old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

which the mind becomes one with infinity, all material and visual phenomena cease to arise, and space is seen as the limitless source of all
things.
Siddhartha followed his teacher’s instructions and concentrated his efforts on achieving that state, and in less than three days, he
succeeded. But Siddhartha still felt that even the ability to experience infinite space had not liberated him from his deepest anxieties and
sorrows. Dwelling in such a state of awareness, he still felt hindrances, so he returned to Alara for assistance. The master told him, “You
must go one step further. The realm of limitless space is of the same essence as your own mind. It is not an object of your consciousness,
but your very consciousness itself. Now you must experience the realm of limitless consciousness.”
Siddhartha returned to his spot in the forest, and in just two days, he realized the realm of limitless consciousness. He saw that his own
mind was present in every phenomenon in the universe. But even with this attainment, he still felt oppressed by his deepest afflictions and
anxieties. So Siddhartha returned to Master Alara and explained his difficulty. The master looked at him with eyes of deep respect and
said, “You are very close to the final goal. Return to your hut and meditate on the illusory nature of all phenomena. Everything in the
universe is created by our own mind. Our mind is the source of all phenomena. Form, sound, smell, taste, and tactile perception such as hot
and cold, hard and soft—these are all creations of our mind. They do not exist as we usually think they do. Our consciousness is like an
artist, painting every phenomenon into being. Once you have attained the state of the realm of no materiality, you will have succeeded.
The realm of no materiality is the state in which we see that no phenomenon exists outside of our own mind.”
The young monk joined his palms to express his gratitude to his teacher, and returned to his corner of the forest.
While Siddhartha studied with Alara Kalama, he made the acquaintance of many other monks. Everyone was attracted by Siddhartha’s
kind and pleasant manner. Often, before Siddhartha had a chance to seek food for himself, he found food waiting for him by his hut. When
he came out of meditation, he would find a few bananas or a rice ball secretly left for him by another monk. Many monks liked to befriend
Siddhartha in order to learn from him, as they had heard their own master praise Siddhartha’s progress.
Master Alara had once asked about Siddhartha’s background and so learned of Siddhartha’s life as a prince. But Siddhartha only smiled
when other monks asked him about his royal past. He answered modestly, “It’s nothing of importance. It would be best if we spoke only
about our experiences of practicing the Way.”
In less than a month, Siddhartha attained the state of the realm of no materiality. Happy to have achieved this state of awareness, he
spent the following weeks trying to use it to dissolve the deepest obstructions in his mind and heart. But although the realm of no
materiality was a profound state of meditation, it, too, was unable to help him. Finally, he returned to ask the advice of Master Alara
Kalama.
Alara Kalama sat and listened intently to Siddhartha. His eyes shone. Expressing deepest respect and praise, he said, “Monk
Siddhartha, you are profoundly gifted. You have attained the highest level I can teach. All I have attained, you have attained as well. Let us
join together to guide and lead this community of monks.”
Siddhartha was silent as he contemplated Alara’s invitation. While the realm of no materiality was a precious fruit of meditation, it did
not help resolve the fundamental problem of birth and death, nor did it liberate one from all suffering and anxiety. It did not lead to total
liberation. Siddhartha’s goal was not to become the leader of a community, but to find the path of true liberation.
Siddhartha joined his palms and answered, “Venerable Teacher, the state of the realm of no materiality is not the final goal I am
seeking. Please accept my gratitude for your support and care, but now I must ask your permission to leave the community in order to seek
the Way elsewhere. You have taught me with all your heart these past months and I will be forever grateful to you.”
Master Alara Kalama looked disappointed, but Siddhartha had made up his mind. The next day, Siddhartha again took to the road.