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and no emptiness elevate the mind from the common to the
supreme and peaceful heavenly realm of the Middle Way
Thought. The cultivators of the 6th and 7th levels of the Shingon
Sect reach Samadhi (Yoga: Unity with God) freely and easily.
This stage is compared to the lotus flower rising above the
water. The lotus is not completely real but it is not a mere
reflection either.
- The Unique Way Mind
The eighth stage is a subtle shift in consciousness, which is
represented by the Tendai School and its view of Buddha as
Omnipresent Reality. Tendai considers one religion as the
foundation of all. All things are equal. They all have Buddha
nature in them and all things can become Buddha. This is
compared to the beautiful lake full of lotuses bathing in the sun.
9 ) The Non-Self MindThe ninth stage is the epitome of Secret Thought according
to Kukai, for The Kegon School embodies this stage.
The ninth stage goes with the doctrine of Avatamsaka (Hoa
Yen), the highest principle of Hinayana Buddhism. Here one
recognizes the interdependent origination of the realm of truth
and law, beyond which lies full realization and enlightenment. It
explains that the absolute is the same as the relative and that's
why the mind does not keep its own character. This level of
thought is compared to the lotus flower at its brightest and most
beautiful stage as if it has in itself infinite subtle compassions.