The Essential Journey of Life and Death
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Learn to listen undistractedly. Do not let attention wander during contemplation practice. Avoid clinging to ideas and images while in meditation. To avoid following thoughts, be mindful and observe with relaxed alertness.
~
Dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya represent three inseparable aspects of the Buddha. According to the Inner Tantras, the three kayas have no objective existence. They are not localized, but are all-pervasive, encompassing both mind and appearances. This means that everything is always in a condition of perfect enlightenment.
All phenomena are the display of the kayas. The three kayas are never separate from each other, but exist primordially within the true nature. The trikaya is what we and all external phenomena essentially are. When you fully realize what you are, you will know that you never had to do anything or go anywhere in order to be enlightened or see a pure land. The pure lands are the trikaya, and all six bardos arise within these kayas. The display, activity, and true nature of the kayas are all within us. It’s not a matter of escaping from “this horrible place” to somewhere else that is fancy and beautiful where the three kayas dwell. We must realize the three kayas as the true nature and reality of all phenomena.
Infinite and uncreated, the true nature of mind is great emptiness—the inconceivable openness known as dharmakaya. Great emptiness is not blank, empty space, a void, or nothingness. It is very luminous, clear, and full. Brightness and clarity shine forth spontaneously. This unceasing luminosity of the true nature is known as sambhogakaya.
The mind is always active, radiating a world of transformations. Due to its natural responsiveness, it never stays the same for two instants. Each sparking, radiant moment of manifest existence is never separate from the original state of the true nature. Each spark is the union of emptiness and clarity. That radiance manifesting as momentary events in space and time is known as nirmanakaya.
~
What does mind really refer to? Mind is open, empty, and pure from the beginning. Mind is also the embodiment of the three kayas. Our practice is to discover and express the true nature of the mind. We must study, contemplate, meditate on, and ultimately actualize the trikaya realization. If we are devoted and one-pointed in our efforts, all phenomena reveal the trikaya. When the moment of death comes, we will recognize this event as a lucid display of the three kayas—another expression of the true nature. There is no conflict when we understand that this is part of a natural process.
The bardo of birth and life is a very special circumstance for practice. Since everything is pervaded by the three kayas, we must come to recognize that our present vision and perception are ultimately not any different from the original nature of the mind. The understanding of the innate purity of all perception is the highest teaching of the Inner Tantras. All of our dualistic conceptions, such as self and other, good and bad, assisting friends and avoiding enemies, arise as thoughts in our minds. Mind creates all of these fabrications. There’s nothing among all of those names that has any solid existence, yet the mind creates notions and projects visions that we are inclined to believe and act on. Distracted and unmindful, we habitually grasp and cling.
~
Mind is the principal source of everything. But where is the mind? As we begin to search for an answer, we should know that we’re not going to find any solid, substantially existent mind. Everything disappears as fast as it is arises. The deeper we look, the more it disappears, until we come to the point where we can’t find anything at all. At that point, the search is complete. We will really have no idea what to do next!
In one sense, we are completely lost. In another way, we’re quickly approaching the primordial state that the Buddha called “great emptiness.” Here there are no fixed divisions, distinctions, or boundaries. We’ve reached the ultimate point: the original, infinite, true nature of the mind. By diligently chasing rainbows, we finally reach a horizon where there is no longer anything to pursue. Everything merges in that unfathomable state. As the mind dissolves in the boundless dimension of the true nature, relax and remain in meditation. This is the central place. When there is no disturbance or dualism of body and mind—that is real meditation. It doesn’t require any magic. Simply observe your own mind. If you keep looking into it, you’ll eventually realize the bliss of perfect equanimity.
The practice of meditation teaches us to transcend the conceptual distinctions between appearances and thoughts. Subject and object fuse into a single awareness. We no longer see a world of inherently existent entities. In reality, even atoms are not actually solid. Although they exhibit many properties, they’re not concrete, independent objects. Every apparent thing is an impermanent mental construct based on the interdependence of everything. Nothing exists outside of this interdependence. There are many subatomic particles in even the smallest atom.
Every entity is composed of parts, and each part is made up of even smaller parts, and this continues on down to infinity. Atoms and everything they constitute are nothing but the mysterious lighting up of the true nature as appearances. This is why great masters can walk in the sky or transform the elements. You could say they aren’t really changing anything when they do these things; they’re actually demonstrating the interdependent reality and true nature of arising phenomena.
The primordial nature is wonderfully inconceivable. Void of inherent existence, great emptiness is perfectly open and flexible. Each and every luminous manifestation is precious and unique.
~
Like athletes who train for the Olympics to win a gold medal, the bardo of birth and life is the training ground to exercise and actualize our skills so that the other bardos—particularly the fourth, fifth and sixth bardos of dying, after death, and becoming—provide the conditions to acquire a gold, silver, or bronze medal. The first bardo is the best place to develop these valuable skills.
~
It is very special and precious to be human, to be surrounded by all this wealth and beauty, and to have the opportunity to realize buddhahood. This is a very crucial time. Don’t take this for granted and waste it. Actualize your true nature. The human realm is a unique place where we can work to accomplish something meaningful and develop our understanding. Buddha Shakyamuni reiterated this many times throughout his life. As we can see by observing what goes on in the world, this is not a pure land, but it’s the best place for us to learn and develop ourselves.
There are many other worlds—some are exceptionally beautiful, luxurious, and comfortable. In comparison, ours might not look that wonderful, but its actually a very special place. Here we can mature ourselves and transcend our limitations. There is a lot here that challenges us to grow, helping us to discover and express our buddha-nature. Qualities such as courage, confidence, and love are called forth in response to many situations. If we accomplish something meaningful here, we will also be able to go other places and enjoy higher realizations. But for now, this is the place where we must do something significant with our lives.
~
Yogis and yoginis with high realization are able to perceive the entire universe as the mandala of the deities, so that every form is seen as a buddha’s body and environment, all sounds are perceived as the pure speech or mantra of enlightened beings, and every thought and emotion is experienced as the wisdom mind of the buddhas. Recognizing the true nature of this continually unfolding vision is part of the spontaneous activity of pristine cognition. Ultimately, everything appears as a display of primordial wisdom, and within that realization, we can begin to help all sentient beings.
~
Start by aligning your motivation with bodhichitta and the awareness of natural purity. These two are the foundation and structure of the whole path. Without these, your practice will fall apart, even if you’ve already grown a little. Bodhichitta aspiration and awareness of purity are indispensable.
Feel a deep love and compassion for all sentient beings, including yourself. Really open your heart to everyone. If you have any trouble with this, remember that you’re doing this practice for all beings, and that everybody needs love in order to awaken their buddha-nature. Think deeply about the many good reasons to generate compassion for everyone. Then work on applying it in the present moment by changing your attitude. Awareness of purity also means having a deep sense of appreciation and reverence towards all the buddhas, bodhisattvas, and lineage masters, as well as a good feeling about yourself, and sincere gratitude for your life situation. All of this is really important. With this view and motivation, begin the Dream Yoga practice.
Relax your mind, letting go of all conceptions except those associated with bodhichitta. After a while, even let go of these once you reach the sphere of the true nature, the infinite state. Relax as long as you can in the openness of the true nature, free of any mental fabrication or disturbance by mundane thoughts. Eliminate any trace of hope or fear, abandon analysis and discrimination, and let go of any emotions such as anger, jealousy, or attachment Release everything—let it go in all directions and dissolve. Simply remain in the pristine awareness of the present moment.
~
Dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya represent three inseparable aspects of the Buddha. According to the Inner Tantras, the three kayas have no objective existence. They are not localized, but are all-pervasive, encompassing both mind and appearances. This means that everything is always in a condition of perfect enlightenment.
All phenomena are the display of the kayas. The three kayas are never separate from each other, but exist primordially within the true nature. The trikaya is what we and all external phenomena essentially are. When you fully realize what you are, you will know that you never had to do anything or go anywhere in order to be enlightened or see a pure land. The pure lands are the trikaya, and all six bardos arise within these kayas. The display, activity, and true nature of the kayas are all within us. It’s not a matter of escaping from “this horrible place” to somewhere else that is fancy and beautiful where the three kayas dwell. We must realize the three kayas as the true nature and reality of all phenomena.
Infinite and uncreated, the true nature of mind is great emptiness—the inconceivable openness known as dharmakaya. Great emptiness is not blank, empty space, a void, or nothingness. It is very luminous, clear, and full. Brightness and clarity shine forth spontaneously. This unceasing luminosity of the true nature is known as sambhogakaya.
The mind is always active, radiating a world of transformations. Due to its natural responsiveness, it never stays the same for two instants. Each sparking, radiant moment of manifest existence is never separate from the original state of the true nature. Each spark is the union of emptiness and clarity. That radiance manifesting as momentary events in space and time is known as nirmanakaya.
~
What does mind really refer to? Mind is open, empty, and pure from the beginning. Mind is also the embodiment of the three kayas. Our practice is to discover and express the true nature of the mind. We must study, contemplate, meditate on, and ultimately actualize the trikaya realization. If we are devoted and one-pointed in our efforts, all phenomena reveal the trikaya. When the moment of death comes, we will recognize this event as a lucid display of the three kayas—another expression of the true nature. There is no conflict when we understand that this is part of a natural process.
The bardo of birth and life is a very special circumstance for practice. Since everything is pervaded by the three kayas, we must come to recognize that our present vision and perception are ultimately not any different from the original nature of the mind. The understanding of the innate purity of all perception is the highest teaching of the Inner Tantras. All of our dualistic conceptions, such as self and other, good and bad, assisting friends and avoiding enemies, arise as thoughts in our minds. Mind creates all of these fabrications. There’s nothing among all of those names that has any solid existence, yet the mind creates notions and projects visions that we are inclined to believe and act on. Distracted and unmindful, we habitually grasp and cling.
~
Mind is the principal source of everything. But where is the mind? As we begin to search for an answer, we should know that we’re not going to find any solid, substantially existent mind. Everything disappears as fast as it is arises. The deeper we look, the more it disappears, until we come to the point where we can’t find anything at all. At that point, the search is complete. We will really have no idea what to do next!
In one sense, we are completely lost. In another way, we’re quickly approaching the primordial state that the Buddha called “great emptiness.” Here there are no fixed divisions, distinctions, or boundaries. We’ve reached the ultimate point: the original, infinite, true nature of the mind. By diligently chasing rainbows, we finally reach a horizon where there is no longer anything to pursue. Everything merges in that unfathomable state. As the mind dissolves in the boundless dimension of the true nature, relax and remain in meditation. This is the central place. When there is no disturbance or dualism of body and mind—that is real meditation. It doesn’t require any magic. Simply observe your own mind. If you keep looking into it, you’ll eventually realize the bliss of perfect equanimity.
The practice of meditation teaches us to transcend the conceptual distinctions between appearances and thoughts. Subject and object fuse into a single awareness. We no longer see a world of inherently existent entities. In reality, even atoms are not actually solid. Although they exhibit many properties, they’re not concrete, independent objects. Every apparent thing is an impermanent mental construct based on the interdependence of everything. Nothing exists outside of this interdependence. There are many subatomic particles in even the smallest atom.
Every entity is composed of parts, and each part is made up of even smaller parts, and this continues on down to infinity. Atoms and everything they constitute are nothing but the mysterious lighting up of the true nature as appearances. This is why great masters can walk in the sky or transform the elements. You could say they aren’t really changing anything when they do these things; they’re actually demonstrating the interdependent reality and true nature of arising phenomena.
The primordial nature is wonderfully inconceivable. Void of inherent existence, great emptiness is perfectly open and flexible. Each and every luminous manifestation is precious and unique.
~
Like athletes who train for the Olympics to win a gold medal, the bardo of birth and life is the training ground to exercise and actualize our skills so that the other bardos—particularly the fourth, fifth and sixth bardos of dying, after death, and becoming—provide the conditions to acquire a gold, silver, or bronze medal. The first bardo is the best place to develop these valuable skills.
~
It is very special and precious to be human, to be surrounded by all this wealth and beauty, and to have the opportunity to realize buddhahood. This is a very crucial time. Don’t take this for granted and waste it. Actualize your true nature. The human realm is a unique place where we can work to accomplish something meaningful and develop our understanding. Buddha Shakyamuni reiterated this many times throughout his life. As we can see by observing what goes on in the world, this is not a pure land, but it’s the best place for us to learn and develop ourselves.
There are many other worlds—some are exceptionally beautiful, luxurious, and comfortable. In comparison, ours might not look that wonderful, but its actually a very special place. Here we can mature ourselves and transcend our limitations. There is a lot here that challenges us to grow, helping us to discover and express our buddha-nature. Qualities such as courage, confidence, and love are called forth in response to many situations. If we accomplish something meaningful here, we will also be able to go other places and enjoy higher realizations. But for now, this is the place where we must do something significant with our lives.
~
Yogis and yoginis with high realization are able to perceive the entire universe as the mandala of the deities, so that every form is seen as a buddha’s body and environment, all sounds are perceived as the pure speech or mantra of enlightened beings, and every thought and emotion is experienced as the wisdom mind of the buddhas. Recognizing the true nature of this continually unfolding vision is part of the spontaneous activity of pristine cognition. Ultimately, everything appears as a display of primordial wisdom, and within that realization, we can begin to help all sentient beings.
~
Start by aligning your motivation with bodhichitta and the awareness of natural purity. These two are the foundation and structure of the whole path. Without these, your practice will fall apart, even if you’ve already grown a little. Bodhichitta aspiration and awareness of purity are indispensable.
Feel a deep love and compassion for all sentient beings, including yourself. Really open your heart to everyone. If you have any trouble with this, remember that you’re doing this practice for all beings, and that everybody needs love in order to awaken their buddha-nature. Think deeply about the many good reasons to generate compassion for everyone. Then work on applying it in the present moment by changing your attitude. Awareness of purity also means having a deep sense of appreciation and reverence towards all the buddhas, bodhisattvas, and lineage masters, as well as a good feeling about yourself, and sincere gratitude for your life situation. All of this is really important. With this view and motivation, begin the Dream Yoga practice.
Relax your mind, letting go of all conceptions except those associated with bodhichitta. After a while, even let go of these once you reach the sphere of the true nature, the infinite state. Relax as long as you can in the openness of the true nature, free of any mental fabrication or disturbance by mundane thoughts. Eliminate any trace of hope or fear, abandon analysis and discrimination, and let go of any emotions such as anger, jealousy, or attachment Release everything—let it go in all directions and dissolve. Simply remain in the pristine awareness of the present moment.
The bardos don’t exist outside of us. They are the context of our experience. This is very important to understand. Don’t think that you are only in the bardo at certain times. The entire universe of samsara and nirvana happens within the bardos. From the onset of our dreams until we completely wake up is all bardo territory. As long as we are trapped by ego-clinging and attachment, we're in the bardo.
Even highly realized beings and great practitioners arise within this process, but they are already awake so they don’t make false distinctions between the bardo and pristine awareness. They understand that everything that appears is a display of primordial wisdom.
~
In order to awaken sentient beings of various capacities, Buddha Shakyamuni offered many levels of instruction that have been categorized into nine yanas, or levels of study and practice. The Zhitro, which is translated as the “peaceful and wrathful deities,” is considered part of the Inner Tantras. It is actually a condensed teaching based on the essential meaning of the Guhyagarbha Tantra, combined with the views expressed in the Anuyoga and Atiyoga teachings. Many great masters have said that the Zhitro teachings are the “Inner Tantra of the Inner Tantras.” In this case, we’re not making distinctions among the various Inner Tantras, nor between the creation and completion stages, but joining them all together. This is the union of rigpa and emptiness, the oneness of birth, death, and life experiences. There is no basis for discriminating because all are aspects of one true nature. Nothing is rejected or exclusively accepted. This teaching is known as the one that unifies everything into a single state.
~
When the birthplace bardo is dawning upon me, There is no spare time in this life; abandoning laziness...5
We can never be sure how long we will be in the bardo of the living. No one can say. When and where we will die is always uncertain. It is completely unpredictable. No matter how rich or clever you are, you can never know how much longer you have to live. Since we’re not sure how long this life will last, Guru Padmasambhava advises us to abandon laziness.
Now is the time to increase appreciation and gratitude for our life situation, to arouse ourselves, and make a joyful effort to realize great results. We should develop confidence and be happy in our endeavors. Don’t just assume that you’re worthless and incapable. Don’t let this opportunity slip by and be a cause for regret Learn to work effectively, happily, and with firm commitment. The biggest obstacle to spiritual progress is laziness. There are many forms of laziness, but they all share the feeling that there is plenty of time. “I won’t bother with this today. I’ll do it later.” When we think like this again and again, we miss many important opportunities and lose sight of our goal. That is the worst thing about laziness.
One type of laziness is based on doubt: “How could I ever do this?” You put yourself down, and even feel special in considering yourself so low and incapable. To overcome this requires courage. Discover your natural dignity. Feel the preciousness of this moment: how amazing it is to be alive! If you understand the truth of this, there’s nothing that you can’t accomplish. That’s exactly what the Buddha and many other great masters did. They worked on the basis of this inspiration. Since we all have buddha-nature and inherent wisdom, why can’t we do as they did? We need to apply ourselves diligently and engage in our practice fearlessly.
Another type of laziness has to do with attaching to lesser interests and missing the greater opportunity. You know that the practice is special, you have some awareness that this is a very unique moment, and you are inspired by this beautiful opening, but you still waste time and cling to meaningless, worldly involvements. You’re like a cat who is always trying to catch another mouse. Guru Padmasambhava taught that this kind of activity is as endless as waves on the ocean. Just when you think you’re going to finish, the next wave arrives, and then another. There is always something else to do or acquire. This form of laziness involves staying distracted with coundess things to achieve and do. There will never come a time when we’ve completed everything. These preoccupations never cease. Unaware of the cause of this unsettledness, we habitually cling to external things and are subject to an endless procession of wandering thoughts and impulsive actions. This happens all the time when we’re attached to external things.
If we start looking inwardly, we will discover the source of all these restless feelings. We will also find joy, tranquility, and thoughts that bring peace and harmony.
Don’t believe this just because Guru Padmasambhava said it. Look into the history of renowned people, warriors, kings, or those with great artistic talent. All of them died with dreams and projects unfulfilled. Everyone leaves this world with unfinished business. Investigate this for yourself. You’ll find that this is really true.
When we see laziness in ourselves, what should we do? Respond immediately and with vigor. Don’t fall for, “I will do it later.” You don’t have to be patient with laziness. Guru Padmasambhava said that when you observe laziness in yourself, act like a timid person who has just discovered that a snake has crawled up into his lap. You would not just sit there to see what the snake does next. You’d get right up, throw it off, and run away! Guru Padmasambhava also said that to overcome laziness you must act immediately, like a beautiful lady whose hair has just caught on fire. These are very clear examples about how to respond to laziness.
~
Meditation is the fruit of study and contemplation. In this context, meditation doesn’t mean merely sitting calmly and focusing the mind on an external object; here we are resting our mind in the true nature. Since the true nature pervades everything both internally and externally, meditating on it clarifies our view and helps us to fully understand both subjective and objective phenomena. The focus in meditation should be on the nature of the mind itself. This will reveal everything.
Meditation on the true nature yields a lucid clarity and profound openness that is very mysterious. Abiding continuously in that state will cause beautiful qualities like compassion and wisdom to arise and shine naturally. At first, thoughts will become less interesting or insistent. As you learn to abide in deep meditation for longer periods, dualistic conceptions will be completely pacified. When you become freely established in the radiance of the primordial nature, thoughts will become like servants. At that point, you will have a greater capacity to take responsibility for your mental events.