The Mind-Body Complexes

In the diagram, traditionally, the “super-subtle mind-body complex” is the Dharmakaya, or “Truth Body” of a Buddha. The “subtle mind-body complex” is the Sambhogakaya, or “Beatific Body” of a Buddha. The “gross mind-body complex” is the Nirmanakaya, or “Emanation Body” of a Buddha.

All sentient beings possess all three “mind-body complexes”, but most remain unaware of the existence of the subtle and super-subtle complexes. The subtle complex is responsible for the way we think, feel, speak, and act. Therefore, in order to change how we think, feel, speak and act, it is necessary to access and introduce change into this dimension.

The reason that the super-subtle complex is drawn with dotted lines is to indicate the permeability of the boundary. Realizing the inclusivity of that complex is why enlightened beings are said to “become omniscient” or “experience non-duality”. The fact that every sentient being’s super-subtle complex is an “open door”, that is, mutually interwoven with all phenomena, makes enlightenment possible. To clarify, enlightenment is the natural state of the inclusivity and mutual interwoven-ness of all time, space, and phenomena – the inclusivity and mutual interwoven-ness of all super-subtle mind-body complexes. Authentic mentors will remind us, therefore, that enlightenment is never something that “belongs to anyone”. Rather, enlightenment is simply the way things are, and therefore, “belongs to everyone”. 

The mastery of each respective complex corresponds to the vehicles of the path. Mastery of body, speech (emotion), and mind is associated with the Individual Vehicle. Mastery of motivation is associated with the Universal Vehicle. However, while the mastery of body, speech, mind, and motivation would “mark” an extremely refined and mature Bodhisattva, mastering these is not what is meant by enlightenment. These “masteries” are the prerequisite causes and conditions for entering into the Secret Vehicle and the final movement toward enlightenment.

The concentric circle with which we identify most – body, speech (emotion), mind, motivation, or reality – is what we feel compelled to “protect and serve”. This is why “formidable” Bodhisattvas and Buddhas are instinctually compelled to protect and serve all beings, because in “accessing” or “realizing” their own “reality body” (super-subtle mind-body complex), they simultaneously identify and connect with everything and everyone else’s “reality body”. Experiencing “others in oneself and oneself in others”, naturally, one feels the pain of others and wants to “eradicate it”. 

The obvious experience of body, speech (emotion), and mind comprises the gross mind-body complex. In this complex, we are always aware of a division between our bodies and our minds, thinking that one takes precedence over or is responsible for the other. The “HQ” of the “subtle mind-body complex” are the chakras, central channel (chakras and central channel comprising the subtle body), and the subtle mind “layers” of “white, red, and black light” (these “layers” comprising the subtle mind). In this complex too, we observe a division between body and mind, albeit, more subtle. In fact, it is rare to experience the existence of either the subtle body or the subtle mind, but sincere, committed students can do so. 

“Reality” is the super-subtle mind-body complex. In this complex, there is no division between body or mind. It can be said that to directly experience “Reality” is to know why it is said that, “Matter is voidness. Voidness is matter.” Or, in western linguistic sensibility, non-duality can be expressed as, “Mind is matter, and matter is mind.” Light is both a particle and a wave.

A sentient being’s quantum evolutionary leap takes place in the concentric circle of motivation. Motivations are mostly instinctual responses to satiation cycles, but Bodhisattvas “hack” these cycles. Generally, everyone is “driven by” the satiation cycles, whereas “formidable” Bodhisattvas and Buddhas “drive” the cycles. This is why enlightened beings are said to be “sovereign” or “free” – meaning, that they are free from being enslaved by the pursuit of satiation, entertainment, or comfort. Sovereign beings are “free to choose” how they would like to serve others. 

As stated in More Human, More Diamond, sentient beings share in the compulsive “drive of primal urges” to satiate survival, pleasure, success, companionship, and so on – primarily in order to protect their bodies and possessions and to bring more comfort into their lives. Bodhisattvas “imprint altruistic motivations” into the satiation cycles, willingly sacrificing their own comfort and dedicating their lives to educating sentient beings about the nature of compulsion – and the relationship between compulsion and suffering. “Living for others” is what differentiates Universal Vehicle from Individual Vehicle practitioners.

Lastly, and regarding “hacking” the subtle mind-body complex, obviously, everyone can think about or visualize chakras, but no one can “fake the funk” of a sincere wish to serve others or genuine feelings of love and concern. This “authentic, altruistic wish” is the gatekeeper “sealing the door shut” to the insincere – and determines whether the practice is legitimate or fantasy. The discussion of the super-subtle mind-body complex should be honored with appropriate engagement – in small, “qualified” environments.