Although this text is
inconceivable
to ordinary beings, if one studies this teaching with faith and practices it accordingly, one will reach Buddhahood.
Khenchen-Thrangu-Rinpoche-Asanga-Uttara-Tantra
This treasure is presently hidden by impurities, but they know how to extract it from its covering.
The clouds of obscurations can be removed by the Buddhas' compassion which is similar to a wind blowing away all the clouds from the sun.
In more detail;
[282] Buddha activity is spontaneous because through their knowledge of variety, they do not need to think, "For whom am I doing this? " or "What way should I so this? "
because they automatically know for whom and by what means they are going to act. Through the knowledge of how-it-is they understand that everything is nonexistent, unborn, and has no actual reality. So when they are acting, they do not hesitate wondering if everything is real.
? Knowing true emptiness, they know precisely how to act. In this way buddha activity is spontaneous and devoid of any thought and at the same time corresponds exactly to the needs of the beings they are helping.
[285] There are six points which describe the unceasing activity of the Buddha: release or the definite freedom from samsara; attaining freedom through the two accumulations; the fruition of this freedom which is the achievement of Buddhahood; that all beings can achieve this fruition; the achievement of this fruition; that all beings have buddha nature, but they cannot see it because it is veiled by the obscurations; and finally the removal of these obscurations. In more detail:
[286] The first point is that through buddha activity the Buddhas help all beings enter the path helping release them from samsara. Through buddha activity a being will reach the first bodhisattva level, then the second, and so on until he goes beyond samsara. Secondly, freedom is attained by entering the bodhisattva path and practicing the two accumulations of virtue and insight. Thirdly, the fruition of beings established in the various bodhisattva levels is the state of a Buddha. Fourthly, when beings try to progress through the various bodhisattva levels, they encounter
cognitive and emotional obscurations and the subconscious imprints left by karma. Fifthly, all obscurations have been removed when enlightenment is achieved. And sixthly, the great compassion of the Buddhas provides all the necessary conditions for destroying these obscurations.
[287] These six points are illustrated by six similes. The three freedoms achieved with the mastery of the ten bodhi- sattva levels are illustrated by an example of the ocean. The practice of the two accumulations are represented by
? an example of the sun. The achievement of Buddhahood is represented by space and all beings who can achieve this are compared to a treasure. And the various obscurations are symbolized by clouds.
[288] The reasons for using these similes are as follows. The ten levels of the bodhisattva path are symbolized by an ocean because when beings enter the successive levels of the bodhisattva path, they are endowed with a great number of qualities which are like precious jewels. The state of a bodhisattva on the tenth level is compared to a great ocean because the ocean contains many fabulous
jewels which are compared to the qualities of meditation, the powers of perfect memoiy, intuitive cognition, and the like which a bodhisattva at this level possesses.
The two accumulations are symbolized by the sun because if there were no sun, there would be no warmth and nothing would grow; so the conditions for life would be absent. In the same way, the two accumulations are like the sun in that they are the two vital factors needed to attain liberation.
Thirdly, enlightenment is compared to space because it has no beginning, center, or end so one cannot say that space is this or that because space has no solid existence. Buddhahood is similar in that it is very ,ast, very profound, and cannot be described in any way.
The possession of buddha nature is compared to a buried treasure because a treasure can provide all one's material needs. But if it is covered with earth, it has only the potential to do so. However, if one uses effort to take the treasure from the ground, one can have everything one wishes for. In the same way, buddha nature is within all beings but it is covered with defilements. But if one
? removes all the defilements with the effort of gathering the two accumulations, one can ultimately achieve Buddha- hood.
[290] In the fifth example, the obscurations are compared to clouds. Clouds appear in the sky and will sometimes veil the sun, but they are not an intrinsic part of the sky or the sun. They are only fleeting phenomena which can be
removed. When the clouds are covering the sun, one cannot feel the sunshine; when the clouds are removed, the sun is perceived in its original purity. In the same way, there are fleeting impurities veiling our buddha nature, but these can be removed because they are not an inherent part of our buddha essence.
The sixth comparison is between the great compassion of the Buddhas and a great wind. As long as clouds cover the sun, it cannot shine. As long as impurities are present, beings cannot achieve liberation. They need the Buddha's compassion to remove the impurities that are veiling their true nature; this compassion acts like a strong wind removing all the impurities of beings.
[291] Buddha activity has an unceasing character because from the very beginning, the Buddhas committed themselves to the goal of achieving Buddhahood for the sake of other beings. Secondly, the Buddhas saw the similarity between themselves and other beings and understood that if they managed to achieve Buddhahood, then everyone else could also become a Buddha. A third reason for this ceaselessness is that the number of beings is infinite and the Buddhas will never stop acting to help them until samsara is finished. So as long as there are
beings in samsara, buddha activity will continue.
[292] There are nine examples to explain how the
? spontaneous and ceaseless quality of buddha activity applies to beings. The first example of the spontaneous quality is a fictional example of the god Indra who is the chief god of the 33 gods in Indian mythology. The second example is of the drum of the gods which illustrates how the Buddha's speech can manifest everywhere without any effort on the part of the Buddha. The drum of the gods is in the heaven of the 33 gods and is a true example of this place. There is, of course, some fantasy in the way the example is presented. The third example is of clouds which do not need any conscious effort to create rain and illustrates how the mind of the Buddha works. The fourth example using the god Brahma illustrates all the
emanations of the Buddha. The fifth example compares the Buddha's jnanas to sunshine because the sun radiates everywhere and in the same way the Buddha's jnana knows everything perfectly clearly. Finally, the last three examples illustrate the mystery, the inconceivability of the Buddha's mind, speech, and body which work effortlessly to help beings. The Buddha's mind is illustrated by a wish- fulfilling gem. The seventh example of the Buddha's speech is an echo illustrating the inconceivability of the dharma which can be heard everywhere by those who are
ready, but doesn't need any conscious thought by the Buddha to produce it. The eighth example illustrates the inconceivability of the physical manifestation of the Buddha and uses the example of space which occurs everywhere, at any time, and in any form as required by the needs of beings. In more detail:
[293] The physical emanation of the Buddha is compared to an imaginary example of Indra. Imagine the ground of the whole world becoming lapis lazuli that is so clear that
? it is like a mirror which reflects the heaven above where the god Brahma is surround by a multitude of beautiful goddesses. Staying in his palace called the "perfectly victorious" he is enjoying many worldly delights. The lapis lazuli is so clear that everything happening in heaven can be seen reflected on the ground. The effect is that individuals feel that they would make prayers and gather the virtue necessary so they could enjoy such delights. This happens without any action or intention of Indra, it is just the reflection which produces virtuous activity.
[299] In the same way, bodhisattvas who are full of faith, diligence, intelligence, and are engaged in the practice of virtue can see the sambhogakaya directly in contrast to ordinary beings who don't have the possibility of meeting the supreme nirmanakaya, but know the Buddha's teaching by his footprints left after he has gone. So bodhisattvas who have faith and all these good qualities can see the Buddha with his 32 marks and all the beautiful signs. They will see the Buddhas walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, and proclaiming the teachings of peace. Sometimes they will see him in meditation without speaking and sometimes they will see miracles. So beings with the right virtue will see the Buddha without the Buddha thinking, "I must do this. " This vision of the Buddha will inspire them to achieve Buddhahood and they will be enthusiastic in their
devotion and apply themselves in their conduct to become a Buddha.
All the Buddha's manifestations are completely without thought on his part; however, the beings of the world can see and hear the Buddha turning the wheel of dharma bringing an infinite number of beings on the path to enlightenment. When ordinary beings see the form of the
? Buddha and hear his words, they do not realize that these are appearances in their mind. Even though they don't understand this, it is very important becausc those less developed have the seed of liberation in their mind. Then gradually depending on their experiences, they will enter the mahSyana path and eventually see the inner Buddha, that is the dharmakaya, with the eyes of jnana.
[306] Expanding this example, if all the frightening places such as cliffs and abysses were eliminated and covered with lapis lazuli which was completely free from impurities making it a very fine mirror, one could see the various paradises. But later on, little by little, the ground would gradually lose its polish and little by little the reflection of paradise would begin to disappear. But having seen the reflection, beings would be inspired and many men and women would continue to practice and make offerings to enter into paradise.
[308] In the same way, when the Buddha appears in the pure lapis lazuli surface of the mind, individuals are inspired to reach the same level as the Buddha. Accordingly, these songs of the victorious ones (the bodhisattvas) will cultivate the bodhicitta so there will be a strong wish and great joy to try to nurture all the qualities of understanding so that they can achieve enlightenment. [309] These reflections can change because when the ground is very pure, the lapis lazuli is like a mirror, but when the ground is less pure, the reflection disappears. In the same way, when beings have great faith and devotion and many pure qualities, they can see the Buddha; but when their mind are less pure, they cannot see the Buddha anymore. So Indra and the Buddhas are always present and their appearance depends on the purity of the beings.
? [310] In the second example, the drum of the gods is only a term for the spontaneous manifestation of the sound of dharma. Because of the previous virtue of the gods, the sound of dharma can be heard spontaneously in some heavens. One can hear the constant sound of the words "impermanence," "suffering," "no-self," and "peace" with- out anyone being there to make the sounds.
[312] This example illustrates how the speech of the Buddha can manifest without any effort or thought on his part. The Buddha's teaching can be heard anywhere by spiritually developed individuals. Buddha's speech, how- ever, is far beyond the drum of the gods because the sound of the drum can't be heard by nongods while the Buddha's speech can.
[321] The third example compares the mind of the Buddha with clouds. In a country with a monsoon, the clouds are constantly producing huge quantities of rain during the summer which, of course, allows the crops to grow. In the same way, the mind and compassion of the Buddha constantly produces the rain of dharma so that the crops of virtue of beings can flourish. This rain is the rain of the four noble truths: (1) If one is sick then, (2) one must find the cause of the sickness to be cured. Next, (3) one must be willing to undergo treatment for the illness and (4) one must then take the medicine. In terms of the four truths: (1) one must understand that there is suffering, (2)
one must find the cause of this suffering which is karma and the defilements. Next, (3) when one has eliminated the causes of the suffering, the suffering will stop. Finally, (4) the truth of the path is like a medicine which liberates one from suffering. So this is what is meant by saying that the Buddha pours the rains of the four truths on beings.
? [334J How the Buddha emanate? ;s illustrated by a fictitious fourth example of Bn'iraa. O ' the three dimensions oj samsara: the desire, she form, and the formless realm, Brahma reside? i. i his owe heaven in <<be form realm. He remains there continuously and has no thought of manifesting sr. ywV-:'? - eUe. However, his emanation can be seen in all the other godly heavens without any deliberate intention on the part of Brahma Jn the same way, the Buddha appears jr. the sambhogakaya form to individuals who are spiritually mature and to the less spiritually mature in the nirmanakaya form while the Buddha himself resides in the dharmakaya,
[336] Having had five visions, our present Buddha, the Sskyamuni Buddha, left Tusita heaven to enter our world. His mother had a dream of a six tusked elephant and he took birth in the garden at Lumbini. He then spent many years at the palace of his father learning many different skills and enjoying the company of friends 2nd consorts. Disillusioned with samsara, he left the palace and for the next six years practiced great austerities. Then he tackled all the negative forces and defeated them snd achieved Buddhahood under the bodhi tree. Hiving reached enlightenment, he went to V5rsnast and in tHs deer park rV'j* *? T7'ed the first wheel of *! \" while *he Buddha was available to those who were spiritually ready at the time, the Buddha could be seen in the dharmakaya illustrating that the Buddha can manifest in many ways and never leave the dharmakaya.
[337] The fifth example illustrates how the jnana of the Buddha functions using the example of the sun. The sun without thinking can shine simultaneously everywhere on the earth. Different flowers react differently to sunlight;
? lotuses open and kumuta flowers close automatically. In the same way, the Buddhas radiate the light of dharma on the lotus flowers on the mind of beings and some will open up and feel devotion and practice the teachings while others will react like the kumuta flowers and close up and continue to wander in samsara. When this happens it is not the fault of the Buddhas just as the sun cannot be blamed for the kumuta flowers closing.
When the Buddhas are turning the wheel of dharma, they do not have any particular thought or objective in mind, for instance, they don't think, "I must establish the dharma first in India so it will flourish in this place" and so on. Instead they teach the dharma whenever it is needed and to whomever can benefit from it Through the natural power of buddha activity, the teachings take place and beings receive them and work with them to reach
liberation.
[340] The example of the sun is limited because the activity of the Buddha's jnana goes much further than the sun. The sun can remove only ordinary darkness while the Buddha's jnana can dispel the darkness of ignorance and give exact knowledge of the true nature of all phenomena. [346] The sixth example illustrates the mystery of the Buddha's mind. It is a mystery because it is so incon-
ceivable and subtle. It is compared to a wish-fulfilling gem. When there was a wish-fulfilling gem, persons received whatever they wished for. Even though they may have wanted many different things, their wishes were fulfilled with no thought or intention of the gem. In the, same way, there are many beings who have different aspirations, wishes, and interests and the Buddhas give them whatever teaching is relevant to their needs--if it
? leads to a higher existence. Some beings need the hinayana teachings, some the mahayana teachings, and some the vajrayana teachings and all these teachings come without any conscious thought of the Buddhas.
[350] The seventh example compares the mystery of the activity of the Buddha's speech, which is inconceivable and subtle, like an echo. The sound of an echo is due to the cognitive faculties of others, while the echo itself is devoid of any thought or intention. An echo does not come from the inside or the outside. In the same way, the Buddha's speech manifests according to an individual's spiritual maturity, while the sound of dharma itself is devoid of any thought or effort. It abides neither inside nor outside the Buddha's body.
[352] The eighth example compares the mystery of the Buddha's form to space which is inconceivable and subtle. Space doesn't have any substance, yet it provides the back- ground for everything to happen. In the same way, the body of the Buddha does not have any real existence, but it is there to help beings everywhere. Also the Buddha doesn't think, "I am going to be in this form and in this particular place," but whenever beings are ready, a form of the Buddha will manifest to help them.
[354] The ninth example compares the great compassion of the Buddha to the earth. The earth without any thought provides the basis for everything to grow and once it has grown it allows everything to continue to live. So the earth is the basis of life without any thought. In the same way, the Buddhas have the full and direct knowledge of the nature of everything and spontaneously the qualities of body, speech, and mind provide a ground for all the virtues and good qualities to develop and allow these qualities to flourish on the earth.
? The Purpose o f these Examples
[356] In ordinary life, when we want to achieve something, we have to put effort into it. So when we hear about buddha activity we might have doubts because it is hard to conceive of effortless activity. These nine examples are given to remove these doubts about how the Buddha's activity is completely effortless.
[357] These nine examples were taught in detail in the Ornament of the Light of Jnana sutra and there are two reasons for studying them: to remove any doubts about effortless activity of the Buddha and, on a deeper level, to bring the bodhisattva quickly to Buddhahood.
[360] These nine examples illustrate the manifestation of the body, speech, and all-pervasiveness of the Buddha's mind, the emanations of the Buddha, the all-embracing qualities of his jnana, the mysterious aspect of his body, speech, and mind, and his compassion.
[363] In ordinary existence we know only of activity which is connected with physical or mental effort. This contrasts with the Buddha whose activity is effortless because he is free from any thought to accomplish his activity. This absence of thought is because the Buddha possesses the jnana of how-it-is which allows him to understand that all phenomena are void. He doesn't not need to think, "Now I will act in this way. " And with the
jnana of variety, the Buddha can act completely effortlessly and spontaneously.
[365] In the examples, the physical manifestation of the Buddha is represented by a lapis lazuli ground, the Buddha's speech by the drum of the gods, and the Buddha's mind by the clouds and so on.
? [372] Someone may think, "Well, one example would have been sufficient, why present all nine examples? " The reason is that buddha activity is so subtle that it cannot be represented by just one example. Examples have limita- tions and the limitations of each example call for another example. In the first example of the lapis lazuli ground, the limitation of the example is that Indra's reflection is only a physical reflection; but when the Buddha appears this
reflection is also accompanied by the sound of dharma giving rise to another example of the sound of dharma. The second example of the drum of the gods illustrates the effortless manifestation of the Buddha's speech, but it doesn't go far enough because the drum is sometimes beneficial and sometimes not depending on whether people take heed to what is heard. All the words of the Buddha's speech, however, help beings to reach spiritual maturity all the time.
[373] The third example of a rain cloud doesn't go far enough because a rain cloud can bring short-term benefit to beings, but it cannot eliminate impurities. Buddha activity has the additional long-term benefit of reducing the negativity of beings so a fourth example of Brahma is needed. Brahma can have a very positive influence on those who are directly around him, but he cannot be compared to the Buddha because he cannot remove the seed of the negativity.
[374] In the fifth example the sun dispels darkness but the sun can only dispel darkness during the day and at night the darkness returns, while Buddha activity can permanently dispel the darkness of ignorance. This makes it necessary for a sixth example to show the endless work of Buddha activity. In the seventh example the wish-
? fulfilling gem is solid, while the Buddha performs his activity while being completely non-existent creating a need for another example showing emptiness.
[375] The echo in the seventh example illustrates the non- existent quality but an echo must have a person and a rock to reflect the sound for an echo, while buddha activity is always present without any other conditions. So in the eighth example space is compared to buddha activity because it is always there and is naturally changeless, but
one cannot say space is the source of all the good qualities that arise, while buddha activity is the ground from which all happiness and all good qualities of Buddhahood arisd. So one needs the ninth example of the earth.
[376] The last example compares buddha activity with the earth showing that buddha activity is the ground from which all the qualities of enlightenment arise. Buddha activity is the ground from which the ultimate qualities of the Buddha, the levels of the bodhisattva, the qualities of
meditation, and the immeasurable virtues of the Buddhas arise.
? CHAPTER 11
The Benefits o f the Text
[377] The Uttara Tantra shows that all beings possess buddha essence. How these qualities manifest, what qualities develop once enlightenment has been achieved, what qualities will develop from enlightenment, and how these qualities continue to help all sentient beings are the four points of the Uttara Tantra. These are called the four inconceivables because most beings, including bodhi- sattvas, cannot understand these points directly.
[378] These points are inconceivable but the wise, meaning those with intelligence, diligence, and faith, will become a vessel for the multitude of buddha qualities. To have great faith and sincere aspiration and an indirect idea of what these qualities are is a good condition because one becomes a vessel to achieve all the qualities of freedom and maturity of the Buddha. So the Uttara Tantra is like the first step towards realizing the qualities of a Buddha because it gives one the confidence that one can actually achieve enlightenment. Those who have interest in these
qualities are planting the garden of delight in their minds and from these qualities all the virtues grow. It is the same as if one has planted a root which will give rise to a tree and grow. However, without planting a root, there is no hope of having a tree. Once one has planted a very strong root of virtue, it will grow until realization. Somebody with
? this type of virtue surpasses the virtue of any other beings, because it's the virtue that will bring one to the qualities. Studying and meditating on the Uttara Tantra causes greater benefit than practicing generosity, skillful conduct,
or patience.
The subject of this text is very precious because if
someone studies this text, it will definitely help him or her reach Buddhahood.
Although this text is inconceivable to ordinary beings, if one studies this teaching with faith and practices it accordingly, one will reach Buddhahood. In more detail:
[379] Suppose a bodhisattva practices great generosity to reach enlightenment. Every day he or she would make as many offerings of golden lands adorned with jewels as there are atoms in the buddha lands. If another bodhisattva
just heard the words of this text and understood that this teaching is really a direct cause for reaching enlightenment and with faith and inspiration was moved to achieve enlightenment, this bodhisattva would have more virtue than the other bodhisattva who was making the offerings. [380] A second example shows how even the virtue of keeping very pure moral conduct is eclipsed by the feeling
of faith for this teaching. If a person aspires for enlightenment by keeping immaculate conduct of body, speech, and mind for eons and eons so that all bad actions are given up effortlessly were compared with a person inspired by this text, and had great enthusiasm, great joy, faith, and devotion, the virtue of the latter person would be much greater.
[381] Suppose someone had practiced meditative stabilUy to extinguish the fire of defilements that leads to the existence in the three dimensions of samsara and through
? this meditation had extinguished the fire of these defile- ments. If this person were compared to someone studying and practicing this text, the benefits of studying and practicing the text would be greater than the practice of meditative stability.
[382] How is it possible that the virtue of simply hearing this teaching and feeling interest and faith in it would be greater than the virtue that comes from very great generosity, skillful conduct, or meditative stability? The answer is that generosity brings affluence, the practice of skillful conduct brings rebirth in higher realms, and the practice of meditation decreases defilements. The Uttara Tantra, however, teaches the inconceivable points which can lead to prajna. The development of prajna decreases one's obscurations and as a result one develops the understanding and the qualities of realization which are the first steps toward Buddhahood. Hearing this teaching and developing an interest in it will cause one to achieve Buddhahood so the development of prajna is better than the development of other virtues.
There is a further benefit of this teaching. The Uttara Tantra teaches that there is buddha essence in all beings, but it is veiled by transitory obscurations. However, these can be removed so that enlightenment manifests. When this has happened there isn't a vacuum, but one develops full possession of the qualities of freedom and maturity. With the possession of these qualities, then spontaneously, effortlessly, and ceaselessly one will work for the benefit of all beings.
What is taught in the Uttara Tantra constitutes the exclusive domain of knowledge of all of the Buddhas. But if one hears this teaching and studies it, one will begin to
? understand that one already has the seed of Buddhahood in oneself and knowing this, one will be confident of becoming Buddha. So once one has heard this teaching and believed it, it would become the cause of becoming a Buddha. If one understands the four inconceivables, then this understanding will effortlessly give rise to the qualities of strong aspiration, diligence, mindfulness, meditative stability, prajna, and so on. These qualities will arise spontaneously and the bodhicitta wish to achieve
enlightenment to liberate all other beings will grow.
[388] Once we have understood these teachings, we won't fall back and the virtue we have accumulated will be brought to perfection by the practice of the other five paramitas. This is because when we study this teaching with aspiration,. \\e will develop a quality which is opposed to thinking in terms of "I" and "other. " This teaching can then vanquish triplistic thought and by vanquishing these thoughts we will be made complete and pure.
[389] Through the five paramitas of generosity, conduct,
patience, meditation, and exertion virtue is gathered. The virtue that comes from generosity is gathered through giving; the virtue from skillful conduct is gathered by keeping very pure conduct; the virtue of meditative patience and meditative stability comes from practice; and the virtue that comes from exertion comes from diligence in practicing all other qualities.
[390] The next benefit of knowing this teaching and practicing it correctly is that it helps eliminate obscurations. The cognitive obscurations are those of triplistic thougnts, meaning that one divides all actions into a subject, object, and the action between them. For example, with generosity the outer object may be the poor
? person, the subject may be a bodhisattva, and the action is what is given. Believing these links are real will make the generosity impure and create a cognitive obscuration. Emotional obscurations are negative thoughts such as those of greed which would prevent generosity. These obscurations keep us from enlightenment and with them, there is no way to achieve liberation. Even diligent practice of the paramitas will not eliminate these obscurations. The only way to eliminate obscurations is through prajna. This is why the practice of prajna is so important. We can develop prajna by studying sutras or the sastras on the profound teachings pertaining to absolute truth. This is why the cause for developing prajna is the study of the profound topics and why studying the Uttara Tantra is so important.
How the Uttara Tantra was Composed
[392] First, the Uttara Tantra was written by Asanga as a result of Buddha Maitreya's teachings. It was based on the words of the Buddha and written in accordance with the sutras, particularly two sutras about absolute truth.
Second, besides relying on the words of the Buddha, Asanga relied on logical reasoning to clarify doubts. He also used the direct cognition of the yogis. His purpose was to purify the buddha essence which is the very nature of the dharmakaya and help those who aspire to the mahayana path to achieve Buddhahood. One might think that if scriptural sources are used, one doesn't need to use logic. But a combination of both scriptures and logic is required. For example, if one looks at objects, one needs an external condition of a light of some sort such as the sun or a lamp
? and one needs an inner condition of good eyesight. It isn't enough to have just one condition. In the same way, a combination of the outer condition of knowledge of the meanings of the words and the inner condition of logical reasoning are needed to understand what the Buddha said.
Third, one needs to determine if one can trust these teachings of the Buddha. The teachings of the great sages remove all defilements connected with the three realms and show the benefit of peace. So, authentic teachings have to show the possibility of achieving nirvana and be closely connected with the dharma. They should remove the
defilements of all three dimensions of samsara and should give peace of mind once liberation is achieved. A teaching without these characteristics wouldn't be the Buddha's teachings.
The sastras, while not the Buddha's words, are worthy of respect and have the following characteristics. They should not be written out of a desire for fame, but written to help spread the teachings and help other beings on the path. Authors of the Sastras don't follow their fancy, but write with a completely unobstructed mind strictly in accordance with the Buddha's teachings. Their works also have the quality of being conducive to the path of liberation so it is possible through practicing the sastras to achieve liberation because these teachings are in harmony with the conditions that lead to liberation. Because those
who compose the sastras have pure motivation and because the teachings are so close to what the Buddha said himself, they are worthy of being placed on one's head in the same way one would place the words of the Buddha himself. 9
9 It is Tibetan custom that when one receives a religious object, one touches it to the lop of one's head to receive a blessing from it.
? [396] The Buddha has total knowledge of the nature of phenomena because of his complete purity. The bodhisattvas have many but not all of these characteristics. Whatever the Buddha taught in the sutras shouldn't be adulterated, meaning one shouldn't say that this part of the teaching is correct, but that part is not. This would be mixing everything up and the true teaching would be destroyed.
[397] Since dharma is so valuable, it is very harmful to abandon it. One might give up the dharma by not under- standing things the way they really are and therefore have contempt for the teachings. This happens because these persons are so attached to and involved their own ideas, that they can never change their minds. For example, one can dye a clean piece of cloth any color, but if it has grease stains on it, one can never dye it properly. In the same way, if the mind is clouded by fixed views even though it is exposed to the dharma, it just will not change its own ideas. This is an indirect cause for abandoning dharma. [398] A more direct cause of not making spiritual
progress is not having very good intelligence so that one does not understand the nature of phenomena. Another is the absence of an aspiration to goodness. Without this there's no wish to help other beings or to do anything good. When this aspiration is absent, everything becomes polluted and generates wrong views such as giving up the dharma. One may have great pride, boasting of qualities one doesn't possess. Or one may not have been exposed to
dharma in a previous life and obviously not practiced much and as a result, one is quite heavily obscured by ignorance. The next cause is being so heavily obscured that one confuses the expedient meaning of the Buddha's teaching
? with the absolute meaning or vice versa.
In addition, there are the six causes of wrong associa-
tions. If one associates closely with those who reject the dharma; if one avoids those who hold the teachings; if one has a low level of aspiration and enjoys things that are in contradiction with the dharma, then the teaching of the Buddha are likely to be abandoned. This is why one should know these causes and should try and eliminate them.
[399] Those who understand the dharma need not fear fire, venomous snakes, murderers, or lightning. One should instead fear losing the dharma because fire, snakes, murders, etc. can only make one lose one's life, but to lose the dharma causes the terrible sufferings of the lower realms and the suffering of samsara. Therefore losing the teachings is more dangerous than anything else.
[400] If one associates very closely with friends who en- courage one to do what is wrong, then very negative things will develop. Under this bad influence one may wish to kill the Buddha or kill one's own father, mother, or an arhat. One may also try to create a division among the sangha. These are the worst possible actions and are called the five actions of immediate result which means that when one dies, one falls immediately into the worst possible realm. There are even worse actions, but if one does these acts and then realizes the magnitude of these actions, one may use the four remedial powers to purify oneself and even reach liberation. So even these five very bad actions won't have such bad results if one is capable of purifying them. However, if one has wrong views of the dharma and
dislikes it strongly in the short term, it doesn't seem so bad, but in the long-term it could be very dangerous because one will remain involved with outer thing? , not
? seeing one's good qualities, and one may embark on the wrong path. Until one has given up the wrong attitude towards the dharma, one will never be able to reach liberation. If one never thinks in terms of reaching liberation, then one will never get there. This then is worse than committing the five actions of immediate results because with this attitude there is no prospect of ever obtaining liberation. This is why one must be careful of those who dislike of the dharma and those with wrong views.
Dedication
[401] The dedication is a wisdom prayer to Amitayus and is also a summary of the whole text. It begins with the prayer that whatever virtue Maitreya has obtained through properly explaining these seven vajra points may all beings be able to meet Amitayus who is the sage of boundless life and endowed with limitless life. To see him in his sambhogakaya form has a short-term benefit of having long life and a long-term benefit of being able to achieve perfect enlightenment once one's dharma eyes have been opened.
[402] Following is a recapitulation of this concluding chapter on the benefits of the text. The line "on what basis" refers to the first two lines of verse 392 stating the text was composed from the words of the Buddha and on the basis of logical reasoning. The two lines of this stanza answer the question "for which reasons" which is in order to purify oneself and to help other beings reach Buddhahood. The question "in which way" is answered in stanza 393 which states it was given by relying on the Buddha's teaching and
? relying on Maitreya's understanding using the example of the necessity of light and eyes to see something properly. "That which has been explained" refers to stanza 394 ort how to recognize a true Buddhist teaching and the Sastras which are defined in stanza 395.
[403] Next are the means for purifying oneself. One shouldn't change any of the Buddha's teachings and one should practice them as properly as possible (referring to stanzas 396 and 397). Then it refers to the causes for the loss of dharma (stanza 398) and what would be the results of this loss (stanzas 399 and 400). The immediate result is being reborn in a lower state, the ultimate result is being deprived of a choice for liberation for a long time.
[404] The last stanza of the text refers to the dedication (stanza 401) and shows the short-term and the long-term fruition. Through practice and dedication of virtue one can be born in the mandala of the Buddha, see the sambhogakaya aspect of the Buddha, and therefore be able to see the true nature of everything and achieve supreme enlightenment. This shows that if one attains the relative level of enlightenment of a bodhisattva, one is in the company of the sambhogakaya Buddha and once the dharma eyes are opened, one achieves the ultimate level of
enlightenment.
Summary
We Buddhists have to follow the path outlined by the Buddha. We have to practice according to what the Buddha taught in the sutras and the tantras and we should understand them just as they are. However, the sUtraS sometimes were answers to a given situation or a disciple's
? particular question and sometimes the Buddha would answer questions based on the understanding suitable to his audience at the time. So sometimes the sutras were quite difficult to understand because some passages are extremely clear and others less clear. Also a sutra would specialize in a particular topic so if one wanted to know the general concepts of Buddhism, one had to read sutras scattered throughout various books. This is why most Buddhists in Tibet resorted to studying the sastras. These made the deeper meaning of Buddha's words more accessible and they didn't change the meaning of the dharma. This is why the sastras were so extremely important.
The Uttara Tantra was composed by Maitreya who was no ordinary being because he is a representative of the Buddhas and will be the next Buddha in our world. So he is the most superior author of the Sastra that one could find. The Uttara Tantra was translated from Sanskrit to Tibetan by the great scholar Sadzana who was the nephew of Brahmin Ratnavajra, he who was from the "City of Glory" which we believe is the city of Srinagari, but we are not completely sure. It was also translated in that same City of Glory by the Tibetan monk Loden Sherab.
? Glossary
Technical Terms used in this Text
abhidharma (Tib. chd ngdn pa) The Buddhist teachings are often divided into the sutras (the teachings of the Buddha), the vinaya (teachings on conduct) and the abhidharma (the analysis of phenomena).
absolute truth (Skt. paramartha satya Tib. dondam) There are two truths or views of reality--relative truth which is seeing things as ordinary beings do with the dualism of "I" and "other" and absolute truth, also called ultimate truth, which is transcending duality and seeing things as they are.
arhats (Tib. dra chom pa) Accomplished hinayana practioncrs who have eliminated the kleSa obscurations. They are fully realized sravakas and pratyekabuddha.
bhumi (Tib. sa) The levels or stages a bodhisattva goes through to reach enlightenment. Also called the bodhisattva levels and usually described as consisting of ten levels in the sutra tradition and 13 in the tantra tradition.
bodhicitta (Tib. chang chup chi sem) Literally, the mind of enlightenment. There are two kinds of bodhicitta--absolute or completely awakened mind that sees the emptiness of phenomena and relative bodhicitta which is the aspiration to practice the six paramitas and free all beings from the sufferings of samsara.
bodhisattva (Tib. chang chup sem pa) An person who has committed him or herself to the mahayana path of compassion and the practice of the six paramitas to free beings from samsara.
buddha nature (Sk. tathSgatagarbha, Tib. deshin shekpai nying po) The original nature present in all beings which when realized leads to enlightenment. It is often called the essence of Buddhahood or
enlightened essence and is the topic of the Uttara Tantra.
Buddha ? akyamuni The Buddha, often called the Gautama Buddha, who is the latest Buddha and lived between 563 and 483 B. C. buddhakayas See kayas.
cakravartin (Tib. khor lo gur pa) A cakravartin, also called a universal monarch, is a king who propagates the dharma and starts a
new era.
? CittamStra school (Tib. sem tsampa) A school founded by Asanga in the fourth century and is usually translated as the Mind Only School. It is one of the four major schools in the mahayana tradition and its main tenet (to greatly simplify) is that all phenomena are menial events, clear light (Skt. prabhasvara, Tib. dsef) A subtle state of mind and according to tantric teachings is the state of mind that highest realization is attained.
dharma (Tib. cho) Dharma has two main meanings: Any truth such as the sky is blue; second, as it is used in this text, the teachings of the Buddha (also called buddhadharma).
dharma of realization (Tib. tog pa chd) The dharma teachings which have been derived from direct realization. These contrast with dharma of statements.
dharma of statements (Tib. lung gi chd) Teachings based on the Buddhist scriptures. Also called scriptural dharma or the teachings of the Tripitaka.
dharmacakra (Skt. for "wheel of dharma," Tib. cho chi khor lo ) The Buddha's teachings correspond to three levels: the hinayana, the mahayana and the vajraySna with each set being one turning of the wheel of dharma.
dharmadhatu (Tib. chd ying) The all-encompassing space which is unoriginated and without beginning out of which all phenomena arise. The Sanskrit means "the essence of phenomena" and the Tibetan means "the expanse of phenomena" but usually it refers to the emptiness which is the essence of phenomena,
dharmakaya (Tib. chd ku) One of the three bodies of buddhahood. It is enlightenment itself, that is wisdom beyond refer nee point. See kayas, three.
dharmata (Tib. chd nyi) Dharmata is often translated as "suchness" or "the true nature of things" or "things as they are. " It is phenomena as it really is or as seen by a completely enlightened being without any distortion or obscuration so one can say it is "reality. "
eight mental fabrications Not having the eight mental fabrications is to be without a beginning, without a cessation, without nihilism, without etemalism, without going, without coming, not being separate, and not being non-separate.
five actions of immediate result These actions such as killing one's guru which cause one to be reborn immediately in the hell realm upon death.
? five aggregrates (Ski. skandha, Tib. pung po nga) Literally "heaps" are the five basic transformations that perceptions undergo when an object is perceived. These are form, feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness.
five levels of practice See paths, five.
form kayas (Sk. rupakaya) The sambhogakaya and the nirmanakaya. four extremes These are a belief in the existence of everything ("etemalism"), a belief that nothing exists ("nihilism"), a belief that things exist and don't exist, and a belie, that reality is something other than existence and non-existence.
four fearlessnesses (SkL catvZravaifaradya, Tib. mi jig pa) The four stages to be attained by bodhisattvas. They are being fearless in
abandoning all faults, fearless of complete realization, fearless in showing the path to others, and fearless in pointing out obscurations on the path.
four inconceivables or immeasurables (Skt.
[282] Buddha activity is spontaneous because through their knowledge of variety, they do not need to think, "For whom am I doing this? " or "What way should I so this? "
because they automatically know for whom and by what means they are going to act. Through the knowledge of how-it-is they understand that everything is nonexistent, unborn, and has no actual reality. So when they are acting, they do not hesitate wondering if everything is real.
? Knowing true emptiness, they know precisely how to act. In this way buddha activity is spontaneous and devoid of any thought and at the same time corresponds exactly to the needs of the beings they are helping.
[285] There are six points which describe the unceasing activity of the Buddha: release or the definite freedom from samsara; attaining freedom through the two accumulations; the fruition of this freedom which is the achievement of Buddhahood; that all beings can achieve this fruition; the achievement of this fruition; that all beings have buddha nature, but they cannot see it because it is veiled by the obscurations; and finally the removal of these obscurations. In more detail:
[286] The first point is that through buddha activity the Buddhas help all beings enter the path helping release them from samsara. Through buddha activity a being will reach the first bodhisattva level, then the second, and so on until he goes beyond samsara. Secondly, freedom is attained by entering the bodhisattva path and practicing the two accumulations of virtue and insight. Thirdly, the fruition of beings established in the various bodhisattva levels is the state of a Buddha. Fourthly, when beings try to progress through the various bodhisattva levels, they encounter
cognitive and emotional obscurations and the subconscious imprints left by karma. Fifthly, all obscurations have been removed when enlightenment is achieved. And sixthly, the great compassion of the Buddhas provides all the necessary conditions for destroying these obscurations.
[287] These six points are illustrated by six similes. The three freedoms achieved with the mastery of the ten bodhi- sattva levels are illustrated by an example of the ocean. The practice of the two accumulations are represented by
? an example of the sun. The achievement of Buddhahood is represented by space and all beings who can achieve this are compared to a treasure. And the various obscurations are symbolized by clouds.
[288] The reasons for using these similes are as follows. The ten levels of the bodhisattva path are symbolized by an ocean because when beings enter the successive levels of the bodhisattva path, they are endowed with a great number of qualities which are like precious jewels. The state of a bodhisattva on the tenth level is compared to a great ocean because the ocean contains many fabulous
jewels which are compared to the qualities of meditation, the powers of perfect memoiy, intuitive cognition, and the like which a bodhisattva at this level possesses.
The two accumulations are symbolized by the sun because if there were no sun, there would be no warmth and nothing would grow; so the conditions for life would be absent. In the same way, the two accumulations are like the sun in that they are the two vital factors needed to attain liberation.
Thirdly, enlightenment is compared to space because it has no beginning, center, or end so one cannot say that space is this or that because space has no solid existence. Buddhahood is similar in that it is very ,ast, very profound, and cannot be described in any way.
The possession of buddha nature is compared to a buried treasure because a treasure can provide all one's material needs. But if it is covered with earth, it has only the potential to do so. However, if one uses effort to take the treasure from the ground, one can have everything one wishes for. In the same way, buddha nature is within all beings but it is covered with defilements. But if one
? removes all the defilements with the effort of gathering the two accumulations, one can ultimately achieve Buddha- hood.
[290] In the fifth example, the obscurations are compared to clouds. Clouds appear in the sky and will sometimes veil the sun, but they are not an intrinsic part of the sky or the sun. They are only fleeting phenomena which can be
removed. When the clouds are covering the sun, one cannot feel the sunshine; when the clouds are removed, the sun is perceived in its original purity. In the same way, there are fleeting impurities veiling our buddha nature, but these can be removed because they are not an inherent part of our buddha essence.
The sixth comparison is between the great compassion of the Buddhas and a great wind. As long as clouds cover the sun, it cannot shine. As long as impurities are present, beings cannot achieve liberation. They need the Buddha's compassion to remove the impurities that are veiling their true nature; this compassion acts like a strong wind removing all the impurities of beings.
[291] Buddha activity has an unceasing character because from the very beginning, the Buddhas committed themselves to the goal of achieving Buddhahood for the sake of other beings. Secondly, the Buddhas saw the similarity between themselves and other beings and understood that if they managed to achieve Buddhahood, then everyone else could also become a Buddha. A third reason for this ceaselessness is that the number of beings is infinite and the Buddhas will never stop acting to help them until samsara is finished. So as long as there are
beings in samsara, buddha activity will continue.
[292] There are nine examples to explain how the
? spontaneous and ceaseless quality of buddha activity applies to beings. The first example of the spontaneous quality is a fictional example of the god Indra who is the chief god of the 33 gods in Indian mythology. The second example is of the drum of the gods which illustrates how the Buddha's speech can manifest everywhere without any effort on the part of the Buddha. The drum of the gods is in the heaven of the 33 gods and is a true example of this place. There is, of course, some fantasy in the way the example is presented. The third example is of clouds which do not need any conscious effort to create rain and illustrates how the mind of the Buddha works. The fourth example using the god Brahma illustrates all the
emanations of the Buddha. The fifth example compares the Buddha's jnanas to sunshine because the sun radiates everywhere and in the same way the Buddha's jnana knows everything perfectly clearly. Finally, the last three examples illustrate the mystery, the inconceivability of the Buddha's mind, speech, and body which work effortlessly to help beings. The Buddha's mind is illustrated by a wish- fulfilling gem. The seventh example of the Buddha's speech is an echo illustrating the inconceivability of the dharma which can be heard everywhere by those who are
ready, but doesn't need any conscious thought by the Buddha to produce it. The eighth example illustrates the inconceivability of the physical manifestation of the Buddha and uses the example of space which occurs everywhere, at any time, and in any form as required by the needs of beings. In more detail:
[293] The physical emanation of the Buddha is compared to an imaginary example of Indra. Imagine the ground of the whole world becoming lapis lazuli that is so clear that
? it is like a mirror which reflects the heaven above where the god Brahma is surround by a multitude of beautiful goddesses. Staying in his palace called the "perfectly victorious" he is enjoying many worldly delights. The lapis lazuli is so clear that everything happening in heaven can be seen reflected on the ground. The effect is that individuals feel that they would make prayers and gather the virtue necessary so they could enjoy such delights. This happens without any action or intention of Indra, it is just the reflection which produces virtuous activity.
[299] In the same way, bodhisattvas who are full of faith, diligence, intelligence, and are engaged in the practice of virtue can see the sambhogakaya directly in contrast to ordinary beings who don't have the possibility of meeting the supreme nirmanakaya, but know the Buddha's teaching by his footprints left after he has gone. So bodhisattvas who have faith and all these good qualities can see the Buddha with his 32 marks and all the beautiful signs. They will see the Buddhas walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, and proclaiming the teachings of peace. Sometimes they will see him in meditation without speaking and sometimes they will see miracles. So beings with the right virtue will see the Buddha without the Buddha thinking, "I must do this. " This vision of the Buddha will inspire them to achieve Buddhahood and they will be enthusiastic in their
devotion and apply themselves in their conduct to become a Buddha.
All the Buddha's manifestations are completely without thought on his part; however, the beings of the world can see and hear the Buddha turning the wheel of dharma bringing an infinite number of beings on the path to enlightenment. When ordinary beings see the form of the
? Buddha and hear his words, they do not realize that these are appearances in their mind. Even though they don't understand this, it is very important becausc those less developed have the seed of liberation in their mind. Then gradually depending on their experiences, they will enter the mahSyana path and eventually see the inner Buddha, that is the dharmakaya, with the eyes of jnana.
[306] Expanding this example, if all the frightening places such as cliffs and abysses were eliminated and covered with lapis lazuli which was completely free from impurities making it a very fine mirror, one could see the various paradises. But later on, little by little, the ground would gradually lose its polish and little by little the reflection of paradise would begin to disappear. But having seen the reflection, beings would be inspired and many men and women would continue to practice and make offerings to enter into paradise.
[308] In the same way, when the Buddha appears in the pure lapis lazuli surface of the mind, individuals are inspired to reach the same level as the Buddha. Accordingly, these songs of the victorious ones (the bodhisattvas) will cultivate the bodhicitta so there will be a strong wish and great joy to try to nurture all the qualities of understanding so that they can achieve enlightenment. [309] These reflections can change because when the ground is very pure, the lapis lazuli is like a mirror, but when the ground is less pure, the reflection disappears. In the same way, when beings have great faith and devotion and many pure qualities, they can see the Buddha; but when their mind are less pure, they cannot see the Buddha anymore. So Indra and the Buddhas are always present and their appearance depends on the purity of the beings.
? [310] In the second example, the drum of the gods is only a term for the spontaneous manifestation of the sound of dharma. Because of the previous virtue of the gods, the sound of dharma can be heard spontaneously in some heavens. One can hear the constant sound of the words "impermanence," "suffering," "no-self," and "peace" with- out anyone being there to make the sounds.
[312] This example illustrates how the speech of the Buddha can manifest without any effort or thought on his part. The Buddha's teaching can be heard anywhere by spiritually developed individuals. Buddha's speech, how- ever, is far beyond the drum of the gods because the sound of the drum can't be heard by nongods while the Buddha's speech can.
[321] The third example compares the mind of the Buddha with clouds. In a country with a monsoon, the clouds are constantly producing huge quantities of rain during the summer which, of course, allows the crops to grow. In the same way, the mind and compassion of the Buddha constantly produces the rain of dharma so that the crops of virtue of beings can flourish. This rain is the rain of the four noble truths: (1) If one is sick then, (2) one must find the cause of the sickness to be cured. Next, (3) one must be willing to undergo treatment for the illness and (4) one must then take the medicine. In terms of the four truths: (1) one must understand that there is suffering, (2)
one must find the cause of this suffering which is karma and the defilements. Next, (3) when one has eliminated the causes of the suffering, the suffering will stop. Finally, (4) the truth of the path is like a medicine which liberates one from suffering. So this is what is meant by saying that the Buddha pours the rains of the four truths on beings.
? [334J How the Buddha emanate? ;s illustrated by a fictitious fourth example of Bn'iraa. O ' the three dimensions oj samsara: the desire, she form, and the formless realm, Brahma reside? i. i his owe heaven in <<be form realm. He remains there continuously and has no thought of manifesting sr. ywV-:'? - eUe. However, his emanation can be seen in all the other godly heavens without any deliberate intention on the part of Brahma Jn the same way, the Buddha appears jr. the sambhogakaya form to individuals who are spiritually mature and to the less spiritually mature in the nirmanakaya form while the Buddha himself resides in the dharmakaya,
[336] Having had five visions, our present Buddha, the Sskyamuni Buddha, left Tusita heaven to enter our world. His mother had a dream of a six tusked elephant and he took birth in the garden at Lumbini. He then spent many years at the palace of his father learning many different skills and enjoying the company of friends 2nd consorts. Disillusioned with samsara, he left the palace and for the next six years practiced great austerities. Then he tackled all the negative forces and defeated them snd achieved Buddhahood under the bodhi tree. Hiving reached enlightenment, he went to V5rsnast and in tHs deer park rV'j* *? T7'ed the first wheel of *! \" while *he Buddha was available to those who were spiritually ready at the time, the Buddha could be seen in the dharmakaya illustrating that the Buddha can manifest in many ways and never leave the dharmakaya.
[337] The fifth example illustrates how the jnana of the Buddha functions using the example of the sun. The sun without thinking can shine simultaneously everywhere on the earth. Different flowers react differently to sunlight;
? lotuses open and kumuta flowers close automatically. In the same way, the Buddhas radiate the light of dharma on the lotus flowers on the mind of beings and some will open up and feel devotion and practice the teachings while others will react like the kumuta flowers and close up and continue to wander in samsara. When this happens it is not the fault of the Buddhas just as the sun cannot be blamed for the kumuta flowers closing.
When the Buddhas are turning the wheel of dharma, they do not have any particular thought or objective in mind, for instance, they don't think, "I must establish the dharma first in India so it will flourish in this place" and so on. Instead they teach the dharma whenever it is needed and to whomever can benefit from it Through the natural power of buddha activity, the teachings take place and beings receive them and work with them to reach
liberation.
[340] The example of the sun is limited because the activity of the Buddha's jnana goes much further than the sun. The sun can remove only ordinary darkness while the Buddha's jnana can dispel the darkness of ignorance and give exact knowledge of the true nature of all phenomena. [346] The sixth example illustrates the mystery of the Buddha's mind. It is a mystery because it is so incon-
ceivable and subtle. It is compared to a wish-fulfilling gem. When there was a wish-fulfilling gem, persons received whatever they wished for. Even though they may have wanted many different things, their wishes were fulfilled with no thought or intention of the gem. In the, same way, there are many beings who have different aspirations, wishes, and interests and the Buddhas give them whatever teaching is relevant to their needs--if it
? leads to a higher existence. Some beings need the hinayana teachings, some the mahayana teachings, and some the vajrayana teachings and all these teachings come without any conscious thought of the Buddhas.
[350] The seventh example compares the mystery of the activity of the Buddha's speech, which is inconceivable and subtle, like an echo. The sound of an echo is due to the cognitive faculties of others, while the echo itself is devoid of any thought or intention. An echo does not come from the inside or the outside. In the same way, the Buddha's speech manifests according to an individual's spiritual maturity, while the sound of dharma itself is devoid of any thought or effort. It abides neither inside nor outside the Buddha's body.
[352] The eighth example compares the mystery of the Buddha's form to space which is inconceivable and subtle. Space doesn't have any substance, yet it provides the back- ground for everything to happen. In the same way, the body of the Buddha does not have any real existence, but it is there to help beings everywhere. Also the Buddha doesn't think, "I am going to be in this form and in this particular place," but whenever beings are ready, a form of the Buddha will manifest to help them.
[354] The ninth example compares the great compassion of the Buddha to the earth. The earth without any thought provides the basis for everything to grow and once it has grown it allows everything to continue to live. So the earth is the basis of life without any thought. In the same way, the Buddhas have the full and direct knowledge of the nature of everything and spontaneously the qualities of body, speech, and mind provide a ground for all the virtues and good qualities to develop and allow these qualities to flourish on the earth.
? The Purpose o f these Examples
[356] In ordinary life, when we want to achieve something, we have to put effort into it. So when we hear about buddha activity we might have doubts because it is hard to conceive of effortless activity. These nine examples are given to remove these doubts about how the Buddha's activity is completely effortless.
[357] These nine examples were taught in detail in the Ornament of the Light of Jnana sutra and there are two reasons for studying them: to remove any doubts about effortless activity of the Buddha and, on a deeper level, to bring the bodhisattva quickly to Buddhahood.
[360] These nine examples illustrate the manifestation of the body, speech, and all-pervasiveness of the Buddha's mind, the emanations of the Buddha, the all-embracing qualities of his jnana, the mysterious aspect of his body, speech, and mind, and his compassion.
[363] In ordinary existence we know only of activity which is connected with physical or mental effort. This contrasts with the Buddha whose activity is effortless because he is free from any thought to accomplish his activity. This absence of thought is because the Buddha possesses the jnana of how-it-is which allows him to understand that all phenomena are void. He doesn't not need to think, "Now I will act in this way. " And with the
jnana of variety, the Buddha can act completely effortlessly and spontaneously.
[365] In the examples, the physical manifestation of the Buddha is represented by a lapis lazuli ground, the Buddha's speech by the drum of the gods, and the Buddha's mind by the clouds and so on.
? [372] Someone may think, "Well, one example would have been sufficient, why present all nine examples? " The reason is that buddha activity is so subtle that it cannot be represented by just one example. Examples have limita- tions and the limitations of each example call for another example. In the first example of the lapis lazuli ground, the limitation of the example is that Indra's reflection is only a physical reflection; but when the Buddha appears this
reflection is also accompanied by the sound of dharma giving rise to another example of the sound of dharma. The second example of the drum of the gods illustrates the effortless manifestation of the Buddha's speech, but it doesn't go far enough because the drum is sometimes beneficial and sometimes not depending on whether people take heed to what is heard. All the words of the Buddha's speech, however, help beings to reach spiritual maturity all the time.
[373] The third example of a rain cloud doesn't go far enough because a rain cloud can bring short-term benefit to beings, but it cannot eliminate impurities. Buddha activity has the additional long-term benefit of reducing the negativity of beings so a fourth example of Brahma is needed. Brahma can have a very positive influence on those who are directly around him, but he cannot be compared to the Buddha because he cannot remove the seed of the negativity.
[374] In the fifth example the sun dispels darkness but the sun can only dispel darkness during the day and at night the darkness returns, while Buddha activity can permanently dispel the darkness of ignorance. This makes it necessary for a sixth example to show the endless work of Buddha activity. In the seventh example the wish-
? fulfilling gem is solid, while the Buddha performs his activity while being completely non-existent creating a need for another example showing emptiness.
[375] The echo in the seventh example illustrates the non- existent quality but an echo must have a person and a rock to reflect the sound for an echo, while buddha activity is always present without any other conditions. So in the eighth example space is compared to buddha activity because it is always there and is naturally changeless, but
one cannot say space is the source of all the good qualities that arise, while buddha activity is the ground from which all happiness and all good qualities of Buddhahood arisd. So one needs the ninth example of the earth.
[376] The last example compares buddha activity with the earth showing that buddha activity is the ground from which all the qualities of enlightenment arise. Buddha activity is the ground from which the ultimate qualities of the Buddha, the levels of the bodhisattva, the qualities of
meditation, and the immeasurable virtues of the Buddhas arise.
? CHAPTER 11
The Benefits o f the Text
[377] The Uttara Tantra shows that all beings possess buddha essence. How these qualities manifest, what qualities develop once enlightenment has been achieved, what qualities will develop from enlightenment, and how these qualities continue to help all sentient beings are the four points of the Uttara Tantra. These are called the four inconceivables because most beings, including bodhi- sattvas, cannot understand these points directly.
[378] These points are inconceivable but the wise, meaning those with intelligence, diligence, and faith, will become a vessel for the multitude of buddha qualities. To have great faith and sincere aspiration and an indirect idea of what these qualities are is a good condition because one becomes a vessel to achieve all the qualities of freedom and maturity of the Buddha. So the Uttara Tantra is like the first step towards realizing the qualities of a Buddha because it gives one the confidence that one can actually achieve enlightenment. Those who have interest in these
qualities are planting the garden of delight in their minds and from these qualities all the virtues grow. It is the same as if one has planted a root which will give rise to a tree and grow. However, without planting a root, there is no hope of having a tree. Once one has planted a very strong root of virtue, it will grow until realization. Somebody with
? this type of virtue surpasses the virtue of any other beings, because it's the virtue that will bring one to the qualities. Studying and meditating on the Uttara Tantra causes greater benefit than practicing generosity, skillful conduct,
or patience.
The subject of this text is very precious because if
someone studies this text, it will definitely help him or her reach Buddhahood.
Although this text is inconceivable to ordinary beings, if one studies this teaching with faith and practices it accordingly, one will reach Buddhahood. In more detail:
[379] Suppose a bodhisattva practices great generosity to reach enlightenment. Every day he or she would make as many offerings of golden lands adorned with jewels as there are atoms in the buddha lands. If another bodhisattva
just heard the words of this text and understood that this teaching is really a direct cause for reaching enlightenment and with faith and inspiration was moved to achieve enlightenment, this bodhisattva would have more virtue than the other bodhisattva who was making the offerings. [380] A second example shows how even the virtue of keeping very pure moral conduct is eclipsed by the feeling
of faith for this teaching. If a person aspires for enlightenment by keeping immaculate conduct of body, speech, and mind for eons and eons so that all bad actions are given up effortlessly were compared with a person inspired by this text, and had great enthusiasm, great joy, faith, and devotion, the virtue of the latter person would be much greater.
[381] Suppose someone had practiced meditative stabilUy to extinguish the fire of defilements that leads to the existence in the three dimensions of samsara and through
? this meditation had extinguished the fire of these defile- ments. If this person were compared to someone studying and practicing this text, the benefits of studying and practicing the text would be greater than the practice of meditative stability.
[382] How is it possible that the virtue of simply hearing this teaching and feeling interest and faith in it would be greater than the virtue that comes from very great generosity, skillful conduct, or meditative stability? The answer is that generosity brings affluence, the practice of skillful conduct brings rebirth in higher realms, and the practice of meditation decreases defilements. The Uttara Tantra, however, teaches the inconceivable points which can lead to prajna. The development of prajna decreases one's obscurations and as a result one develops the understanding and the qualities of realization which are the first steps toward Buddhahood. Hearing this teaching and developing an interest in it will cause one to achieve Buddhahood so the development of prajna is better than the development of other virtues.
There is a further benefit of this teaching. The Uttara Tantra teaches that there is buddha essence in all beings, but it is veiled by transitory obscurations. However, these can be removed so that enlightenment manifests. When this has happened there isn't a vacuum, but one develops full possession of the qualities of freedom and maturity. With the possession of these qualities, then spontaneously, effortlessly, and ceaselessly one will work for the benefit of all beings.
What is taught in the Uttara Tantra constitutes the exclusive domain of knowledge of all of the Buddhas. But if one hears this teaching and studies it, one will begin to
? understand that one already has the seed of Buddhahood in oneself and knowing this, one will be confident of becoming Buddha. So once one has heard this teaching and believed it, it would become the cause of becoming a Buddha. If one understands the four inconceivables, then this understanding will effortlessly give rise to the qualities of strong aspiration, diligence, mindfulness, meditative stability, prajna, and so on. These qualities will arise spontaneously and the bodhicitta wish to achieve
enlightenment to liberate all other beings will grow.
[388] Once we have understood these teachings, we won't fall back and the virtue we have accumulated will be brought to perfection by the practice of the other five paramitas. This is because when we study this teaching with aspiration,. \\e will develop a quality which is opposed to thinking in terms of "I" and "other. " This teaching can then vanquish triplistic thought and by vanquishing these thoughts we will be made complete and pure.
[389] Through the five paramitas of generosity, conduct,
patience, meditation, and exertion virtue is gathered. The virtue that comes from generosity is gathered through giving; the virtue from skillful conduct is gathered by keeping very pure conduct; the virtue of meditative patience and meditative stability comes from practice; and the virtue that comes from exertion comes from diligence in practicing all other qualities.
[390] The next benefit of knowing this teaching and practicing it correctly is that it helps eliminate obscurations. The cognitive obscurations are those of triplistic thougnts, meaning that one divides all actions into a subject, object, and the action between them. For example, with generosity the outer object may be the poor
? person, the subject may be a bodhisattva, and the action is what is given. Believing these links are real will make the generosity impure and create a cognitive obscuration. Emotional obscurations are negative thoughts such as those of greed which would prevent generosity. These obscurations keep us from enlightenment and with them, there is no way to achieve liberation. Even diligent practice of the paramitas will not eliminate these obscurations. The only way to eliminate obscurations is through prajna. This is why the practice of prajna is so important. We can develop prajna by studying sutras or the sastras on the profound teachings pertaining to absolute truth. This is why the cause for developing prajna is the study of the profound topics and why studying the Uttara Tantra is so important.
How the Uttara Tantra was Composed
[392] First, the Uttara Tantra was written by Asanga as a result of Buddha Maitreya's teachings. It was based on the words of the Buddha and written in accordance with the sutras, particularly two sutras about absolute truth.
Second, besides relying on the words of the Buddha, Asanga relied on logical reasoning to clarify doubts. He also used the direct cognition of the yogis. His purpose was to purify the buddha essence which is the very nature of the dharmakaya and help those who aspire to the mahayana path to achieve Buddhahood. One might think that if scriptural sources are used, one doesn't need to use logic. But a combination of both scriptures and logic is required. For example, if one looks at objects, one needs an external condition of a light of some sort such as the sun or a lamp
? and one needs an inner condition of good eyesight. It isn't enough to have just one condition. In the same way, a combination of the outer condition of knowledge of the meanings of the words and the inner condition of logical reasoning are needed to understand what the Buddha said.
Third, one needs to determine if one can trust these teachings of the Buddha. The teachings of the great sages remove all defilements connected with the three realms and show the benefit of peace. So, authentic teachings have to show the possibility of achieving nirvana and be closely connected with the dharma. They should remove the
defilements of all three dimensions of samsara and should give peace of mind once liberation is achieved. A teaching without these characteristics wouldn't be the Buddha's teachings.
The sastras, while not the Buddha's words, are worthy of respect and have the following characteristics. They should not be written out of a desire for fame, but written to help spread the teachings and help other beings on the path. Authors of the Sastras don't follow their fancy, but write with a completely unobstructed mind strictly in accordance with the Buddha's teachings. Their works also have the quality of being conducive to the path of liberation so it is possible through practicing the sastras to achieve liberation because these teachings are in harmony with the conditions that lead to liberation. Because those
who compose the sastras have pure motivation and because the teachings are so close to what the Buddha said himself, they are worthy of being placed on one's head in the same way one would place the words of the Buddha himself. 9
9 It is Tibetan custom that when one receives a religious object, one touches it to the lop of one's head to receive a blessing from it.
? [396] The Buddha has total knowledge of the nature of phenomena because of his complete purity. The bodhisattvas have many but not all of these characteristics. Whatever the Buddha taught in the sutras shouldn't be adulterated, meaning one shouldn't say that this part of the teaching is correct, but that part is not. This would be mixing everything up and the true teaching would be destroyed.
[397] Since dharma is so valuable, it is very harmful to abandon it. One might give up the dharma by not under- standing things the way they really are and therefore have contempt for the teachings. This happens because these persons are so attached to and involved their own ideas, that they can never change their minds. For example, one can dye a clean piece of cloth any color, but if it has grease stains on it, one can never dye it properly. In the same way, if the mind is clouded by fixed views even though it is exposed to the dharma, it just will not change its own ideas. This is an indirect cause for abandoning dharma. [398] A more direct cause of not making spiritual
progress is not having very good intelligence so that one does not understand the nature of phenomena. Another is the absence of an aspiration to goodness. Without this there's no wish to help other beings or to do anything good. When this aspiration is absent, everything becomes polluted and generates wrong views such as giving up the dharma. One may have great pride, boasting of qualities one doesn't possess. Or one may not have been exposed to
dharma in a previous life and obviously not practiced much and as a result, one is quite heavily obscured by ignorance. The next cause is being so heavily obscured that one confuses the expedient meaning of the Buddha's teaching
? with the absolute meaning or vice versa.
In addition, there are the six causes of wrong associa-
tions. If one associates closely with those who reject the dharma; if one avoids those who hold the teachings; if one has a low level of aspiration and enjoys things that are in contradiction with the dharma, then the teaching of the Buddha are likely to be abandoned. This is why one should know these causes and should try and eliminate them.
[399] Those who understand the dharma need not fear fire, venomous snakes, murderers, or lightning. One should instead fear losing the dharma because fire, snakes, murders, etc. can only make one lose one's life, but to lose the dharma causes the terrible sufferings of the lower realms and the suffering of samsara. Therefore losing the teachings is more dangerous than anything else.
[400] If one associates very closely with friends who en- courage one to do what is wrong, then very negative things will develop. Under this bad influence one may wish to kill the Buddha or kill one's own father, mother, or an arhat. One may also try to create a division among the sangha. These are the worst possible actions and are called the five actions of immediate result which means that when one dies, one falls immediately into the worst possible realm. There are even worse actions, but if one does these acts and then realizes the magnitude of these actions, one may use the four remedial powers to purify oneself and even reach liberation. So even these five very bad actions won't have such bad results if one is capable of purifying them. However, if one has wrong views of the dharma and
dislikes it strongly in the short term, it doesn't seem so bad, but in the long-term it could be very dangerous because one will remain involved with outer thing? , not
? seeing one's good qualities, and one may embark on the wrong path. Until one has given up the wrong attitude towards the dharma, one will never be able to reach liberation. If one never thinks in terms of reaching liberation, then one will never get there. This then is worse than committing the five actions of immediate results because with this attitude there is no prospect of ever obtaining liberation. This is why one must be careful of those who dislike of the dharma and those with wrong views.
Dedication
[401] The dedication is a wisdom prayer to Amitayus and is also a summary of the whole text. It begins with the prayer that whatever virtue Maitreya has obtained through properly explaining these seven vajra points may all beings be able to meet Amitayus who is the sage of boundless life and endowed with limitless life. To see him in his sambhogakaya form has a short-term benefit of having long life and a long-term benefit of being able to achieve perfect enlightenment once one's dharma eyes have been opened.
[402] Following is a recapitulation of this concluding chapter on the benefits of the text. The line "on what basis" refers to the first two lines of verse 392 stating the text was composed from the words of the Buddha and on the basis of logical reasoning. The two lines of this stanza answer the question "for which reasons" which is in order to purify oneself and to help other beings reach Buddhahood. The question "in which way" is answered in stanza 393 which states it was given by relying on the Buddha's teaching and
? relying on Maitreya's understanding using the example of the necessity of light and eyes to see something properly. "That which has been explained" refers to stanza 394 ort how to recognize a true Buddhist teaching and the Sastras which are defined in stanza 395.
[403] Next are the means for purifying oneself. One shouldn't change any of the Buddha's teachings and one should practice them as properly as possible (referring to stanzas 396 and 397). Then it refers to the causes for the loss of dharma (stanza 398) and what would be the results of this loss (stanzas 399 and 400). The immediate result is being reborn in a lower state, the ultimate result is being deprived of a choice for liberation for a long time.
[404] The last stanza of the text refers to the dedication (stanza 401) and shows the short-term and the long-term fruition. Through practice and dedication of virtue one can be born in the mandala of the Buddha, see the sambhogakaya aspect of the Buddha, and therefore be able to see the true nature of everything and achieve supreme enlightenment. This shows that if one attains the relative level of enlightenment of a bodhisattva, one is in the company of the sambhogakaya Buddha and once the dharma eyes are opened, one achieves the ultimate level of
enlightenment.
Summary
We Buddhists have to follow the path outlined by the Buddha. We have to practice according to what the Buddha taught in the sutras and the tantras and we should understand them just as they are. However, the sUtraS sometimes were answers to a given situation or a disciple's
? particular question and sometimes the Buddha would answer questions based on the understanding suitable to his audience at the time. So sometimes the sutras were quite difficult to understand because some passages are extremely clear and others less clear. Also a sutra would specialize in a particular topic so if one wanted to know the general concepts of Buddhism, one had to read sutras scattered throughout various books. This is why most Buddhists in Tibet resorted to studying the sastras. These made the deeper meaning of Buddha's words more accessible and they didn't change the meaning of the dharma. This is why the sastras were so extremely important.
The Uttara Tantra was composed by Maitreya who was no ordinary being because he is a representative of the Buddhas and will be the next Buddha in our world. So he is the most superior author of the Sastra that one could find. The Uttara Tantra was translated from Sanskrit to Tibetan by the great scholar Sadzana who was the nephew of Brahmin Ratnavajra, he who was from the "City of Glory" which we believe is the city of Srinagari, but we are not completely sure. It was also translated in that same City of Glory by the Tibetan monk Loden Sherab.
? Glossary
Technical Terms used in this Text
abhidharma (Tib. chd ngdn pa) The Buddhist teachings are often divided into the sutras (the teachings of the Buddha), the vinaya (teachings on conduct) and the abhidharma (the analysis of phenomena).
absolute truth (Skt. paramartha satya Tib. dondam) There are two truths or views of reality--relative truth which is seeing things as ordinary beings do with the dualism of "I" and "other" and absolute truth, also called ultimate truth, which is transcending duality and seeing things as they are.
arhats (Tib. dra chom pa) Accomplished hinayana practioncrs who have eliminated the kleSa obscurations. They are fully realized sravakas and pratyekabuddha.
bhumi (Tib. sa) The levels or stages a bodhisattva goes through to reach enlightenment. Also called the bodhisattva levels and usually described as consisting of ten levels in the sutra tradition and 13 in the tantra tradition.
bodhicitta (Tib. chang chup chi sem) Literally, the mind of enlightenment. There are two kinds of bodhicitta--absolute or completely awakened mind that sees the emptiness of phenomena and relative bodhicitta which is the aspiration to practice the six paramitas and free all beings from the sufferings of samsara.
bodhisattva (Tib. chang chup sem pa) An person who has committed him or herself to the mahayana path of compassion and the practice of the six paramitas to free beings from samsara.
buddha nature (Sk. tathSgatagarbha, Tib. deshin shekpai nying po) The original nature present in all beings which when realized leads to enlightenment. It is often called the essence of Buddhahood or
enlightened essence and is the topic of the Uttara Tantra.
Buddha ? akyamuni The Buddha, often called the Gautama Buddha, who is the latest Buddha and lived between 563 and 483 B. C. buddhakayas See kayas.
cakravartin (Tib. khor lo gur pa) A cakravartin, also called a universal monarch, is a king who propagates the dharma and starts a
new era.
? CittamStra school (Tib. sem tsampa) A school founded by Asanga in the fourth century and is usually translated as the Mind Only School. It is one of the four major schools in the mahayana tradition and its main tenet (to greatly simplify) is that all phenomena are menial events, clear light (Skt. prabhasvara, Tib. dsef) A subtle state of mind and according to tantric teachings is the state of mind that highest realization is attained.
dharma (Tib. cho) Dharma has two main meanings: Any truth such as the sky is blue; second, as it is used in this text, the teachings of the Buddha (also called buddhadharma).
dharma of realization (Tib. tog pa chd) The dharma teachings which have been derived from direct realization. These contrast with dharma of statements.
dharma of statements (Tib. lung gi chd) Teachings based on the Buddhist scriptures. Also called scriptural dharma or the teachings of the Tripitaka.
dharmacakra (Skt. for "wheel of dharma," Tib. cho chi khor lo ) The Buddha's teachings correspond to three levels: the hinayana, the mahayana and the vajraySna with each set being one turning of the wheel of dharma.
dharmadhatu (Tib. chd ying) The all-encompassing space which is unoriginated and without beginning out of which all phenomena arise. The Sanskrit means "the essence of phenomena" and the Tibetan means "the expanse of phenomena" but usually it refers to the emptiness which is the essence of phenomena,
dharmakaya (Tib. chd ku) One of the three bodies of buddhahood. It is enlightenment itself, that is wisdom beyond refer nee point. See kayas, three.
dharmata (Tib. chd nyi) Dharmata is often translated as "suchness" or "the true nature of things" or "things as they are. " It is phenomena as it really is or as seen by a completely enlightened being without any distortion or obscuration so one can say it is "reality. "
eight mental fabrications Not having the eight mental fabrications is to be without a beginning, without a cessation, without nihilism, without etemalism, without going, without coming, not being separate, and not being non-separate.
five actions of immediate result These actions such as killing one's guru which cause one to be reborn immediately in the hell realm upon death.
? five aggregrates (Ski. skandha, Tib. pung po nga) Literally "heaps" are the five basic transformations that perceptions undergo when an object is perceived. These are form, feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness.
five levels of practice See paths, five.
form kayas (Sk. rupakaya) The sambhogakaya and the nirmanakaya. four extremes These are a belief in the existence of everything ("etemalism"), a belief that nothing exists ("nihilism"), a belief that things exist and don't exist, and a belie, that reality is something other than existence and non-existence.
four fearlessnesses (SkL catvZravaifaradya, Tib. mi jig pa) The four stages to be attained by bodhisattvas. They are being fearless in
abandoning all faults, fearless of complete realization, fearless in showing the path to others, and fearless in pointing out obscurations on the path.
four inconceivables or immeasurables (Skt.
