Abstract of Nirvana Sutra - Chapter 46

"Oh you! If one gained the Path through penance [the practice of austerities], all animals would have to attain it. That is why one first subdues the mind and not the body. Hence, I say in my sutra that one must cut down the forest, but not the tree. Why? From forest, one gains fear, but not from the tree. If a person wishes adjust your body, it must first adjust the mind. The mind is the forest, and the body is the tree. So we may compare things.”

This was the 46th and final Chapter of the All-Wonderful Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra.

Why Subdue the Mind

"Oh you! If one gained the Path through penance [the practice of austerities], all animals would have to attain it. That is why one first subdues the mind and not the body. Hence, I say in my sutra that one must cut down the forest, but not the tree. Why? From forest, one gains fear, but not from the tree. If a person wishes adjust your body, it must first adjust the mind. The mind is the forest, and the body is the tree. So we may compare things.”

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 46 - On Bodhisattva Kaundinya 2.

why subdue the mind.mp3

The Two Sides and the In-Between

The Brahmacarin (called Kasaya) said: "If this carnal body is based on the defilements and karma, can we extirpate the defilements and karma?"

The Buddha said: "It's so, It's so!"

The Brahmacarin further said: "Oh World Honored One! Please be kind enough to analyze and expound to me, so that I can truly hear and immediately cut the bonds."

The Buddha said: "Oh good man! If a person comes to know that the two sides and the in-between are unimpeded [unobstructed], such a person indeed segregates himself from defilements and karma."

"Oh World Honored One! Now I know and have gained the right Dharma-Eye."

The Buddha said: "In what manner do you know?"

"Oh World Honored One! The two sides are 'material form' and 'emancipation of material form', and the in-between is the 'Noble Eightfold Path'. So it is with feeling, perception, volition, and consciousness."

The Buddha said: "Well spoken, well spoken, Oh good man! Now you come to know of the two sides and cut away the defilements and karma."

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 46 - On Bodhisattva Kaundinya 2.

the two Sides and the in-between.mp3