Definition
Reading: soshi shin'in / Reading (ZH): zǔ shī xīn yìn
The "Mind-seal of the Patriarchs" refers to the Mind-seal (that which proves the essence of the mind) attained by the patriarchs through enlightenment. That which was attained by the Buddha through enlightenment is called the "Mind-seal of the Buddha." However, these two are by no means different things. They refer to the "marvelous mind" (the mind of subtle truth) inherently possessed by human beings.
Regarding the Mind-seal, the Record of the Mirror of the Source (宗鏡録) states, "In the Dharma of the Buddhas and Patriarchs, all take the mind as the seal and correctly determine all things (the ten thousand dharmas and truths)." Furthermore, inTen Mysterious Verses (十玄談), it is written, "I ask you, what kind of face does the Mind-seal have? Who could dare to transmit and give the Mind-seal? It remains peaceful and unchanged through long ages, and even daring to call it the Mind-seal is already a falsehood.
Source volumes: 『禅宗辞典』
Q&A
- Q: Why are the "Mind-seal of the Patriarchs" and the "Mind-seal of the Buddha" not different things despite having different names?
- A: Because both refer to the "marvelous mind (the mind of subtle truth)" itself that human beings naturally possess from birth. The names are only divided by the subject who attained enlightenment (whether the Buddha or a patriarch), and their essence and content are identical.
