I was reading about Buddha- Nature and have a question about it. Is Buddha-Nature ultimately empty and formless? The author was using the term “Self.” I understand this to mean consciousness. I got confused about how this would work when we have other forms (like our form in the Pure Land and on realms helping others in other forms).
Buddha-Nature is a much discussed topic. In short, Buddha-Nature is that “force” that is within each of us to fulfill our potential to become a Buddha.
In early Mahayana Buddhist doctrine and philosophy that we refer to as Sunyata (emptiness), the Self is empty and formless and everything is empty and formless, thus it would follow that Buddha-Nature is empty and formless.
As Buddhism developed beyond Sunyata (which remains a philosophical foundation) and Buddhist thought broadened out into various schools of thought, Buddha-Nature was one of the ideals that gained in influence. To know that each of us has the potential to become a Buddha was likened to a seed that needed to be planted, watered, cared for so that it would become a beautiful flower. Each of us needed to be nurtured, taught and guided to become a Buddha.
In Shin Buddhism, we know that we will all become a Buddha (so we just acknowledge our Buddha- Nature) and accept the guidance to Awaken to the Compassion and Wisdom of Amida Buddha.
In summary, Buddha-Nature is a concept (empty and formless) and then it becomes work (nurtured, taught and guided) and now part of the foundation (we all accept our Buddha-Nature as part of who I am).
Gassho (with palms together), Rev. Ron