BUDDHIST PRACTICE: Moral Strip Poker

As I delve into the mysteries of no-self and emptiness, and pursue various threads and possibilities along the route, I have located two theories. Firstly, that we are pieces of individual wisdom, connected to universal wisdom, and covered in karmic residue; or secondly, that we are just pieces of universal wisdom covered in karmic residue. Either way, wisdom appears to wear the clothes of karmic residue, in the form of malfunctioning, dirty, or unnecessary levels of mind.

My current studies are targeted to ascertain whether the wisdom of our central core is universal or individual, and to ascertain if the superficial mind levels that the majority of humanity regards as 'themselves' and Buddhism regards as 'empty' is required to be cleansed or completely eradicated. Different Buddhist schools and lineages, sutras and teachings are going through my eyes and deep into me, to be investigated in the way the Buddha himself suggested one practices - by taking the teachings and testing their value, as one would the properties and genuineness of gold.

My current leaning is towards our being of universal wisdom with our think-mind (thought) and heart-mind (emotions) being merely the unneeded additions of karmic residue. If this theory stands true, then to disengage from one's regular thinking and feelings in order to only experience the true thought and natural emotions arising from the central wisdom core is the key to attaining complete eradication of kilesas, and therefore full enlightened bliss and purity of mind.

Whilst I am still investigating this possibility, I am additionally working hard to practice patience and also establish a deeper, wider, and stronger compassion. However, if it turns out that severing the presence of the think-mind and heart-mind is what needs to be done, and a reliance built upon the know-mind/wisdom core/Buddha mind that some term deepest core and others clear light, this act could be compared to playing strip poker.

One has the wisdom as the naked body that we need to retain, and wears the filthy clothing of manufactured and incorrect emotions, distorted and erroneous thought, and ignorant levels of outer mind. These outer minds may be dispensed with, layer by layer, peeled off to reveal the truth and reality of natural wisdom below. No game involved here, just life and living it for real rather than with false values and attitudes 'worn' on top. Most people live in these outer minds - we THINK and EMOTE and call it ourselves, I have learned from Buddhism and experience that these levels are not ourselves, but polluted layers we wear over the natural core of wisdom.

Whether the wisdom is our true self or a universality, and whether we need to wash or totally remove and reject the outer 'clothing' is that which I am currently investigating. Some of the original texts appear to back my findings, though some of the later commentaries seem to find other truths in the words given. Because there are so many different possibilities, I cannot rely on only one teaching or just one school's viewpoint, but feel that I must investigate this for myself. Many Buddhists today take lessons from their local temple - which I do not visit - or from a single teacher to which they adhere. I choose to take the unusual stance of choosing the Buddha's advice, to investigate for myself. Most people would rather rely on a teacher who knows something passing on that something - but I cannot help but turn to the original words to explore - there are so many versions of what is meant - just suppose these multitudinous later understandings have gone astray? I would rather rely on the original and find out from my own investigation.