What are the Three Doors of Liberation? (mystic, philosophy)

[finalfrogo]

I have a conceptual idea of the Three Doors of Liberation (Also known as The Three Concentrations), but I'm having trouble actually defining them on paper. What are they, and how are they related to the Three Dharma Seals?

Thanks for your help.

[MysticSang'ha]

I actually had to google the Three Doors of Liberation, Frogo. I'd not heard of this teaching in a loooooooooong time.





Thich Nhat Hanh describes these modes of practice very, very well. But here they are listed and officially defined:



1. Emptiness - the path between existance and non-existance

2. Signlessness - looking beyond how objects appear

3. Aimlessness - (also called wishlessness) no purpose other than this moment




The three Dharma Seals are:



Impermanence
Non-self
Nirvana




I've read that the seals are a way of actually defining how a certain philosophy or teaching can be authentically defined as a "Buddhist" teaching, and not as a teaching that is considered universalist. If a teaching conveys that all things are impermanent, that there is no such thing as a permanent self, and that nirvana is the ultimate extinction of afflictions and notions...........then said teaching could be called a Buddhist teaching.





The three doors of liberation it seems are interrelated to the dharma seals (when are things not?), as in these are all attitudes to adopt in one's mind that can open doors to enlightenment. Practicing aimlessness where one cares not but for this moment is much like practicing concentration on impermanence.




Although, I am quite tired right now. And I think I will go to bed since I wonder if this post is at all coherent.




Maybe you can tell us all how you see it?




Peace,
Mystic

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

these are all attitudes to adopt in one's mind that can open doors to enlightenment.

Thanks. I find that ^ statement particularly useful. I had a difficulty putting the concept into words, but you managed to accomplish this. Thanks again.