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  Monday, 24 December 2012
  2 Replies
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In 'The Great Treatise' by Tsongkhapa it is stated within the pages outlining the preparatory stages of meditation that;

"Then visualize the field for accumulating the collections of merit and sublime wisdom."

"The cooperative conditions for the production of the path in your mind are (1) the accumulation of the collections, which are favorable conditions, and (2) the purification of your mind from obscurations, which are unfavorable conditions. If you lack these cooperative conditions, it is extremely difficult to produce the path, even if you take pains to sustain the meditations that are the substantial causes of the path."


As you can see, the collections are referred to as 'merit and sublime wisdom', is the accumulation of the collections synonymous with the cultivation of virtues, and the second part the reduction of their opposites?
11 years ago
·
#2732
Accepted Answer
The "collections of merit and sublime wisdom" refer to method and wisdom, the two fundamental factors that lead toward enlightenment and liberation. They are interpreted according to the level of teaching. In general, they refer to bodhichitta (method) and perception of the emptiness (wisdom). Ultimately, these two are inseparable, but for the sake of understanding, they are divided.

In Tantrayana, they are symbolized in this way:

http://gnosticteachings.org/images/stories/buddhism/samantabhadra.jpg

...which also reveals the way in which the two collections are most rapidly realized.

The two collections are synthesized as Upright View, which is the ground from which all true virtue springs. That is why it is the first of the eight steps of the path.

"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." - Samael Aun Weor

11 years ago
·
#2732
Accepted Answer
The "collections of merit and sublime wisdom" refer to method and wisdom, the two fundamental factors that lead toward enlightenment and liberation. They are interpreted according to the level of teaching. In general, they refer to bodhichitta (method) and perception of the emptiness (wisdom). Ultimately, these two are inseparable, but for the sake of understanding, they are divided.

In Tantrayana, they are symbolized in this way:

http://gnosticteachings.org/images/stories/buddhism/samantabhadra.jpg

...which also reveals the way in which the two collections are most rapidly realized.

The two collections are synthesized as Upright View, which is the ground from which all true virtue springs. That is why it is the first of the eight steps of the path.

"Do not worry; cultivate the habit of being happy." - Samael Aun Weor

11 years ago
·
#2738
Thank you for clarifying that further!
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