Definition
Reading: Hōge / Reading (ZH): Hōge
Hoge (放下) is the act of letting go completely from the root all attachments, distinctions, fixed concepts, and even sacred concepts such as "enlightenment" or "Buddha," just like throwing away something held in hand. It is a fundamental attitude of practice in Zen and means becoming completely free from all bondage. No matter how high a state of enlightenment (Kojo) a person reaches, and no matter how free a salvation (Koge) a person practices, if the person clings to that state or achievement itself, the person falls into the "illness of enlightenment" (the illness of Dharmakaya / 法身の病). Therefore, it is essential to "let go" of even that awareness. In koans, it is sometimes shown in the imperative form as 放下著 (Throw it away).
Q&A
- Q: Why is it necessary to let go (Hoge / 放下) of even the awareness of Koge (向下 / practice of salvation) as well as Kojo (向上 / pursuit of enlightenment)?
- A: Because, as long as a person holds onto and takes pride in the high state he reached or the results of salvation activities he practiced, dualistic self-awareness (the separation between self and others) remains, and it blocks the dynamic appearance of truth as it is beyond words and concepts.
