Reality (Li in Chinese) can be seen in a sudden way, but matter (Shih in Chinese) must be progressively and orderly cultivated.
In other words, after having reached ecstasy, it has to be cultivated until its complete development and maturity.
Thus, esoteric work consists of two principal aspects: Vision and Action.
In order to have a vision you have to climb to the summit of the mountain and gaze from there; to begin the journey you have to descend down to the depths of the abyss and start to walk from there. Although the Zen temple, which is a marvelous form of Mahayana Buddhism, is sustained by the two pillars of “Vision and Action”, it is evident that special emphasis is placed on the former.
This is clearly accepted by Guruji I Shan, who said: “Your Vision and not your Action is what concerns me.”
For this reason Zen Masters put total emphasis on Ecstasy, Samadhi, Satori and concentrate all their efforts to directly leading their disciples or chelas towards it.
The Hinayana Tibetan School is different and although its two principle pillars are also “Vision and Action”, it is unquestionable that it places special solemnity on the latter and tirelessly struggles to lead its devotees to the Ninth Sphere (Sex).
It is not superfluous to affirm in this chapter that the aspirants of the Mahayana School in truth long and have an infinite yearning for direct experience of Illuminating Emptiness. In no way do we exaggerate judgements if we assert with a certain fervor that disciples of the Hinayana School labor tenaciously in the “Forge of Cyclops” (Sex) with the intelligent objective of achieving inner Self-Realization of Illuminating Emptiness.
When the mind is still, when the mind is in silence from within and without and in the center, the mystic experience of Emptiness comes; however, it is obvious that Self-realization is something very different.
Emptiness is not very easy to explain. Certainly I can tell you that it is not definable or describable.
The language of the humanoids who live on the surface of the Earth was created to name things and existent feelings; it is inadequate for expressing anything that exists beyond the body, the emotions and the mind.
Illuminating Emptiness is not a matter of knowing or not knowing – the point is to directly experience.
“Vision and Action” are mutually complementary. The two cited schools are essential. To see with limitless lucidity is only possible in the absence of the EGO, of the MYSELF, the ID, dissolving it is imperative.
Conscious action is the result of progressive work in the “Forge of Cyclops” (Sex).
The “Golden Flower” establishes perfect harmonious equilibrium between “Vision and Action”.
The “Golden Embryo”, the Sublime Flower, is the special base of the Innermost Buddha. Ancient archaic traditions say that two classes of Buddha exist:
A) Temporary Buddhas
B) Permanent Buddhas
It is evident that the former encounter themselves in transit from sphere to sphere, struggling to achieve Illuminating Emptiness within themselves.
Unquestionably the latter are the Buddhas of Contemplation; those who have realized within themselves Illuminating Emptiness.
In the esoteric study of Zen – the marvelous way of the Mahayana School – there are two very interesting Chinese terms: Chien and Hsing.
Used as a verb, Chien means “to see” or “look; as a noun it means vision, understanding or observation.”
Hsing means “practice”, “action”, “esoteric work”, and is used as a verb or noun.
Chien, in its most intimate sense, means all mystic understanding of Buddhist teaching; in Zen however it not only denotes clear, evident understanding of the principles and of True Prajna, but also involves awakened vision which springs from Experience – “Wu” (Satori, Ecstasy, Samadhi).
Chien in its transcendental, Divine sense can be understood as real vision or insight of Reality. Although this signifies seeing Reality, it does not imply its possession or dominion.
Hsing, fertile and creative work in “the Fiery Forge of Vulcan” is fundamental when possession and dominion of the “Real” is desired.
Samael Aun Weor
