what is tathatā
answer one
a fish who went to a queen fish and asked: "I have
always heard about the sea, but what is this sea?
Where is it?"
The queen fish explained: "You live, move,
and have your being in the sea. The sea is within
you and without you, and you are made of sea,
and you will end in sea. The sea surrounds you
as your own being."
answer two
As expressed in the Flower Sermon, the realization of "tathatā" is not an intellectual understanding but a profound experiential insight that transforms one's entire being. It involves a shift in the deepest levels of consciousness, resulting in the liberation from samsāra, endless cycles of suffering and the manifestation of the highest qualities of an
enlightened being.
the third answer
The trident (triśūlābija maṇḍalam)
and yantra of Parama Shiva, representing the triadic energies of the
supreme goddess Parā, Parā-aparā and Aparā śakti.
Kashmiri Shaivism
Wandering through the celestial allure of Kashmir in India and ascending above the vibrant pulse of Srinagar, we find ourselves at a secluded abode. It commands a view that stretches over lush terraces of rice, the timeless beauty of Shalimar and Nishat Bagh gardens, and lakes bordered by the elegance of lotuses. A stream of crystal-clear water flows down from the mountain's peak to grace this place.
In this sanctuary of serenity, we are greeted by sacred texts that have withstood the passage of time—the Vigyan Bhairav and the Sochanda Tantra, texts of an age four thousand years gone, and the Malini Vijaya Tantra, reaching even further back into the mists of antiquity.
Originating from the divine Shiva and his consort Devi, these teachings are conveyed in a language steeped in profound love, a language that we strive to understand. They serve as a guide to the tangible experience, offering 112 meditations to pierce the veils of the unseen realm of consciousness, pointing directly to the state of Tathatā.
-
Seeing the true nature of dhammas (phenomena) [tathatā] is understanding that all dhammas exist in relation to others, lack inherent essence, and bear the three lakkhana (marks) of existence - anicca (impermanence), dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), and anatta (non-self). The realization of tathatā covers the entire depth of the Buddha's dhammas.
Eliminating avijjā (ignorance) is realizing directly the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self nature of all dhammas. Non-attachment [non-attachment] naturally arises from understanding the insubstantial nature of experiences.
Ending kamma (actions) accumulation [karma] ceases actions tainted by delusions, breaking the cycle of samsāra (wandering) [rebirth]. Experiencing Nibbāṇa (extinguishing) [Nirvana] is reaching the asaṅkhata (unconditioned) state free from birth and death.
Manifesting paññā (discernment) [wisdom] and karunā (goodwill) [compassion] emerges from the realization of tathatā, allowing help for other beings' liberation.