So the sutra and tantra views of Buddha Nature are antidotal, that is, we apply
cognitive and behavioral antidotes to the negative emotional afflictions or kleshas
(ignorance, desire/attachment, anger/aggression/hatred) as they arise. Just so, Buddha
Nature itself is the supreme antidote to such ignorance (avidya or marigpa). Again, the Ati
Yoga view of Dzogchen is that the state of presence of our Buddha Nature is already
present, awake, awaiting recognition, realization, then actualization through
compassionate conduct in the lifeworld. Thus there is no need of an antidote. Perhaps, we
are not yet Buddhas, but we are all already Buddha. “From the beinning, all beings are
Buddha” (Hui-neng). Alas, this true nature of ours is veiled or cloaked by ignorance
(avidya/maya).
This “state
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