The meaning of Simultaneous Forgetting in Taoism 什么是兼忘

The term originates from Zhuangzi.

Originally it referred to forgetting internally one's body and mind, and externally the myriad things. Daoist Twofold Mystery scholars used it to explain the stages of cultivating the Way of Twofold Mystery.

The meaning of Simultaneous Forgetting in Taoism

The Benji Sutra, volume eight, "Chapter of the Ultimate Sage," explains "simultaneous forgetfulness": "All ordinary people arise from the subtle origin with foolishness, attached to all existences; although they accumulate merit and diligence, they cannot be without stagnation. Therefore they are taught to cultivate emptiness to eliminate their stagnation in existence. When stagnation in existence is purified, they still stagnate in emptiness, constantly called having desires; therefore the correct observation is shown. Emptying this emptiness, both emptiness and existence are purified—this is called simultaneous forgetfulness, and is named the initial sign of entering correct observation." It considers that worldly people are attached and stagnated in existence, therefore they need to cultivate the contemplation of emptiness to break existence; but this contemplation of emptiness stands in opposition to existence, and has not yet reached true purity—therefore the contemplation of emptiness must also be eliminated. When both attachments to existence and non-existence are broken, one reaches the realm of "simultaneous forgetfulness." Here "simultaneous forgetfulness" is "twofold elimination," and is "mystery." Going further to eliminate the intention of simultaneous forgetfulness itself, so that in the mind there is completely nothing attached or stagnated, one then enters the realm of "Twofold Mystery."