Shakyamuni Buddha Hall

        This couplet expresses the ultimate truths of Buddhism. It expresses the “true thusness” or dharma-nature one realizes upon liberation from the cycle of birth and death, enlightenment of the mind, and seeing one’s original nature.

        The first line of the couplet is “fa kong gui yuan ben wu xin xin wu ben yuan gui kong fa.” Its general meaning is as follows. The dharma leading to liberation from the cycle of reincarnation is a mind that is free from distinguishing particular forms, characteristics, or attributes. Thus, only by returning to “no-mind” can one attain such realization. Yet, one does not obtain anything from such realization. Having not obtained anything, there is no source. Hence, one understands that the mind has no source or origin. At this time, one realizes that the four great elements are all empty, and all forms, characteristics, and attributes return to the dharma of emptiness.

        The second line of the couplet is “xing ji zhen lai ru tuo fo fo tuo ru lai zhen ji xing.” Its general meaning is as follows.Only when one realizes the emptiness of original nature and the perfect stillness of the mind when the flames of affliction are extinguished, is one able to attain the state of absolute truth attained by Amitabha Buddha. Only the Buddhas have realized authentic stillness of mind, which is the most perfect state of stillness of mind. This is called the state of a dharmakaya Buddha.

        This couplet is extremely profound and wonderful. It directly points to the absolute truths of the Buddha-dharma. Its symmetry, parallelism, and wording are flawless. Moreover, the text of either line of the couplet will be the exact same whether the Chinese characters are read from top to bottom or from bottom to top. The same is true for the couplet written in smaller Chinese characters that is beside this main couplet. Both couplets are exquisitely written.