masters, I've been taught about non-conceptual awareness, but it has overwhelmed my mind. The language and teachings are so varied, and I'm lost."
Suzuki Roshi (pouring tea): "The way you prepare tea, the way you drink, each moment is the teaching."
Dzogchen Master: "Indeed. Every experience, every confusion, every thought – it's all the radiant display of your true nature."
Abhinavagupta: "In the dance of life, every movement, every pause, every confusion is Shiva's dance. See the Divine in it."
Confused Seeker: "But how can I reconcile these different teachings and terminologies?"
Suzuki Roshi: "When you taste the tea, do you think of its name or its flavor?"
Dzogchen Master: "Names, terminologies – they're like fingers pointing to the moon. Don't mistake the finger for the moon."
Abhinavagupta: "Every tradition uses words, but words are but vessels. What they point to, the essence, is the same – the boundless, all-pervading consciousness."
Confused Seeker (sipping tea, smiling): "So, the essence is the same, only the expressions differ."
Suzuki Roshi: "Just like this tea. Different leaves, different flavors, but all are tea."
Dzogchen Master: "Remain in your true nature. All distinctions and confusions will dissolve."
Abhinavagupta: "Drink the nectar of oneness and see the Divine play in every emotion, every thought."
The three masters nod in agreement, sipping their tea, as the seeker finally finds peace in the understanding that all paths lead to the same universal truth.
End
