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Entering the Middle Way, Volume Six
The Seventh Bodhicitta Ground: The “Far-Going” Ground
We have already explained the generation of the sixth bodhicitta; now we shall explain the generation of the seventh. The verse states:
On this “Far-Going” Ground, one enters and emerges from cessation absorption
In every single moment—
And skillfully intensifies the perfection of means.
“Entering cessation absorption” refers to entering ultimate reality. True suchness is called “cessation” because all conceptual proliferations are here completely stilled. A bodhisattva dwelling on this seventh “Far-Going” Ground can enter into, and emerge from, the cessation absorption attained on the sixth ground, in every single moment. As stated in the sutra: “O sons of the Buddha, bodhisattvas, having come from the sixth ground, are able to enter cessation absorption; now, abiding on this ground, they can enter and emerge from it in every single thought-moment—yet without attaining final realization.” Furthermore, on this ground, the perfection of means (upāya-pāramitā) also becomes supremely pure. One should understand that only through differences in the mode of action of prajñā (wisdom) are the perfections designated as means, vow, power, and knowledge. When one skillfully discerns phenomena, that very activity constitutes the perfection of wisdom; it does not constitute any other perfection, for its defining characteristic is precisely this.