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What is the concept of "Unborn" in Bankei Yotaku's teachings?
Bankei Yotaku, a Japanese Zen master, was known for his teachings on the concept of "Unborn." This concept refers to the idea that our true nature, or Buddha nature, is inherently pure and free from any kind of birth or death. It is a state of existence that is beyond the limitations of time and space.
According to Bankei, we are all born with this inherent Buddha nature, but we often lose sight of it as we grow up and become conditioned by societal norms and expectations. This conditioning leads us to believe that we are separate from others and the world around us, causing us to suffer from feelings of inadequacy, fear, and attachment.
Bankei's teachings emphasize the importance of recognizing and returning to our true nature, which is "Unborn." He believed that by letting go of our attachments and desires, we can awaken to our true nature and experience true peace and happiness.
One of the key aspects of Bankei's teachings on the "Unborn" is the practice of non-dualism. Non-dualism is the understanding that there is no separation between ourselves and the world around us. This means that we are not separate from others, but rather, we are all interconnected and part of the same whole. By realizing this, we can let go of our ego and the illusion of separateness, and embrace our true nature.
Bankei also emphasized the importance of living in the present moment. He believed that the present moment is the only reality, and by being fully present, we can experience the "Unborn" nature within ourselves. This means letting go of regrets about the past and worries about the future, and simply being in the present moment.
In his teachings, Bankei also spoke about the concept of "Unborn Mind." This refers to the pure, unconditioned mind that exists within all of us. It is the source of our true nature and the key to experiencing enlightenment.
In summary, the concept of "Unborn" in Bankei Yotaku's teachings is about recognizing and returning to our inherent Buddha nature, which is beyond birth and death. It involves letting go of attachments, embracing non-dualism, living in the present moment, and connecting with our "Unborn Mind." By understanding and practicing these teachings, we can awaken to our true nature and experience true peace and happiness.