Famous quote by Bodhidharma

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Whoever realizes that the six senses arent real, that the five aggregates are fictions, that no such things can be locat
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"Whoever realizes that the six senses aren't real, that the five aggregates are fictions, that no such things can be located anywhere in the body, understands the language of Buddhas"

- Bodhidharma

About this Quote

This quote by Bodhidharma invites a deep dive into the heart of Buddhist viewpoint, worrying the illusory nature of our understanding and identity. Let's break down the elements:

Initially, Bodhidharma refers to the "6 senses," which in Buddhist terms usually include sight, noise, odor, taste, touch, and the mind. These senses are traditionally viewed as the windows through which we engage with the world, however Bodhidharma recommends that they are "not real." This can be translated as a pointer that sensory understanding is inherently subjective and fallible. Our senses provide us with information that is colored by personal predispositions and constraints, thus providing an incomplete picture of truth.

Next, Bodhidharma mentions the "five aggregates"-- kind, feeling, understanding, mental formations, and consciousness-- which are the parts that Buddhists think constitute a person. Stating these to be "fictions" challenges the concept of a stable, unchanging self. In Buddhist believed, the self is not an independent entity but rather a collection of interconnected processes. Recognizing the illusory nature of these aggregates leads to the realization of non-self, a central tenet of Buddhist enlightenment.

When Bodhidharma states that none of these "can be located anywhere in the body," he underscores the idea that the self can not be determined within our physical type. This lines up with the teaching of anatta (non-self), which refutes the existence of a long-term, unchanging essence within us.

Finally, understanding this perspective is corresponded with understanding "the language of Buddhas." In other words, those who internalize these insights move better to the wisdom and knowledge embodied by the Buddhas. This awareness fundamentally moves one's interaction with the world, promoting detachment from the illusions of sensory experiences and accessory to the transient self, leading to liberation from suffering.

In essence, Bodhidharma's quote acts as a call to go beyond standard understandings, welcoming a view that lines up with the much deeper realities of Buddhist practice and approach.

About the Author

India Flag This quote is written / told by Bodhidharma. He/she was a famous Leader from India. The author also have 44 other quotes.

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