《楞嚴經》=Śūraṅgama Sūtra; 心性論=Mind-Nature Theory; 七處徵心=Seven Locations of the Delusive Mind; 十番顯見=Ten Aspects of Insightful Views; 四科七大=Four Topics and Seven Great Elements; 如來藏=Tathāgatagarbha
This paper studies that the system of Mind Nature Theory from the Śūraṅgama Sūtra in order to explain the meanings of true and delusive minds. In hope to reveal the essence and function of mind prior to entering the true practice, this paper analyzes the nature and form of the mind, the cultivate principle in the sutra, and explores the sequence of eliminating illusion to display reality. This paper focuses on exploration of the true and delusive mind. Through the research on the “Seven Locations of the Delusive Mind,” “Two Roots of Mind,” “Delusions from the Sixth Consciousness,” and “Ten Aspects of Insightful Views,” it enables one to understand the differences between delusion and truth. By understanding that because sentient beings view delusions as real, it results in the incapability to liberate from the cycle of rebirth and attain the fruition of buddhahood. Moreover, this paper uses the “Four Topics and Seven Great Elements” to eliminate delusions and uncover the true nature. Through eliminating delusions from the “Four Topics,” in order to uncover the true nature with the “Seven Great Elements,” using the senses, dusts, and consciousness to relate to the rise and fall of being's form, mind, and realms. This is to understand the true nature of Tathāgatagarbha is permanent, profound, and unmoving. While the nature of the “Four Topics” is not according to the laws of causes and conditions, the “Seven Great Elements” reveal one's manifestation of form according to knowing. Lastly, to return to the practices, this paper explains the methods and fundamentals of cultivating the “True Mind” only succeeds through the aspirations of the Mahayana bodhi mind. The “Two Key Aspects of the Initial Mind” includes, first, to give rise to aspiration at the moment, and second, to practice from the “Six Senses,” to transform the delusive mind into the true mind. This paper aims to indicate the foundation of cultivation through systematic research on the meanings of the true and delusive mind in the sutra, as well as holding true to the principles of practices.
