Buddha Nature - Why Do We Practice

In Zen practice, we begin with the basic understanding that we are all innately Buddhas. We are endowed with Buddha Nature. But what does this mean? If we are all innately Buddhas, then why practice? Buddha Nature is ultimately inconceivable. It cannot be expressed in words. And yet, as human beings, we must use words to help us communicate and understand that which is ultimately unknowable conceptually. Buddha Nature is not about attaining anything. It is a matter of realization, the direct unfolding experience of ultimate reality as it is. It is Zen Master Yunmen's "being in the midst of illumination." We will explore Buddha Nature together.