longjie wrote:
One is at the level of cause, the other is at the level of effect, so they are not necessarily in conflict. The point was that even after perceiving the Dharmakaya, there is still the cultivation of the Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya. This is why after realizing the Dharmakaya, some Chan masters were instructed to go off into the wilderness in order to continue their cultivation. Although they had "sudden enlightenment" (to the Dharmakaya), their "gradual" cultivation (of the Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya) was not necessarily complete. This is why people should not criticize the development of dhyana and samadhi, including through Esoteric School or Pure Land methods.
In terms of Conduct/Concentration/Wisdom, Conduct is anything that helps lead to Concentration. For example, saying Namo Amitabha is Conduct. Treating everyone equally is Conduct. Going to work is Conduct. Maintaining precepts is Conduct. Doing housework is Conduct. Eating less, sleeping less is Conduct. Keeping my body from pleasures is Conduct. Conduct is a broad area of practice and is wholesome. Conduct is maintained within Buddha/Dharma/Sangha or accurately "Awakened/Truth/Purity." This means for example I should not involve in activities that will increase my anger, greed, and ignorance as these are not the opposite of "Awakened.Truth.Purity." I should always constantly look to find my mistakes and correct them and not at others' mistakes (essentially this is the first step in practicing in everyday life in every aspect). In other words, I should practice staying away from Greed/Anger/Ignorance and thinking and acts that benefit me, and think and act to benefit others (this is called "Awakened").
In terms of Conduct/Concentration/Wisdom, if you have one you will have the other two. For example, Hui Neng had Wisdom from instant enlightenment, he also had Conduct, and Concentration. Why? This is the Buddha and Bodhisattva's way. So they are teaching us their way. So we are following their way. So the three are inseparable just like "Awakened/Truth/Purity." For example, Hui Neng has "Awakened" from instant enlightenment, now had "Truth" and "Purity." For the rest of us, we need to start at either Truth or Purity. For example, Pure Land is entering through the door of "Purity" by cultivating Pure Mind.
As for the three bodies, so far we have only one in flesh (the second body). By cultivating this body and Mind, if or when leading to enlightenment such as an Arhat, or rebirth in Pure Land, then we will have the three bodies. But to become Buddha one has to continue to cultivate the Dharma Body by breaking through the 41 levels of illusion. A Bodhisattva has achieved 1 level of Dharma Body, by definition...going back to cultivating body and Mind, by cultivating one is cultivating the other. The two are inseparable. For example, keeping the body away from pleasures involves body staying away from pleasures and Mind detaching from pleasures on the inside.
Lastly, most of us will not become enlightened by hearing a few words like Hui Neng. So we need to hit the Sutras, Dharmas, and practice, and stay with Conduct/Concentration/Wisdom and "Awakened/Truth/Purity."