In brief, ground
mahamudra
is contained both in things as they are as well as in confusion; it is contained both in self-nature, which is free from confusion, and in the non-
.
.
Jamgon-Kongtrul-Cloudless-Sky
Of all the approaches taught by the Buddha, mahamudra is considered the most excellent.
This was the approach followed by the early teachers of the Kagyii tra- dition, who achieved complete realization within a single lifetime, relying exclusively on the path of mahamudra and its skillful means.
Fortunately, the early teachers did not keep their insights to themselves but expressed them in the form of songs. These songs are in fact not ordinary songs of the kind that can be written or composed. They arise neither from a par- ticular cause nor for a particular purpose. The extraordi- naryaspectofthesesongsisthattheyspontaneouslyexpress
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inner experiences and transmit the complete meaning of mahamudra and all its aspects-view, action, and medita- tion. They deal with the ultimate teachings ! _)resented by the perfect Buddha, the teachings about ultimate truth. This is why these dohas are described as vajra dohas, because their meaning is indestructible and unchanging.
The vajra songs of the Kagyii Gurtso date back to the earlier Kagyii masters. When reciting them today, we should adjust our body, speech, and mind so as to take full advan- tage of the recitation. With regard to the body, one should wear appropriate clothing, for instance the three dharma robes ifone has taken the vows. With regard to speech, one should sing the melody with great accuracy and pronounce each word properly. Mentally, one should concentrate on every word and internalize its meaning. In this way, one should not simply recite the text but should take great care to involve one's body, speech, and mind in reading the vajra song.
Vajra songs are meant to help the practitioner overcome three types of obstacles: outer, inner (disturbances related to prana, nadi, and hindu), and secret (those that interfere with spiritual progress and meditation). The practice of ma- hamudra, the way of the Kagyiis, is based mainly on trust and surrender. By reading the vajra songs, one not only de- velops the three types oftrust-the trust ofconviction, the trust oflonging, and pure trust-but also learns to surren- der. By keeping the examples of one's teachers in mind, one achieves the inner certainty that it is possible to follow the path and, through one's practice, attain realization.
In addition, as mentioned above, each vajra song contains the entire meaning of the teachings of Buddha: emptiness, codependent origination, precious bodhichitta, and insight into the unity of emptiness and compassion; one taste, the
. 14.
? ? ? ? Commentary ? . ?
unity of samsara and nirvana; impermanence, the constant transformation of all things; and many other teachings. This means that ifone actually manages to understand and trans- plant within oneself the meaning of the song, then one is not only directing one's body, speech, and mind toward the dharma, but is also treading the path itself and giving rise to limitless benefits.
The essence of the countless teachings of Buddha is the explanation ofbuddha-nature, the luminosity that abides in the mind of every single being. As long as one does not rec- ognize one's buddha-nature, one experiences the confusion of samsara. However, realizing the potential ofbuddhahood that lies within is in itself buddhahood. Buddha's instruc- tions were basically methods to help one overcome confu- sion and recognize the true nature of mind. The teachings o f m a h a m u d r a , k n o w n as t h e " p a t h o f l i b e r a t i o n , " r e p r e s e n t the pinnacle of the Buddha's teachings.
What is meant by mahamudra? Mahamudra consists ba- sically of three aspects: ground, path, and view mahamudra. Ground mahamudra is the unity of relative truth and ulti- mate truth. It is freedom from both the two extremes of cternalism, or belief in lasting and true existence, and nihil- ism, or belief in the nonexistence of phenomena.
Path mahamudra is the union of skillful means and wis- dom. But not falling into the extremes of either nihilism or the belief in the permanence of appearances, and by not neglecting either wisdom or skillful means, one accom- plishes the two types of accumulations. These are the accu- mulation of object-related merit and the accumulation of nonreferential wisdom. In essence, the path consists in unit- rng these two accumulations.
Fruition mahamudra is freedom from the extremes of samsara and nirvana. It is based on ground mahamudra, the
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unity of relative and ultimate truths, and on path mahamu- dra, the unity of the two accumulations. In this state, there is no difference between the three realms of samsara and liberation or nirvana. Fruition mahamudra is the realization of the unity of dharmakaya and the form kayas.
Since mahamudra encompasses the three aspects of ground, path, and fruition, it should be evident that there is nothing that it does not accommodate. It includes every- thing, from the state of confusion concerning the nature of the path up to the realization of perfect buddahood. In other words, mahamudra is recognizing the nature of one's own mind.
The Tibetan word for mahamudra is chak gya chenpo. Chak refers to emptiness which is perfect in every respect; gya chenpo, the great expanse, refers to the all-encompass- ing wisdom inherent in emptiness. The meaning of this gloss is that in its depth and breadth, mahamudra encompasses everything. Mahamudra is the "path of liberation," the highest of all paths, the quickest and most profound way to buddhahood. He who was foretold by the Victorious One in the Samadhirajasutra and elsewhere, the glorious, holy guru Lodro Thaye, also called Karma Ngakwang Yonten Gyatso,1 composed this vajra doha having accomplished the realization of mahamudra. It is entitled "The Self-Arising Innate Song upon Acquiring a Mere Glimpse of Certainty in the View and Meditation of the Incomparable Takpo Kagyii. "
The illustrious one, Vajradhara,
Who is said to possess the eight good qualities, 2 Is seen in human form by ordinary men like us.
1. Lodro Thaye and Karma Ngakwang Yonten Gyatso: two names for the first Jamgon Kongtriil Rinpoche. See also Appendix 1.
2. Eightgoodqualities:See"QuestionsandAnswers,"page84.
. 16.
? ? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
You are the refuge called Padma/ endowed with blessings. From the eight-petaled lotus dome4 ofmy heart.
I supplicated you not to be separate even /or an instant. Though I did not have the goodfortune ofrealization and
liberation at once,'
I was blessed with just recognizing my own nature.
Therefore, concern /or the eight worldly dharmar diminished,
And I clearly saw the famous luminous dharmakaya7
By mixing my mind with the guru's.
Idiscovered nonthought in the midst ofdiscursive thought, And within nonconcept, wz'sdom dawned.
Now, with thejoyous appreciation ofa lineage son ofthe Takpo buddha,
I am inspired to speak out.
In the west, in Uddiyana, the secret treasure ground ofthe dakinis,
The great si'ddha Ti'/o8
Opened the treasure ofthe three gems. 9
In the north, in the hermitage ofRavishing Beautiful
Flowers,
The learned Mahapandita Naro10 Showedthemarkofasiddha,indivisibleprana11 andmind.
\. Padma (Tib. , pema, "lotus") refers to Jamgon Kongtriil Lodro Thaye's ll"acher, Situ Perna Nyinje Wangpo.
? I. Eight-petaled lotus dome: In the vajrayana, the relationship to the ll"acher is very important. One way of constantly upholding it is to visualize ? llle's teacher seated on an eight-petaled lotus in one's heart.
~. Realization and liberation at once: momentary experience of the highest mahamudra realization.
h. See Glossary: eight worldly dharmas.
I For dharmakaya, see Glossary: kaya.
X. Tilo: Tilopa. See Glossary. ''? Threegems:SeeGlossary.
Ill. Naro: Naropa. See Glossary.
II. Prana:windofenergyinthebody. SeeGlossary:prana,nadi,hindu.
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? ? ? ? ? CLOUDLESS SKY ? ? ?
In the south, in the land ofherbs, the valley ofTrowo, The translator,12 emanatedfrom Hevajra,
Established the source ofthe river ofall siddhas.
In the west, in the Lachi snow range,
The supreme being, Shepa Dorje, Attained the state ofunity in one lifetime.
In the east, in heavenly Taklha Gampo, 13
The honorable physician, the second victorious one, Realized the samadhi ofthe tenth bhumi.
In the chakras ofbody, speech, and mind,
The host ofthe siddhas ofthefour great and eight lesser
lineages14
Obtained the lifejorce ofmahamudra
And could not help but attain enlightenment.
Skilled in magnetizing through bodhichitta,
They could not help but benefit beings.
Having obtained the profound wealth, the perfection ofthe
two accumulations, n
They could not help but become prosperous [but realize
sambhogakaya}I6
Fully understanding that knowing one liberates all, They could not help but fulfill the great prophecy. 17
Lineage sons ofthese wealthy fathers
Possess the great self-existing riches ofthis previous karma. They are the children ofsnow lionesses and great garudas.
12. ReferstoMarpatheTranslator. SeeGlossary. 13. Gampo: Gampopa. See Glossary.
14. SeeGlossary: Kagyii.
15. SeeGlossary:twoaccumulations.
16. Forsambhogakaya,seeGlossary:kaya.
17. Realizationofbuddhahood,aswasprophesiedbytheteacher.
. 18.
? ? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
By the power o f their family bloodline, they are completely mature at once.
Asfollowers ofthe lineage ofKagyii siddhas,
Their meditation is naturally born through the power of
these blessings.
Bragging oftheir pain in many years ofpractice, Proud ofdwelling in indolence,
Boasting ofhaving endured such pain, Undermining others and haughty,
Keeping score with discursive thoughts ofselfand others
In counting up the realizations ofthe bhumis and the paths. 18 These are the qualities ofthe ignorant meditators in this
dark age.
We do not possess these, and though I do not have the title o f
a siddha,
Nevertheless, through the excellent oralinstructions ofthe
example lineage, 19
I have seen the wisdom ofultimate mahamudra.
Ground mahamudra is the view, understanding things as they are.
Path mahamudra is the experience ofmeditation. Fruition mahamudra is the realization ofone's mind as
buddha.
lam unworthy, but my guru is good.
Though born in the dark age, I am very fortunate.
Though I have little perseverance, the oral instructions are
profound.
The doha that is the subject of this book was sung by Jamgon Kongtriil Lodro Thaye, the first Jamgon Kongtriil
Rinpoche, upon realizing mahamudra.
18. SeeGlossary:fivepaths.
19. ThemahamudrateachingsoftheKagyiitransmission.
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The first part, consisting of praise to Vajradhara and the lineage holders Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa, is not elucidated here in greater detail, since these teachings deal specifically with the central issue of the doha, which is mahamudra, and contain explanations about ground, path, and fruition mahamudra.
GROUND MAHAMUDRA
As for ground mahamudra:
There are both things as they are and the way ofconfusion.
What is the meaning of ground mahamudra? "Things as they are" refers to the ground, that is, the nature of all phe- nomena; "the way of confusion" refers to the state in which one finds oneself as long as one has not acknowledged the nature of phenomena (the Tibetan word for "confusion" actually means something that is not in accordance with na- ture). Thus there are these two states.
In connection with this, Gampopa's Jewel Ornament of Liberation states that the basic nature of all beings is in itself pure and free from confusion, but since one does not rec- ognize one's basic nature one lives in a state of confusion. Still, confusion is not inherent in the nature of mind itself, which is pure and free from any confusion or stain. Confu- sion means simply that one has not yet understood one's true nature, whereas buddhahood is understanding one's true nature. Buddhahood does not involve acquiring some- thing new, but rather recognizing something that was always there.
In brief, ground mahamudra is contained both in things as they are as well as in confusion; it is contained both in self-nature, which is free from confusion, and in the non-
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? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
recognition of this true nature. Confusion manifests in var- ious illusory views, such as the belief that things are really existent or totally nonexistent.
It does not incline toward either samsara or nirvana, . . .
Although in terms of their ultimate nature samsara and nirvana are not separate, nevertheless one perceives them as opposites. Experiencing the confusion of samsara, one is also led to experience the fruition of samsara in the form of suffering. In one's experience, samsara appears as some- thing painful and evil that one should free oneself from so as to overcome suffering, whereas nirvana, or freedom from confusion and pain, appears as a state that is higher than and opposed to samsara, a state ofliberation that one should strive for.
In one's confusion, samsara and nirvana appear as sepa- rate entities, samsara as something bad and nirvana as some- thing desirable and positive. Ultimately, however, this sepa- ration between samsara as confusion and nirvana as a state of liberation from confusion does not exist in the nature of self. By its own nature, samsara is emptiness; however, since one does not recognize its emptiness, it appears in the form of samsara or suffering. Nirvana is freedom from any type of confusion or suffering. This is its only difference with respect to samsara, since the nature of nirvana is also emp- tiness, as is the nature of samsara. Therefore, samsara and nirvana are ultimately inseparable, since the nature of both is emptiness. This is why the text says: "It does not incline toward either samsara or nirvana"-toward a samsara that would have to be abandoned or a nirvana that would have to be achieved.
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Andisfree/rom the extremes ofexaggeration and denigration.
The basic nature of all phenomena is free from extremes such as existence and nonexistence, because the ultimate nature of reality is the inseparability of emptiness and lu- minosity. Misunderstanding this, the luminous aspect of mind appears as the world of relative manifestations.
Not comprehending the true nature of appearances, one develops definite preconceptions with regard to their es- sence. One either considers appearances to be permanent, which leads to the extreme of eternalism or believing in the lasting existence of things, or else one negates appearances altogether, which leads to the extreme of nihilism or believ- ing in their nonexistence. As long as one does not under- stand the essential unity of emptiness and luminosity, one clings to these views and finds it impossible to get rid of the illusion that things really do or do not exist, or that I exist and the other exists, and so on.
Within the relative world phenomena arise only in inter- dependence. Since appearances come into being through dependent origination, they are neither existent nor non- existent. Thus neither of the two extremes of eternalism and nihilism are accurate. However, because one does not un- derstand the meaning of dependent origination one clings to these extreme views.
This was described by the third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, in his Mahamudra Supplication:
All phenomena are projections of mind.
Mind itself does not exist
And is empty in its being.
Although empty, it manifests everything without
obstruction.
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? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ? Through precise examination
May we discover the fundamental root.
Where does the confusion with regard to the appearance of things lie? Could it be that external objects are the source of confusion, that confusion lies in phenomena? In fact, confusion does not lie in objects that come into being, since phenomena arise from the luminosity of mind. The unob- structed play of the mind is, in fact, the manifestation of phenomena. If all appearances arise from mind, can one then assume that confusion lies in the nature of mind itself? Yet mind is by its very nature emptiness, therefore confu- sion cannot lie in the nature of mind.
The nature of mind is emptiness, yet things arise unob- structedly in all their diversity. This is the fundamental na- ture of both mind and ground mahamudra. Mind is by its very nature empty, yet appearances arise from it without obstruction. Out ofthe unobstructed emptiness ofmind the whole range of appearances can manifest without limit. On a relative level, phenomena manifest through dependent origination; this is inseparable from the emptiness of mind, which is the ultimate level. Freedom from extremes is real- izing that emptiness and dependent origination are one and do not contradict each other. Confusion lies neither in the appearance ofthings, nor in the fact that they are manifested by mind, but in one's own misunderstanding of the empti- ness and luminosity of mind.
Not produced by causes, not changed by conditions, It is not spoiled by confusion
Nor exalted by realization.
It does not know either confusion or liberation.
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The nature of mind, or ground mahamudra, is free from extremes. It is not produced by causes, unlike external phe- nomena that arise based on causal factors. Similarly, it is not changed by conditions, unlike external objects that change their appearance due to various influences. Neither of these apply to the nature of mind.
Neither confusion nor realization can influence the na- ture of mind. Although one will remain in a state of confu- sion as long as one does not recognize mind's nature, the basic nature of mind itself is neither confused nor contami- nated by this. It always remains the same. Similarly, even if one manages to free oneself from confusion and fully rec- ognizes the nature of mind, mind's nature itself is not im- proved; it acquires no new qualities that were not there pre- viously. Accordingly, since the nature of mind itself is never confused by confusion, there is also no liberation from con- fusion as far as the nature of mind is concerned.
Since no essence exists anywhere,
Its expression is completely unobstructed and manifests
everything.
Pervading all ofsamsara and nirvana like space, . . .
The nature of mind does not depend on causes and con- ditions, nor does it consist of substances, as external objects do. This is why the expression of the mind is unobstructed and everything can manifest. Yet, although the nature of mind consists of nothing, it is not nothingness, and allows both samsara and nirvana to arise. It is the basis for every- thing.
According to the Mahamudra Supplication by Rangjung Dorje:
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? ? o o Commentary ? o ?
[Mind] is not existent
Since even the Buddhas do not see it, Nor is it nonexistent
Since it is the basis for all,
Both samsara and nirvana.
The basic nature of mind is complete, both in one's pres- ent state of confusion or samsara, and in the state of libera- tion from confusion. To liberate oneself from confusion it is necessary to remove the obscurations that veil the nature of mind. One experiences the state of confusion or samsara only because one does not recognize the nature of mind; if one recognizes it, that is liberation from confusion. Libera- tion is not something new to be acquired externally but re- sides within mind itself. Mind is the basis for both samsara and nirvana, for both confusion and liberation.
It is the ground o fall confusion and liberation,
With its self-luminous consciousness
Andits alaya-vijiiana.
As for the cognitive aspect ofthis neutral state,
Its essence is empty and its nature is luminous.
These two are inseparable and are the quintessence o f
insight.
At present, because ofone's confusion, one clings to con- cepts and is therefore unable to experience one's inherent self-knowing insight, the self-luminosity of mind from which everything arises. One experiences instead the so- called alaya-vijfi. ana, that aspect of one's mind that underlies all the different types of consciousness one has at present. In the alaya-vijfi. ana are stored all the positive, negative, or neutral impressions. When activated, it projects these im-
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pressions, yet by its very nature the alaya-vijiiana is nothing other than self-knowing insight.
Because of its luminous quality, mind itself is not hidden; it can know itself and display all the manifold buddha qual- ities and wisdoms. Emptiness and luminosity of mind are inseparable and in fact constitute mind, which is the unity of space or emptiness and wisdom or insight. The expres- sion "quintessence of insight" refers precisely to this unity of emptiness and luminosity.
It is space, ungraspable as a thing.
It is a spotless precious clear crystal.
It is the glow ofthe lamp ofself-luminous mind.
It is inexpressible, the experience ofa mute.
It is unobscured, transparent wisdom,
The luminous dharmakaya, sugatagarbha,
Primordially pure and spontaneous.
It cannot be shown through analogy by anyone,
And it cannot be expressed in words.
It is the dharmadhatu, which overwhelms mind's inspection.
Although one cannot point to mind and say it is this or that, mind pervades all of samsara and nirvana. Buddha- nature, the nature of mind, is undefiled by obscurations, like a completely pure and clear crystal, transparent and shining. Like the glow of a lamp which lights up its surroundings, insight and self-luminosity of mind are in themselves en- lightenment, without the need to add anything. They cannot be expressed in words, and even direct experience of them defies description, like a deaf-mute who cannot put his ex- perience into words.
The nature of mind is unobscured perfect wisdom. It in- cludes all the previously described qualities and is the dhar-
? 26?
? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
makaya. Luminous dharmakaya itself is identical with su- gatagarbha or buddha-nature. Buddha-nature is both primordially pure, since it has never been defiled by obscu- rations, and spontaneous, since all the sixty-four qualities of a buddha are always complete and naturally present within it, without the need to attain or acquire them.
Buddha-nature, however, cannot be described with ex- amples or concepts. Buddha himself said that everything related to prajiiaparamita, the highest form of knowledge, can be neither grasped with thoughts, described in words, nor explained with concepts, since it transcends conceptual mind.
Buddha-nature cannot be understood by thinking, spec- ulation, or intellectual approaches. It is impossible to attain actual understanding of the true nature of mind through examples, concepts, thoughts, or personal ideas. Other things can be understood in this manner, but the dharma- dhatu "overwhelms" mind since it is beyond mind. Insight into buddha-nature can only arise through inner experience in meditation.
Established in this to begin with, One should cut all doubts.
How does one go about acquiring insight into buddha- nature or dharmadhatu, which are beyond words, concepts, or personal ideas? First, one must receive teachings in order to establish oneself in the proper view. Phenomena do not really exist. While on a relative plane all things arise in mu- tual interdependence, ultimately they are nonexistent, even though in one's confusion one takes them to be real. These two levels of reality, that is, the relative and the ultimate, are inseparable; they are not in opposition, but form a whole.
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Once one has understood the various aspects of the proper view and is aware of the unity of relative truth and ultimate truth, then one does not fall into the extreme views of existence and nonexistence and can practice meditation based on this view.
When one practices meditation with the view_ It is like a garuda fathoming space.
There is no fear and no doubt.
The one who meditates without the view
Is like a blind man wandering the plains.
There is no reference point for where the true path is.
The one who does not meditate, but merely holds the view_ Is like a rich man tethered by stinginess.
He is unable to bring appropriate fruition to himselfand
others.
Joining the view and meditation is the holy tradition.
Buddha taught on very different levels, in accordance with the intelligence of his students. There are teachings that convey the actual meaning directly, while others require interpretation, or rather, further elucidation. One must place the different explanations on relative and ultimate truth in this last category. If one has not understood the proper view, or has understood it only vaguely, one will not know which teachings may be grasped directly and which require further elucidation. Not recognizing the unity of the two truths, one will feel that these two modes of explanation are contradictory and will run the risk of getting confused for want of adequate theoretical understanding. For in- stance, seeing that in one place the teachings state that things exist and in another place that things do not exist, one will only see contradiction in this.
. 28.
? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
In his teachings, Buddha Shakyamuni always presented both levels of reality. Although on different occasions he may have emphasized relative or ultimate truth, this was done on the assumption that his students understood the unity of these two truths. H this understanding is lacking, everything becomes difficult and complicated, because one does not include the ultimate level in contemplating relative
reality of phenomena, and one forgets about the relative level in referring to ultimate truth. If, however, one under- standstheunityofthesetwolevelsofreality,thendifficulties will not arise. A proper understanding of the unity of rela- tive and ultimate truth is of great importance, especially for vajrayana practitioners of the mahamudra.
Fortunately, the early teachers did not keep their insights to themselves but expressed them in the form of songs. These songs are in fact not ordinary songs of the kind that can be written or composed. They arise neither from a par- ticular cause nor for a particular purpose. The extraordi- naryaspectofthesesongsisthattheyspontaneouslyexpress
. 13.
? ? ? ? CLOUDLESS SKY ? ? ?
inner experiences and transmit the complete meaning of mahamudra and all its aspects-view, action, and medita- tion. They deal with the ultimate teachings ! _)resented by the perfect Buddha, the teachings about ultimate truth. This is why these dohas are described as vajra dohas, because their meaning is indestructible and unchanging.
The vajra songs of the Kagyii Gurtso date back to the earlier Kagyii masters. When reciting them today, we should adjust our body, speech, and mind so as to take full advan- tage of the recitation. With regard to the body, one should wear appropriate clothing, for instance the three dharma robes ifone has taken the vows. With regard to speech, one should sing the melody with great accuracy and pronounce each word properly. Mentally, one should concentrate on every word and internalize its meaning. In this way, one should not simply recite the text but should take great care to involve one's body, speech, and mind in reading the vajra song.
Vajra songs are meant to help the practitioner overcome three types of obstacles: outer, inner (disturbances related to prana, nadi, and hindu), and secret (those that interfere with spiritual progress and meditation). The practice of ma- hamudra, the way of the Kagyiis, is based mainly on trust and surrender. By reading the vajra songs, one not only de- velops the three types oftrust-the trust ofconviction, the trust oflonging, and pure trust-but also learns to surren- der. By keeping the examples of one's teachers in mind, one achieves the inner certainty that it is possible to follow the path and, through one's practice, attain realization.
In addition, as mentioned above, each vajra song contains the entire meaning of the teachings of Buddha: emptiness, codependent origination, precious bodhichitta, and insight into the unity of emptiness and compassion; one taste, the
. 14.
? ? ? ? Commentary ? . ?
unity of samsara and nirvana; impermanence, the constant transformation of all things; and many other teachings. This means that ifone actually manages to understand and trans- plant within oneself the meaning of the song, then one is not only directing one's body, speech, and mind toward the dharma, but is also treading the path itself and giving rise to limitless benefits.
The essence of the countless teachings of Buddha is the explanation ofbuddha-nature, the luminosity that abides in the mind of every single being. As long as one does not rec- ognize one's buddha-nature, one experiences the confusion of samsara. However, realizing the potential ofbuddhahood that lies within is in itself buddhahood. Buddha's instruc- tions were basically methods to help one overcome confu- sion and recognize the true nature of mind. The teachings o f m a h a m u d r a , k n o w n as t h e " p a t h o f l i b e r a t i o n , " r e p r e s e n t the pinnacle of the Buddha's teachings.
What is meant by mahamudra? Mahamudra consists ba- sically of three aspects: ground, path, and view mahamudra. Ground mahamudra is the unity of relative truth and ulti- mate truth. It is freedom from both the two extremes of cternalism, or belief in lasting and true existence, and nihil- ism, or belief in the nonexistence of phenomena.
Path mahamudra is the union of skillful means and wis- dom. But not falling into the extremes of either nihilism or the belief in the permanence of appearances, and by not neglecting either wisdom or skillful means, one accom- plishes the two types of accumulations. These are the accu- mulation of object-related merit and the accumulation of nonreferential wisdom. In essence, the path consists in unit- rng these two accumulations.
Fruition mahamudra is freedom from the extremes of samsara and nirvana. It is based on ground mahamudra, the
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unity of relative and ultimate truths, and on path mahamu- dra, the unity of the two accumulations. In this state, there is no difference between the three realms of samsara and liberation or nirvana. Fruition mahamudra is the realization of the unity of dharmakaya and the form kayas.
Since mahamudra encompasses the three aspects of ground, path, and fruition, it should be evident that there is nothing that it does not accommodate. It includes every- thing, from the state of confusion concerning the nature of the path up to the realization of perfect buddahood. In other words, mahamudra is recognizing the nature of one's own mind.
The Tibetan word for mahamudra is chak gya chenpo. Chak refers to emptiness which is perfect in every respect; gya chenpo, the great expanse, refers to the all-encompass- ing wisdom inherent in emptiness. The meaning of this gloss is that in its depth and breadth, mahamudra encompasses everything. Mahamudra is the "path of liberation," the highest of all paths, the quickest and most profound way to buddhahood. He who was foretold by the Victorious One in the Samadhirajasutra and elsewhere, the glorious, holy guru Lodro Thaye, also called Karma Ngakwang Yonten Gyatso,1 composed this vajra doha having accomplished the realization of mahamudra. It is entitled "The Self-Arising Innate Song upon Acquiring a Mere Glimpse of Certainty in the View and Meditation of the Incomparable Takpo Kagyii. "
The illustrious one, Vajradhara,
Who is said to possess the eight good qualities, 2 Is seen in human form by ordinary men like us.
1. Lodro Thaye and Karma Ngakwang Yonten Gyatso: two names for the first Jamgon Kongtriil Rinpoche. See also Appendix 1.
2. Eightgoodqualities:See"QuestionsandAnswers,"page84.
. 16.
? ? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
You are the refuge called Padma/ endowed with blessings. From the eight-petaled lotus dome4 ofmy heart.
I supplicated you not to be separate even /or an instant. Though I did not have the goodfortune ofrealization and
liberation at once,'
I was blessed with just recognizing my own nature.
Therefore, concern /or the eight worldly dharmar diminished,
And I clearly saw the famous luminous dharmakaya7
By mixing my mind with the guru's.
Idiscovered nonthought in the midst ofdiscursive thought, And within nonconcept, wz'sdom dawned.
Now, with thejoyous appreciation ofa lineage son ofthe Takpo buddha,
I am inspired to speak out.
In the west, in Uddiyana, the secret treasure ground ofthe dakinis,
The great si'ddha Ti'/o8
Opened the treasure ofthe three gems. 9
In the north, in the hermitage ofRavishing Beautiful
Flowers,
The learned Mahapandita Naro10 Showedthemarkofasiddha,indivisibleprana11 andmind.
\. Padma (Tib. , pema, "lotus") refers to Jamgon Kongtriil Lodro Thaye's ll"acher, Situ Perna Nyinje Wangpo.
? I. Eight-petaled lotus dome: In the vajrayana, the relationship to the ll"acher is very important. One way of constantly upholding it is to visualize ? llle's teacher seated on an eight-petaled lotus in one's heart.
~. Realization and liberation at once: momentary experience of the highest mahamudra realization.
h. See Glossary: eight worldly dharmas.
I For dharmakaya, see Glossary: kaya.
X. Tilo: Tilopa. See Glossary. ''? Threegems:SeeGlossary.
Ill. Naro: Naropa. See Glossary.
II. Prana:windofenergyinthebody. SeeGlossary:prana,nadi,hindu.
. 17.
? ? ? ? ? CLOUDLESS SKY ? ? ?
In the south, in the land ofherbs, the valley ofTrowo, The translator,12 emanatedfrom Hevajra,
Established the source ofthe river ofall siddhas.
In the west, in the Lachi snow range,
The supreme being, Shepa Dorje, Attained the state ofunity in one lifetime.
In the east, in heavenly Taklha Gampo, 13
The honorable physician, the second victorious one, Realized the samadhi ofthe tenth bhumi.
In the chakras ofbody, speech, and mind,
The host ofthe siddhas ofthefour great and eight lesser
lineages14
Obtained the lifejorce ofmahamudra
And could not help but attain enlightenment.
Skilled in magnetizing through bodhichitta,
They could not help but benefit beings.
Having obtained the profound wealth, the perfection ofthe
two accumulations, n
They could not help but become prosperous [but realize
sambhogakaya}I6
Fully understanding that knowing one liberates all, They could not help but fulfill the great prophecy. 17
Lineage sons ofthese wealthy fathers
Possess the great self-existing riches ofthis previous karma. They are the children ofsnow lionesses and great garudas.
12. ReferstoMarpatheTranslator. SeeGlossary. 13. Gampo: Gampopa. See Glossary.
14. SeeGlossary: Kagyii.
15. SeeGlossary:twoaccumulations.
16. Forsambhogakaya,seeGlossary:kaya.
17. Realizationofbuddhahood,aswasprophesiedbytheteacher.
. 18.
? ? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
By the power o f their family bloodline, they are completely mature at once.
Asfollowers ofthe lineage ofKagyii siddhas,
Their meditation is naturally born through the power of
these blessings.
Bragging oftheir pain in many years ofpractice, Proud ofdwelling in indolence,
Boasting ofhaving endured such pain, Undermining others and haughty,
Keeping score with discursive thoughts ofselfand others
In counting up the realizations ofthe bhumis and the paths. 18 These are the qualities ofthe ignorant meditators in this
dark age.
We do not possess these, and though I do not have the title o f
a siddha,
Nevertheless, through the excellent oralinstructions ofthe
example lineage, 19
I have seen the wisdom ofultimate mahamudra.
Ground mahamudra is the view, understanding things as they are.
Path mahamudra is the experience ofmeditation. Fruition mahamudra is the realization ofone's mind as
buddha.
lam unworthy, but my guru is good.
Though born in the dark age, I am very fortunate.
Though I have little perseverance, the oral instructions are
profound.
The doha that is the subject of this book was sung by Jamgon Kongtriil Lodro Thaye, the first Jamgon Kongtriil
Rinpoche, upon realizing mahamudra.
18. SeeGlossary:fivepaths.
19. ThemahamudrateachingsoftheKagyiitransmission.
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The first part, consisting of praise to Vajradhara and the lineage holders Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa, is not elucidated here in greater detail, since these teachings deal specifically with the central issue of the doha, which is mahamudra, and contain explanations about ground, path, and fruition mahamudra.
GROUND MAHAMUDRA
As for ground mahamudra:
There are both things as they are and the way ofconfusion.
What is the meaning of ground mahamudra? "Things as they are" refers to the ground, that is, the nature of all phe- nomena; "the way of confusion" refers to the state in which one finds oneself as long as one has not acknowledged the nature of phenomena (the Tibetan word for "confusion" actually means something that is not in accordance with na- ture). Thus there are these two states.
In connection with this, Gampopa's Jewel Ornament of Liberation states that the basic nature of all beings is in itself pure and free from confusion, but since one does not rec- ognize one's basic nature one lives in a state of confusion. Still, confusion is not inherent in the nature of mind itself, which is pure and free from any confusion or stain. Confu- sion means simply that one has not yet understood one's true nature, whereas buddhahood is understanding one's true nature. Buddhahood does not involve acquiring some- thing new, but rather recognizing something that was always there.
In brief, ground mahamudra is contained both in things as they are as well as in confusion; it is contained both in self-nature, which is free from confusion, and in the non-
. 20.
? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
recognition of this true nature. Confusion manifests in var- ious illusory views, such as the belief that things are really existent or totally nonexistent.
It does not incline toward either samsara or nirvana, . . .
Although in terms of their ultimate nature samsara and nirvana are not separate, nevertheless one perceives them as opposites. Experiencing the confusion of samsara, one is also led to experience the fruition of samsara in the form of suffering. In one's experience, samsara appears as some- thing painful and evil that one should free oneself from so as to overcome suffering, whereas nirvana, or freedom from confusion and pain, appears as a state that is higher than and opposed to samsara, a state ofliberation that one should strive for.
In one's confusion, samsara and nirvana appear as sepa- rate entities, samsara as something bad and nirvana as some- thing desirable and positive. Ultimately, however, this sepa- ration between samsara as confusion and nirvana as a state of liberation from confusion does not exist in the nature of self. By its own nature, samsara is emptiness; however, since one does not recognize its emptiness, it appears in the form of samsara or suffering. Nirvana is freedom from any type of confusion or suffering. This is its only difference with respect to samsara, since the nature of nirvana is also emp- tiness, as is the nature of samsara. Therefore, samsara and nirvana are ultimately inseparable, since the nature of both is emptiness. This is why the text says: "It does not incline toward either samsara or nirvana"-toward a samsara that would have to be abandoned or a nirvana that would have to be achieved.
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Andisfree/rom the extremes ofexaggeration and denigration.
The basic nature of all phenomena is free from extremes such as existence and nonexistence, because the ultimate nature of reality is the inseparability of emptiness and lu- minosity. Misunderstanding this, the luminous aspect of mind appears as the world of relative manifestations.
Not comprehending the true nature of appearances, one develops definite preconceptions with regard to their es- sence. One either considers appearances to be permanent, which leads to the extreme of eternalism or believing in the lasting existence of things, or else one negates appearances altogether, which leads to the extreme of nihilism or believ- ing in their nonexistence. As long as one does not under- stand the essential unity of emptiness and luminosity, one clings to these views and finds it impossible to get rid of the illusion that things really do or do not exist, or that I exist and the other exists, and so on.
Within the relative world phenomena arise only in inter- dependence. Since appearances come into being through dependent origination, they are neither existent nor non- existent. Thus neither of the two extremes of eternalism and nihilism are accurate. However, because one does not un- derstand the meaning of dependent origination one clings to these extreme views.
This was described by the third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, in his Mahamudra Supplication:
All phenomena are projections of mind.
Mind itself does not exist
And is empty in its being.
Although empty, it manifests everything without
obstruction.
. 22.
? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ? Through precise examination
May we discover the fundamental root.
Where does the confusion with regard to the appearance of things lie? Could it be that external objects are the source of confusion, that confusion lies in phenomena? In fact, confusion does not lie in objects that come into being, since phenomena arise from the luminosity of mind. The unob- structed play of the mind is, in fact, the manifestation of phenomena. If all appearances arise from mind, can one then assume that confusion lies in the nature of mind itself? Yet mind is by its very nature emptiness, therefore confu- sion cannot lie in the nature of mind.
The nature of mind is emptiness, yet things arise unob- structedly in all their diversity. This is the fundamental na- ture of both mind and ground mahamudra. Mind is by its very nature empty, yet appearances arise from it without obstruction. Out ofthe unobstructed emptiness ofmind the whole range of appearances can manifest without limit. On a relative level, phenomena manifest through dependent origination; this is inseparable from the emptiness of mind, which is the ultimate level. Freedom from extremes is real- izing that emptiness and dependent origination are one and do not contradict each other. Confusion lies neither in the appearance ofthings, nor in the fact that they are manifested by mind, but in one's own misunderstanding of the empti- ness and luminosity of mind.
Not produced by causes, not changed by conditions, It is not spoiled by confusion
Nor exalted by realization.
It does not know either confusion or liberation.
. 23.
? ? ? ? CLOUDLESS SKY? ? ?
The nature of mind, or ground mahamudra, is free from extremes. It is not produced by causes, unlike external phe- nomena that arise based on causal factors. Similarly, it is not changed by conditions, unlike external objects that change their appearance due to various influences. Neither of these apply to the nature of mind.
Neither confusion nor realization can influence the na- ture of mind. Although one will remain in a state of confu- sion as long as one does not recognize mind's nature, the basic nature of mind itself is neither confused nor contami- nated by this. It always remains the same. Similarly, even if one manages to free oneself from confusion and fully rec- ognizes the nature of mind, mind's nature itself is not im- proved; it acquires no new qualities that were not there pre- viously. Accordingly, since the nature of mind itself is never confused by confusion, there is also no liberation from con- fusion as far as the nature of mind is concerned.
Since no essence exists anywhere,
Its expression is completely unobstructed and manifests
everything.
Pervading all ofsamsara and nirvana like space, . . .
The nature of mind does not depend on causes and con- ditions, nor does it consist of substances, as external objects do. This is why the expression of the mind is unobstructed and everything can manifest. Yet, although the nature of mind consists of nothing, it is not nothingness, and allows both samsara and nirvana to arise. It is the basis for every- thing.
According to the Mahamudra Supplication by Rangjung Dorje:
? 24?
? ? o o Commentary ? o ?
[Mind] is not existent
Since even the Buddhas do not see it, Nor is it nonexistent
Since it is the basis for all,
Both samsara and nirvana.
The basic nature of mind is complete, both in one's pres- ent state of confusion or samsara, and in the state of libera- tion from confusion. To liberate oneself from confusion it is necessary to remove the obscurations that veil the nature of mind. One experiences the state of confusion or samsara only because one does not recognize the nature of mind; if one recognizes it, that is liberation from confusion. Libera- tion is not something new to be acquired externally but re- sides within mind itself. Mind is the basis for both samsara and nirvana, for both confusion and liberation.
It is the ground o fall confusion and liberation,
With its self-luminous consciousness
Andits alaya-vijiiana.
As for the cognitive aspect ofthis neutral state,
Its essence is empty and its nature is luminous.
These two are inseparable and are the quintessence o f
insight.
At present, because ofone's confusion, one clings to con- cepts and is therefore unable to experience one's inherent self-knowing insight, the self-luminosity of mind from which everything arises. One experiences instead the so- called alaya-vijfi. ana, that aspect of one's mind that underlies all the different types of consciousness one has at present. In the alaya-vijfi. ana are stored all the positive, negative, or neutral impressions. When activated, it projects these im-
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? ? ? ? CLOUDLESS SKY? ? ?
pressions, yet by its very nature the alaya-vijiiana is nothing other than self-knowing insight.
Because of its luminous quality, mind itself is not hidden; it can know itself and display all the manifold buddha qual- ities and wisdoms. Emptiness and luminosity of mind are inseparable and in fact constitute mind, which is the unity of space or emptiness and wisdom or insight. The expres- sion "quintessence of insight" refers precisely to this unity of emptiness and luminosity.
It is space, ungraspable as a thing.
It is a spotless precious clear crystal.
It is the glow ofthe lamp ofself-luminous mind.
It is inexpressible, the experience ofa mute.
It is unobscured, transparent wisdom,
The luminous dharmakaya, sugatagarbha,
Primordially pure and spontaneous.
It cannot be shown through analogy by anyone,
And it cannot be expressed in words.
It is the dharmadhatu, which overwhelms mind's inspection.
Although one cannot point to mind and say it is this or that, mind pervades all of samsara and nirvana. Buddha- nature, the nature of mind, is undefiled by obscurations, like a completely pure and clear crystal, transparent and shining. Like the glow of a lamp which lights up its surroundings, insight and self-luminosity of mind are in themselves en- lightenment, without the need to add anything. They cannot be expressed in words, and even direct experience of them defies description, like a deaf-mute who cannot put his ex- perience into words.
The nature of mind is unobscured perfect wisdom. It in- cludes all the previously described qualities and is the dhar-
? 26?
? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
makaya. Luminous dharmakaya itself is identical with su- gatagarbha or buddha-nature. Buddha-nature is both primordially pure, since it has never been defiled by obscu- rations, and spontaneous, since all the sixty-four qualities of a buddha are always complete and naturally present within it, without the need to attain or acquire them.
Buddha-nature, however, cannot be described with ex- amples or concepts. Buddha himself said that everything related to prajiiaparamita, the highest form of knowledge, can be neither grasped with thoughts, described in words, nor explained with concepts, since it transcends conceptual mind.
Buddha-nature cannot be understood by thinking, spec- ulation, or intellectual approaches. It is impossible to attain actual understanding of the true nature of mind through examples, concepts, thoughts, or personal ideas. Other things can be understood in this manner, but the dharma- dhatu "overwhelms" mind since it is beyond mind. Insight into buddha-nature can only arise through inner experience in meditation.
Established in this to begin with, One should cut all doubts.
How does one go about acquiring insight into buddha- nature or dharmadhatu, which are beyond words, concepts, or personal ideas? First, one must receive teachings in order to establish oneself in the proper view. Phenomena do not really exist. While on a relative plane all things arise in mu- tual interdependence, ultimately they are nonexistent, even though in one's confusion one takes them to be real. These two levels of reality, that is, the relative and the ultimate, are inseparable; they are not in opposition, but form a whole.
. 27.
? ? ? ? CLOUDLESS SKY ? ? ?
Once one has understood the various aspects of the proper view and is aware of the unity of relative truth and ultimate truth, then one does not fall into the extreme views of existence and nonexistence and can practice meditation based on this view.
When one practices meditation with the view_ It is like a garuda fathoming space.
There is no fear and no doubt.
The one who meditates without the view
Is like a blind man wandering the plains.
There is no reference point for where the true path is.
The one who does not meditate, but merely holds the view_ Is like a rich man tethered by stinginess.
He is unable to bring appropriate fruition to himselfand
others.
Joining the view and meditation is the holy tradition.
Buddha taught on very different levels, in accordance with the intelligence of his students. There are teachings that convey the actual meaning directly, while others require interpretation, or rather, further elucidation. One must place the different explanations on relative and ultimate truth in this last category. If one has not understood the proper view, or has understood it only vaguely, one will not know which teachings may be grasped directly and which require further elucidation. Not recognizing the unity of the two truths, one will feel that these two modes of explanation are contradictory and will run the risk of getting confused for want of adequate theoretical understanding. For in- stance, seeing that in one place the teachings state that things exist and in another place that things do not exist, one will only see contradiction in this.
. 28.
? ? ? ? Commentary ? ? ?
In his teachings, Buddha Shakyamuni always presented both levels of reality. Although on different occasions he may have emphasized relative or ultimate truth, this was done on the assumption that his students understood the unity of these two truths. H this understanding is lacking, everything becomes difficult and complicated, because one does not include the ultimate level in contemplating relative
reality of phenomena, and one forgets about the relative level in referring to ultimate truth. If, however, one under- standstheunityofthesetwolevelsofreality,thendifficulties will not arise. A proper understanding of the unity of rela- tive and ultimate truth is of great importance, especially for vajrayana practitioners of the mahamudra.
