To this they object: ‘So, although unfounded, you accept the relative out of fear of the world’s disapproval. You should then also accept the position of mind-only so as not to be disproven by scripture and statements such as, “They think, ‘The three realms are mind only.’”’1
Let me explain. Failing to recognise the unique nature of the floor mosaic that is the collected sutras formed by the blue sapphire of the Sugata’s teachings, and thus mistaking it for water, you profess consciousness to be a real entity. Then, wishing to scoop up some of this water by asserting consciousness as a real entity, you attempt to rinse and fill the unfired earthen jar of your intellect causing it to shatter into a hundred pieces, and become the laughing stock of those who understand its nature. The intent of this sutra is not as you think.
If you then wonder what it is, it was explained:
In Present’s presence bodhisattvas realise
The three realms to be nothing more than consciousness,
And seeing that eternal makers are disproved,
They understand the maker to be mind alone. (6.84)
That same sutra elaborates on this point:
… [they] consider in due order the steps of dependent origination. … ‘In this way this mass of suffering, this tree of suffering, manifests with neither creator nor experiencer.’ They think, ‘Because of clinging to a creator, acts are distinguished. Where there is no creator, no acts are ultimately perceived.’ They think, ‘The three realms are mind only. The twelve links of existence distinguished in the teachings of the Tathāgata are all based on a single mind.’2
As such, having refuted a permanent creator, they see that relatively it is simply the mind alone that is the creator, and realise the three realms to be merely consciousness.
As for the meaning of the constituent words: Bodhi (awakening/enlightenment) refers to the wisdom of omniscience; and to be intent (sattva) on that, to have a wish for or consideration of it, is what is meant by bodhisattva. Alternatively, bodhisattva is to be guaranteed awakening (bodhi), to possess it, to be there. Or, bodhisattva may refer to an individual sentient being certain to awaken (bodhi). It is an abbreviation with the intermediate word omitted.3
Realise (paraiti) means to come to understand. Presence (abhimukha) implies that one is in the presence of the basic space of phenomena (dharmadhātu). Present (abhimukhī) is the name of the sixth ground.
Title
Chapter 1: Pramuditā
