The Mind That Says 'I Know' Becomes the Beginning of Ignorance
Awareness is important in practice. But when we build the thought 'I know' or 'I have awakened' on top of awareness, self-view arises in that very moment, and ignorance begins.
Pure awareness simply knows. When we add the self to it, discrimination and comparison, attachment and clinging follow. That is why the teaching not to build another view on top of right understanding is so deep.
Hwadu is also a skillful means for looking all the way into the mind called 'I,' so that original awareness may be revealed in the place where even the hwadu disappears. The point is not to put forward the knowing mind, but to let only knowing remain clear.
Today too, I hope you do not place the thought 'I know' first, but look into the mind with quiet, illuminating awareness.
Pure awareness simply knows. When we add the self to it, discrimination and comparison, attachment and clinging follow. Hwadu is a skillful means for looking all the way into the mind called 'I,' so that original awareness may be revealed where even the hwadu disappears.
