The Tree of Enlightenment

it white, blue, or otherwise?’ Such an analytical investigation
reveals that the mind is inherently unidentifiable.
is analytical investigation of the subject is followed by a
relational investigation, which reveals that the subject (mind)
is relationally dependent on the object. Shantideva, one of the
renowned masters of the Middle Way school said that, without
an object, consciousness is unintelligible, incomprehensible.
Consciousness must have an object in order to function, in order
to exist. Consciousness independent of an object is impossible.
Explanations of the truth of this statement date back a long way.
For example, in the Abhidharma literature, it is said that consciousness
arises dependent on an object.
e analytical and relational investigations of object and subject
lead to an understanding of reality as ineffable – as beyond
existence and nonexistence, as empty and luminous. In the
Mahayana tradition, this is the ultimate realization: Reality cannot
be described in terms of existence and nonexistence. It is empty,
luminous, and pure. Reality is beyond existence because all existence
is relative and dependent. It is beyond nonexistence because,
despite its emptiness and transience, reality does appear and is
experienced. erefore, reality is not altogether nonexistent.
You may recall our use of the word ‘pure’ as a synonym of
empty. Here we have another word used, ‘luminous.’ You need
not be confused by this. It is simply a restatement of that equivalence
set forth in the Heart Sutra’s assertion that ‘Emptiness is
form, and form is emptiness.’ Reality is not only empty: it is also
form; it is also luminous, bright with the potential for appearance.
is luminosity – this potential inherent in the real state of
things – manifests itself to the impure, afflicted consciousness as
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