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THE DHARMA DISCOURSES OF CARDINAL MASTER CHŎNGSAN(CHŎNGSAN CHONGSA PŎBŎ)

Part Two: Dharma Discourses

Chapter Four: Vision and Plans

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1. A guest asked, “Since the name of your order is ita_tita_tWonitb_titb_t-Buddhism, I would like to know the meaning ofita_t ita_tWonitb_titb_t.” Cardinal Master Chŏngsan replied, “ita_tita_tWonitb_titb_t (circle), in metaphysical terms, is that realm where language, names, and signs are extinguished; hence, it is impossible to describe. However, in physical terms, the myriad things in the universe are all expressed through thisita_t ita_tWonitb_titb_t; hence, it is simultaneously the root source of the dharmas and the true reality of those myriad dharmas. Therefore, although all the various religious teachings in Heaven and Earth may differ in their expression in millions of ways, in reality there is not a single dharma other than ita_tita_tWonitb_titb_t.” The visitor asked, “If the meaning ofita_t ita_tWonitb_titb_t is in this way so perfectly interfused, may I be so bold as to suggest that naming this Order ita_tita_tWonitb_tdoitb_t (The Way ofita_t ita_tWonitb_titb_t) or ita_tita_tWonitb_t’gyoitb_t (Theita_t ita_tWonitb_titb_t Teachings) might more adequately subsume all religious teachings? Although Buddhism may be an ancient and great religion, in the eyes of the world its religious principles are often presumed to be partial. What about reconsidering this matter?” The Master replied, “ita_tPulitb_t (‘Buddha’) means ‘awakened’, and also ‘mind.’ Even though the truth of ita_tita_tWonitb_titb_t is complete and thus subsumes the myriad dharmas, it would be a vacuous principle without the awakened mind. Thus, the two termsita_t ita_tWonitb_titb_t and ita_tPulitb_t are originally a non-dualistic truth and are inseparable. In the case of traditional Buddhism, too, its fundamental teachings are free of partiality, but on account of particular institutions, people naturally misunderstood it as a partial doctrine. But if its institutions are renewed, the real essence of the Buddhadharma, in accordance with truth, will be made fully manifest in the world.”