SO TO ZEN - Shasta Abbey

The Basic Thought of Buddhism 19gradually deepened and led to the doctrine of phenomenalidentity of the Kegon Ky‡ (Skt. Avatamsaka S‰tra). Phenomenalidentity is the name given to the idea that all phenomenahave a deep, inseparable interrelation. Everything is related inboth time and space to everything else, forming an inseparablewhole, yet functioning freely. The law of the non-existence ofthe soul, supported by the laws of causation and impermanence,led to the development of the idea of the Buddha Nature (Skt.Buddhat) found in the Nehan Gy‡ (Skt. Parinirvna S‰tra).The Buddha Nature is the essence of the Buddha. It is Thatwhich makes him Buddha. According to the Nehan Gy‡, allbeings possess this nature and are thereby assured of realizingenlightenment.Although differences do exist among the various schoolsof Mahyna Buddhism as to emphasis, we may generally saythat the three laws given above form a basis for Mahyna. ButZen is not content to acknowledge these laws conceptually. Itinsists upon experiencing them concretely as well.