Beyond all duality

The journey beyond duality starts by acknowledging that the fading and cessation of perception as a result of the dissolution of ignorance and clinging might inadvertently deem appearances as inferior. Such a stance reflects only partial realization. Chandrakīrti highlights imperfections in seeing ignorance as truly fabricating appearances that need removal. Appearances are illusory manifestations of ignorance, much like flawed perceptions resulting from diseased vision. The wise understand that appearances and their causes are all devoid of inherent existence, which leads to liberation.

The essential voidness of phenomena

The Buddha taught the emptiness of ignorance within the context of dependent arising. All links of paṭiccasamuppāda are void, as emphasized by Nāgārjuna. The realization that the building blocks of fabrication, time, arising, and ceasing are empty necessitates that fabrication and dependent origination themselves must be seen as void. Fabrication and dependent origination, while helpful at certain levels, are merely relative truths capable of guiding understanding beyond their own meaning.

Emptiness of the fabricated and the unfabricated

With the understanding of the emptiness of the fabricated process, the notion of cessation as a truly real phenomenon dissolves. Nāgārjuna questions the existence of the fabricated without established arising or ceasing, challenging the establishment of the unfabricated. The perception of real duality between the fabricated and unfabricated is flawed, and further insights into emptiness reveal an equal 'unreality' or 'reality' across all domains.

The nature of nirvāṇa

These insights have profound implications on the conception of nirvāṇa, which cannot be simply a cessation of appearances. A 'non-abiding nirvāṇa' embodies a non-dual understanding, opening possibilities for limitless compassion. The emptiness of samsara and nirvana disintegrates any belief in a dualistic separation between them, aligning with the teachings that defilements and nirvana's cessation are non-existent.

Skill in view

While advanced insights can see the emptiness in ignorance and fabrication, perceiving the world without it fading is a Buddhas' non-dual wisdom that's difficult for others. For most practitioners, oscillation between absence and presence of perception is inevitable. Different levels of fading are necessary to absorb emptiness into the heart, yet practice also requires periods with less fading to embody a comprehensive understanding. Sustaining viewpoints that understand the emptiness of the fabricated and the Unfabricated encourages a likeness to a Buddha's view.

In summary, Chapter 29 of "Seeing That Frees" by Rob Burbea elaborates on the subtleties of moving beyond dualistic conceptions of reality by understanding the emptiness of both the fabricated and the unfabricated, the void nature of phenomena, and the redefined nature of nirvāṇa as void of intrinsic existence. This understanding critically impacts the practitioner's view and engagement with the path, remaining cognizant of the delicate balance required to fully comprehend the non-duality of existence. Through skillful view and meditation, one can cultivate a perception that aligns with the emptiness of all appearances, transcending traditional dualities and allowing for a more intimate and sacred engagement with the world.