"Chapter 49

This chapter explains that the bhumis, or levels to surmount, do not exist because the true condition is beyond the concept itself of "levels." As we have seen, the Mahayana posits five paths and ten bhumis, or levels of realization of the Bodhisattva. In this case the accomplishment of enlightenment corresponds to the tenth bhumi, and until this level is achieved, there is not total realization. Some series of tantras add three more bhumis and reckon there are thirteen levels of realization: in this case, only the thirteenth bhumi corresponds to enlightenment. Other series of tantras consider that there are sixteen bhumis up to total realization. But how does Dzogchen explain this? The Kunjed Gyalpo says there are no bhumis because once we have properly understood what realization is, then everything depends on knowing or living in this condition: it is merely a matter of ripening. Once we have discovered the sun, the only thing that remains is to overcome the obstacle of the clouds. But just as clouds sometimes disappear slowly, and at other times all together all at once, there can be no limits to the levels of realization: one can traverse thousands of bhumis or none at all. Fundamentally, there are no bhumis, no levels in the condition of the "sun," so, in general, one says dzogpa chenpo sa chigpa, total perfection is the single bhumi, and it depends on knowing or not knowing, having or not having knowledge of the primordial state. This is the first and sole bhumi."

- Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, "The Supreme Source"