Critical Reflections on Abiding-Places in the Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines

Abstract

This article focuses on the real abiding of the mind-body complex demonstrated in the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā with an emphasis on how Buddhist teachings explore the notion of abiding-places or temporary residences in one lifetime. The key findings of this article can be summarized in the following key points. First, any abiding-place enduring for long lifespans, including those temporary residences in one lifetime, are impermanent and devoid of own-being. Second, in terms of an abiding-place per se, none of the abiding-place is qualified to be real abiding-place for the mind-body complex due to the lack of own-being. Third, the misconception that the mind-body complex can permanently settle in a fixed abiding-place not only leads to emotional fluctuations, but also lays a preposterous emphasis on environmental surroundings. Fourth, bodhisattvas cultivate prajñāpāramitā so their mind-body complexes can abide rightly. Fifth, bodhisattvas channel sentient beings to the real abiding of the mind-body complex through helping sentient beings relieve suffering and abide in any of the Three Paths of cultivation, i.e., śrāvakayāna, pratyekabuddhayāna, and bodhisattvayāna.