Excerpts from> Book: TIBETAN YOGA AND SECRET DOCTRINES
Editor: W. Y. EVANS-WENTZ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pages 60 - 62.
The Precious Treasury of Elegant Sayings [1270 AD].
Attributed to the Grand Lama of Saskya Pandita.
Recognized by Khubilai Khan as the head of the Lamaist Church.
Stanza 20
'A hen, when at rest, produceth much fruit;
A peacock, when it remaineth still, hath a handsome tail;
A gentle horse hath a swift pace;
The quiescence of a holy man is the sign of his being a
sage.'
Stanza 29
'Not to be cheered by praise,
Not to be grieved by blame,
But to know thoroughly one's own virtues or powers
Are the characteristics of an excellent man.'
Stanza 33
'In the same place where the Great Lord [Buddha] is present
Who would acknowledge any other man?
When the Sun hath arisen, though there be many bright
stars in the sky,
Not one of them is visible.'
Stanza 58
'A foolish man proclaimeth his qualifications;
A wise man keepeth them secret within himself;
A straw floateth on the surface of the water,
But a precious gem placed upon it sinketh.'
Stanza 59
'It is only narrow-minded men that make such distinctions
As "This is our friend, this our enemy";
A liberal-minded man showeth affection for all.
For it is uncertain who may yet be of aid to one.'
Stanza 74
'An excellent man, like precious metal,
Is in every way invariable;
A villain, like the beams of a balance,
Is always varying, upwards and downwards.'
Stanza 118
'Much talking is a source of danger;
Silence is the means of avoiding misfortune:
The talkative parrot is shut up in a cage;
Other birds, which cannot talk, fly about freely.'
Stanza 134
'The greatest wealth consisteth in being charitable,
And the greatest happiness in having tranquility of mind.
Experience is the most beautiful adornment;
And the best comrade is one that hath no desires.'
Stanza 173
'Men of little ability, too,
By depending upon the great, may prosper;
A drop of water is a little thing,
But when will it dry away if united to a lake?'
Stanza 182
'Hurtful expressions should never be used,
Not even against an enemy;
For inevitably they will return to one,
Like an echo from a rock.'
Stanza 208
'When about to perform any great work,
Endeavour to have a trustworthy associate;
If one would burn down a forest,
The aid of a wind is, of course, needed.'
Stanza 228
'Meditation without Knowledge, [1] though giving results for awhile
Will, in the end, be devoid of true success;
One may melt gold and silver completely,
But once the fire be gone they grow hard again.'
[1] Or without the guiding teachings of a guru.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pages 62 - 63.
The Staff of Wisdom [2nd or 3rd century AD].
Attributed to Nagarjuna.
Recognized as the author of the first systematic exoteric
exposition of the Doctrine of the Voidness.
Folio 5
'To him who knoweth the True Nature of things,
What need is there of a teacher?
To him who hath recovered from illness,
What need is there of a physician?
To him who has crossed the river,
What need is there of a boat?'
Folio 7
'An astronomer calculations and divinations concerning
the motion of the Moon and the stars,
But he doth not divine that in his own household his own
womenfolk, being a variance, are misbehaving.'
Folio 8
'In eating, sleeping, fearing, and copulating, men and beasts
are alike;
Man excelleth the beast by engaging in religious practices.
So why should a man, if he be without religion, not be
equal to the beast?'
Folio 13
'Time is fleeting, learning is vast; no one knoweth the
duration of one's life:
Therefore use the swan's art of extracting milk from water,
And devote thyself to the Most Precious [Path].'
Although many stars shine, and that ornament of the Earth,
the Moon also shineth,
Yet when the Sun setteth, it becometh night.'
Folio 15
'The science which teacheth arts and handicrafts
Is merely science for the gaining of a living;
But the science which teacheth deliverance from worldly
existence,
Is not that the true science?'
Folio 20
'That which one desireth not for oneself,
Do not do unto others.'
Folio 22
'The foolish are like ripples on water,
For whatsoever they do is quickly effaced;
But the righteous are like carvings upon stone,
For their smallest act is durable.'
Folio 23
'With the wise and gentle, the contented and the truthful,
Companionship, even in prison, is better than sovereignty
with the unruly.'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pages 63 - 66.
The Ocean of Delight for the Wise.
Verses 25-8
'The Supreme Path of Altruism is a short-cut,
Leading to the Realm of the Conquerors,--
A track more speedy than that of a racing horse;
The selfish, however, know naught of it.'
Verses 29-34
'Charity produceth the harvest in the next birth,
Chastity is the parents of human happiness.
Patience is an adornment becoming to all.
Industry is the conductor of every personal accomplishment.
Dhyana is the clarifier of a beclouded mind.
Intellect is the weapon which overcometh every enemy.'
Verses 41-2
'Gloat not even though death and misfortune overwhelm
thine enemies;
Boast not, even though thou equal Indra [in greatness].'
Verses 51-2
'Some there are who turn inside out their whole interior
By means of over-talkativeness.'
Verses 66-7
'Be humble and meek if thou would be exalted;
Praise every one's good qualities if thou would have friends.'
Verses 69-72
'Argue not with the self-conceited;
Vie not with the fortunate;
Disparage not the vengeful;
Have no grudge with the powerful.'
Verses 73-6
'Relinquish an evil custom even though it be of thy fathers
and ancestors;
Adopt a good custom even though it be established among
thine enemies:
Poison is not to be taken even though offered by one's mother;
But gold is acceptable even from one who is inimical.'
Verses 77-80
'Be not to quick to express the desire of thy heart.
Be not short-tempered when engaged in a great work.
Be not jealous of a devotee who is truly religious and pious.
Consult not him who is habituated and hardened to evil-doing.'
Verses 112-13
'Rogues there are even in religious orders;
Poisonous plants grow even on hills of medicinal herbs.'
Verses 120-1
'Some there are who marvel not at others removing mountains,
But who considers it a heavy task when obliged to carry a
bit of fleece.'
Verses 140-3
'He who is ever ready to take the credit for any action when
it hath proved successful
And is equally ready to throw the blame on others when it
goeth wrong in the least,
And who is ever looking for faults in those who are learned
and righteous,
Possesseth the nature of a crow.'
Verse 146
'Preaching religious truths to an unbeliever is like feeding a
venomous serpent with milk.'
Verses 159-61
'Although a cloth be washed a hundred times,
How can it be rendered clean and pure
If it be washed in water which is dirty?'
Verse 181
'The unreasoning zeal and narrow-mindedness of an ignoramus
merely serveth to lower one's esteem of the person
he trieth to praise.'
Verses 186-8
'The greatest fault to be avoided is Ignorance.
To overcome the enemy Ignorance, one requireth Wisdom.
The best method of acquiring Wisdom is unfaltering
endeavour.'
Verses 193-4
'He who knoweth the Precepts by heart, but faileth to practise
them,
Is like unto one who lighteth a lamp and then shutteth his
eyes.'
Verses 204
'Who can say with certainty that one will live to see the
morrow?'
Verse 214
'How can it be just to kill helpless and inoffensive creatures?'
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 66.
From 'THE VOICE OF THE SILENCE'.
Attributed to Kargyutpa Sages.
'Give up thy life, if thou would'st live.
* * *
The Wise Ones tarry not in the pleasure-grounds of senses.
The Wise Ones heed not the sweet-tounged voices of illusion.
* * *
If through the Hall of Wisdom, thou would'st reach the Vale of
Bliss, Discipline, close fast thy senses against the great dire heresy
of Separateness that weaneth thee from the rest.
* * *
The Pupil must regain the child state he hath lost ere the first
sound can fall upon his ears.
* * *
To live to benefit mankind is the first step. To practise the six
glorious virtues is the second.
* * *
If Sun thou canst not be, then be the humble planet.
Be humble, if thou would'st attain to Wisdom. Be humbler still,
when Wisdom thou hast mastered.
* * *
The Teacher can but point the way. The Path is one for all; the
means to reach the Goal must vary with the Pilgrims.
* * *
Hast thou attuned thy being to Humanity's great pain, O candidate
for light?
* * *
Compassion speaketh and saith: "Can there be bliss when all
that live must suffer? Shalt thou be saved and hear the whole
world cry?" '
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 67-100 [1150 AD].
[THE SUPREME PATH OF DISCIPLESHIP: THE PRECEPTS OF THE GURUS]
Attributed to the Great Guru Gampopa.
Recognized as the founder of the Monastery of Ts'ur-lka,
which is now the principal seat of the Kargyutpa Order.
Let him who desireth deliverance from the fearful and difficult
-to-traverse Sea of Successive Existences, by means of
the precepts taught the inspired Kargyutpa Sages, render
due homage to these Teachers, whose glory is immaculate,
whose virtues are as inexhaustible as the ocean, and whose
infinite benevolence embraceth all beings, past, present, and
future, throughout the Universe.
For the use of those who share in the quest for Divine
Wisdom there follow, recorded in writing, the most highly
esteemed precepts, called 'The Supreme Path, the Rosary of
Precious Gems', transmitted to Gampopa, either directly or
indirectly, through that Inspired Dynasty of Gurus, out
of their love for him.
[THE TWENTY-EIGHT CATEGORIES OF YOGIC PRECEPTS]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I. THE TEN CAUSES OF REGRET
The devotee seeking Liberation and the Omniscience of
Buddhahood should first meditate upon these ten things which
are causes of regret:
(1) Having obtained the difficult-to-obtain, free, and endowed
human body, it would be a cause of regret to fritter
life away.
(2) Having obtained this pure and difficult-to-obtain, free,
and endowed human body, it would be a cause of regret to
die an irreligious and worldly man.
(3) This human life in the Kali-Yuga [or Age of Darkness]
being so brief and uncertain, it would be a cause of regret to
spend it in worldly aims and pursuits.
(4) One's own mind being of the nature of the Dharma-Kaya,
uncreated, it would be a cause of regret to let it be
swallowed up in the morass of the world's illusions.
(5) The holy guru being the guide on the Path, it would
be a cause of regret to be separated from him before attaining
Enlightenment.
(6) Religious faith and vows being the vessel which conveyeth
one to Emancipation, it would be a cause of regret
were they to be shattered by the force of uncontrolled passions.
(7) The perfect Wisdom having been found within oneself
in virtue of the guru's grace, it would be a cause of regret to
dissipate it amidst the jungle of worldliness.
(8) To sell like so much merchandise the Sublime Doctrine
of the Sages would be a cause of regret.
(9) Inasmuch as all beings are our kindly parents, [1] it would
be a cause of regret to have aversion for and thus disown or
abandon any of them.
[1] In the Buddhist, as in the Hindu view, so interminably during
inconceivable aeons have evolution and transition and rebirth been
going on that all sentient beings have been our parents. Reference
should here be made to a parallel passage and its commentary in
"Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa", p. 203.
(10) The prime of youth being the period of development
of the body, speech, and mind, it would be a cause of regret
to waste it in vulgar indifference.
These are The Ten Causes of Regret.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
II. THE TEN REQUIREMENTS COME NEXT
(1) Having estimated one's own capabilities, one requireth
a sure line of action.
(2) To carry out the commands of a religious preceptor, one
requireth confidence and diligence.
(3) To avoid error in choosing a guru, the disciple requireth
knowledge of his own faults and virtues.
(4) Keenness of intellect and unwavering faith are required
to tune in with the mind of the spiritual preceptor.
(5) Unceasing watchfulness and mental alertness, graced
with humility, are required to keep the body, speech, and
mind unsullied by evil.
(6) Spiritual armour and strength of intellect are required
for the fulfillment of one's heart's vows.
(7) Habitual freedom from desire and attachment is necessary
if one would be free from bondage.
(8) To acquire the Twofold Merit, [1] born of right motives,
right actions, and the altruistic dedication of their results,
there is need of unceasing effort.
[1] The Twofold Merit is expounded in XXVII. (7) {p. 97[2]}
(9) The mind, imbued with love and compassion in thought
and deed, ought ever to be directed to the service of all sentient
beings.
(10) Through hearing, understanding, and wisdom, one
should so comprehend the nature of all things as not to fall
into the error of regarding matter and phenomena as real.
These are The Ten Requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
III. THE TEN THINGS TO BE DONE
(1) Attach thyself to a religious preceptor endowed with
spiritual power and complete knowledge.
(2) Seek a delightful solitude endowed with psychic influences
as a hermitage.
(3) Seek friends who have beliefs and habits like thine own
and in whom thou canst place thy trust.
(4) Keeping in mind the evils of gluttony, use just enough
food to keep thee fit during the period of thy retreat.
(5) Study the teachings of the Great Sages of all sects
impartially.
(6) Study the beneficent sciences of medicine and astrology,
and the profound art of omens.
(7) Adopt such regimen and manner of living as will keep
thee in good health.
(8) Adopt such devotional practices as will conduce to thy
spiritual development.
(9) Retain such disciples as are firm in faith, meek in spirit,
and who appear to be favoured by karma in their quest for
Divine Wisdom.
(10) Constantly maintain alertness of consciousness in walking,
in sitting, in eating, and in sleeping.
These are The Ten Things To Be Done.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. THE TEN THINGS TO BE AVOIDED
(1) Avoid a guru whose heart is set on acquiring worldly
fame and possessions.
(2) Avoid friends and followers who are detrimental to thy
peace of mind and spiritual growth.
(3) Avoid hermitages and places of abode where there
happen to be many persons who annoy and distract thee.
(4) Avoid gaining thy livelihood by means of deceit and
theft.
(5) Avoid such actions as harm thy mind and impede thy
spiritual development.
(6) Avoid such acts of levity and thoughtlessness as lower
thee in another esteem.
(7) Avoid useless conduct and actions.
(8) Avoid concealing thine own faults and speaking loudly
of those of others.
(9) Avoid such food and habits as disagree with thy health.
(10) Avoid such attachments as are inspired by avarice.
These are The Things To Be Avoided.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
V. THE TEN THINGS NOT TO BE AVOIDED
(1) Ideas, being the radiance of the mind, are not to be
avoided.
(2) Thought-forms, being the revelry of Reality, are not to
be avoided.
(3) Obscuring passions, being the means of reminding one
of Divine Wisdom [which giveth deliverance from them], are
not to be avoided [if rightly used to enable one to taste life to
the full and thereby reach disillusionment].
(4) Affluence, being the manure and water for spiritual
growth, is not to be avoided.
(5) Illness and tribulations, being teachers of piety, are not
to be avoided.
(6) Enemies and misfortune, being the means of inclining
one to a religious career, are not to be avoided.
(7) That which cometh of itself, being a divine gift, is not to
be avoided.
(8) Reason, being in every action the best friend, is not to
be avoided.
(9) Such devotional exercises of body and mind as one is
capable of performing are not to be avoided.
(10) The thought of helping others, however limited one's
ability to help others may be, is not to be avoided.
These are The Ten Things Not To Be Avoided.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VI. THE TEN THINGS ONE MUST KNOW
(1) One must know that all visible phenomena, being
illusory, are unreal.
(2) One must know that the mind, being without independent
existence [apart from the One Mind], is impermanent.
(3) One must know that ideas arise from a concatenation of
causes.
(4) One must know that the body and speech, being compounded
of the four elements, are transitory.
(5) One must know that the effects of past actions, whence
cometh all sorrow, are inevitable.
(6) One must know that sorrow, being the means of convincing
one of the need of the religious life, is a guru.
(7) One must know that attachment to worldly things
maketh material prosperity inimical to spiritual progress.
(8) One must know that misfortune, being the means of
leading one to the Doctrine, is also a guru.
(9) One must know that no existing thing has an independent
existence.
(10) One must know that all things are interdependent.
These are The Ten Things One Must Know.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. THE TEN THINGS TO BE PRACTISED
(1) One should acquire practical knowledge of the Path by
treading it, and not be as are the multitude [who profess, but
do not practise, religion].
(2) By quitting one's own country and dwelling in foreign
lands one should acquire practical knowledge of non-attachment. [1]
[1] This implies non-attachment to all worldly possessions, to home
and kin, as to the tyranny of social intercourse and custom, which
commonly causes the attached to fritter life away in what Milarepa
so wisely teaches, 'All worldly pursuits have but the one unavoidable
and inevitable end, which is sorrow: acquisitions end in dispersion;
buildings, in destruction; meetings, in separation; births, in
death.' (See Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa, p. 259.) All the Great
Sages, in every land and generation, have traversed the Garden of
Human Existence, have plucked and eaten of the glamorous vari-
coloured fruits of the Tree of Life growing in the midst thereof,
and, as a result, have attained world-disillusionment, whereby man
first sees that Divine Vision which alone can give to him
imperishable contentment both now and in the hour of death.
Ecclesiastes, the Jewish Sage, who was once 'king over Israel in
Jerusalem', in language very much like that of Milarepa, tells us,
'I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold,
all is vanity and vexation of spirit.' (Ecclesiastes i. 14.)
(3) Having chosen a religious preceptor, separate thyself
from egotism and follow his teachings implicitly.
(4) Having acquired mental discipline by hearing and meditating
upon religious teachings, boast not of thine attainment,
but apply it to the realization of Truth.
(5) Spiritual knowledge having dawned in oneself, neglect
it not through slothfulness, but cultivate it with ceaseless
vigilance.
(6) Once having experienced spiritual illumination, commune
with it in solitude, relinquishing the worldly activities of
the multitude.
(7) Having acquired practical knowledge of spiritual things
and made the Great Renunciation, permit not the body, speech,
or mind to become unruly, but observe the three vows, of
poverty, chastity, and obedience.
(8) Having resolved to attain the Highest Goal, abandon
selfishness and devote thyself to the service of others.
(9) Having entered upon the mystic Mantrayanic Pathway,
permit not the body, the speech, or mind to remain
unsanctified, but practise the threefold mandala. [1]
[1] A mandala is a symbolical geometrical diagram wherein dieties are
invoked. (See Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa, p. 132.) The threefold
mandala is dedicated to the spiritual forces (often personified as
Tantric deities) presiding over, or manifesting through, the body,
the speech, and the mind of man, as in Kundalini Yoga.
(10) During the period of youth, frequent not those who
cannot direct thee spiritually, but acquire practical knowledge
painstakingly at the feet of a learned and pious guru.
These are The Ten Things To Be Practised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VIII. THE TEN THINGS TO BE PERSEVERED IN
(1) Novices should persevere in listening to, and meditating
upon, religious teachings.
(2) Having had spiritual experience, persevere in meditation
and mental concentration.
(3) Persevere in solitude until the mind hath been yogically
disciplined.
(4) Should thought-processes be difficult to control, persevere
in thine efforts to dominate them.
(5) Should there be great drowsiness, persevere in thine
efforts to invigorate the intellect [or to control the mind].
(6) Persevere in meditation until thou attainest the
imperturbable mental tranquility of samadhi.
(7) Having attained this state of samadhi, persevere in prolonging
its duration and in causing its recurrence at will.
(8) Should various misfortunes assail thee, persevere in
patience of body, speech, and mind.
(9) Should there be great attachment, hankering, or mental
weakness, persevere in an effort to eradicate it as soon as it
manifesteth itself.
(10) Should benevolence and pity be weak within thee,
persevere in directing the mind towards Perfection.
These are The Ten Things To Be Persevered In.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XI. THE TEN INCENTIVES
(1) By reflecting upon the difficulty of obtaining an endowed
and free human body, mayest thou be incited to adopt the
religious career.
(2) By reflecting upon death and the impermanence of life,
mayest thou be incited to live piously.
(3) By reflecting upon the irrevocable nature of the results
which inevitably arise from actions, mayest thou be incited to
avoid impiety and evil.
(4) By reflecting upon the evils of life in the round of
successive existences, mayest thou be incited to seek Emancipation.
(5) By reflecting upon the miseries which all sentient
beings suffer, mayest thou be incited to attain deliverance
therefrom by enlightenment of mind.
(6) By reflecting upon the perversity and illusory nature of
the mind of all sentient beings, mayest thou be incited to
listen to, and meditate upon, the Doctrine.
(7) By reflecting upon the difficulty of eradicating erroneous
concepts, mayest thou be constant meditation [which
overcometh them].
(8) By reflecting upon the predominance of evil propensities
in this Kali-Yuga [or Age of Darkness], mayest thou be
incited to seek their antidote [in the Doctrine].
(9) By reflecting upon the multiplicity of misfortunes in this
Age of Darkness, mayest thou be incited to perseverance [in
the quest for Emancipation].
(10) By reflecting upon the uselessness of aimlessly frittering
away thy life, mayest thou be incited to diligence [in the
treading of the Path].
These are The Ten Incentives.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X. THE TEN ERRORS
(1) Weakness of faith combined with strength of intellect
are apt to lead to the error of talkativeness.
(2) Strength of faith combined with weakness of intellect
are apt to lead to the error of narrow-minded dogmatism.
(3) Great zeal without adequate religious instruction is apt
to lead to the error of going to erroneous extremes {or follow-
ing misleading paths].
(4) Meditation without sufficient preparation through having
heard and pondered the Doctrine is apt to lead to the error
of losing oneself in the darkness of unconsiousness. [1]
[1] This refers to that mental chaos or delusion which is the
antithesis of the mental discipline acquired by right practice
of yoga under a wise guru's guidance.
(5) Without practical and adequate understanding of the
Doctrine, one is apt to lead to the error of religious self-conceit.
(6) Unless the mind be trained to selflessness and infinite
compassion, one is apt to lead to the error of seeking liberation
for self alone.
(7) Unless the mind be disciplined by knowledge of its
own immaterial nature, one is apt to lead to the error of
diverting all activities along the path of worldliness.
(8) Unless all worldly ambitions be eradicated, one is apt
to fall into the error of allowing oneself to be dominated by
worldly motives.
(9) By permitting credulous and vulgar admirers to congregate
about thee, there is liability of falling into the error
of becoming puffed up with worldly pride.
(10) By boasting of one's occult learning and powers, one
is liable to fall into the error of proudly exhibiting proficiency
in worldly rites. [1]
[1] No true master of the occult sciences ever allows himself to
boast or make public exhibition of his yogic powers. It is only
in secret initiations of disciples, as was the case with Marpa,
that they are shown, if at all. (See Milarepa, pp. 132-3, 154-5
,163.)
These are The Ten Errors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XI. THE TEN RESEMBLANCES WHEREIN ONE MAY ERR
(1) Desire may be taken for faith.
(2) Attachment may be mistaken for benevolence and compassion.
(3) Cessation of thought-processes may be mistaken for
the quiescence of infinite mind, which is the true goal.
(4) Sense perceptions [or phenomena] may be mistaken
for revelations [or glimpses] of Reality.
(5) A mere glimpse of Reality may be mistaken for complete
realization.
(6) Those who outwardly profess, but do not practise,
religion may be mistaken for true devotees.
(7) Slaves of passion may be mistaken for masters of yoga
who have liberated themselves from all conventional laws.
(8) Actions performed in the interest of self may be
mistakenly regarded as being altruistic.
(9) Deceptive methods may be mistakenly regarded as
being prudent.
(10) Charlatans may be mistaken for Sages.
These are The Ten Resemblances Wherein One May Err.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XII. THE TEN THINGS WHEREIN ONE ERRETH NOT
(1) In being free from attachment to all objects, and being
ordained a bhikshu [1] into the Holy Order, forsaking home
and entering upon the homeless state, one doth not err.
[1] Bhikshu (Skt.) = Bhikkhu (Pali): a member of the Sangha,
the Buddhist Order of those vowed to the Path of World
Renunciation.
(2) In revering one's spiritual preceptor one doth not err.
(3) In thoroughly studying the Doctrine, hearing discourses
thereon, and reflecting and meditating upon it, one doth
not err.
(4) In nourishing lofty aspirations and a lowly demeanour
one doth not err.
(5) In entertaining liberal views [as to religion] and yet
being firm in observing [formal religious] vows one doth
not err.
(6) In having greatness of intellect and smallness of pride
one doth not err.
(7) In being wealthy in religious doctrines and diligent in
meditating upon them one doth not err.
(8) In having profound religious learning, combined with
knowledge of things spiritual and absence of pride, one doth
not err.
(9) By passing one's whole life in solitude [and meditation]
one doth not err.
(10) In being unselfishly devoted to doing good to others,
by means of wise methods, one doth not err.
These are The Ten Things Wherein One Erreth Not.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XIII. THE THIRTEEN GRIEVOUS FAILURES
(1) If, after having been born a human being, one give no
heed to the Holy Doctrine, one resembleth a man who
returneth empty-handed from a land rich in precious gems;
and this is a grievous failure.
(2) If, after having entered the door of the Holy Order,
one return to the life of the householder, one resembleth
a moth plunging into the flame of a lamp; and this is a
grievous failure.
(3) To dwell with a sage and remain in ignorance is to be
like a man dying of thirst on the shore of a lake; and this is
a grievous failure.
(4) To know the moral precepts and not apply them to
the cure of obscuring passions is to be like a diseased man
carrying a bag of medicine which he never useth; and this is
a grievous failure.
(5) To preach religion and not practise it is to be like
a parrot saying a prayer; and this is a grievous failure.
(6) The giving in alms and charity of things obtained by
theft, robbery, or deceit, is like lightning striking the surface
of water; and this is a grievous failure. [1]
[1] According to this simile, lightning in striking water fails of
its true purpose, which is to set afire some inflammable object, even
as does the giving in alms and charity of things dishonestly
acquired.
(7) The offering to the dieties of meat obtained by killing
animate beings is like offering a mother the flesh of her own
child; [1] and this is a grievous failure.
[1] All living things are inseparably parts of One Whole, so that
any injury or suffering inflicted upon the microcosm affects the
macrocosm. See {pp. 11 and 90} XXIII (10) [1]. Herein the
Kargyupta Sages prove themselves to be true to the great
compassionate doctrine of ahimsa (or 'not hurting') which is
stressed by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, and Sufism.
(8) To exercise patience for merely selfish ends rather than
for doing good to others is to be like a cat exercising patience
in order to kill a rat; and this is a grievous failure.
(9) Performing meritorious actions in order merely to
attain fame and praise in this world is like bartering the
mystic wish-granting gem [1] for a pellet of goat's dung; and
this is a grievous failure.
[1] The wish-granting gem of oriental myth, known in Sanskrit as the
Cintamani, like Aladdin's magic lamp, grants any desire which its
possessor formulates.
(10) If, after having heard much of the Doctrine, one's
nature still be unattuned, one is like a physician with a
chronic disease; and this is a grievous failure.
(11) To be clever concerning precepts yet ignorant of the
spiritual experiences which come from applying them is to
be like a rich man who hath lost the key of his treasury; and
this is a grievous failure.
(12) To attempt to explain to others doctrines which one
hath not completely mastered oneself is to be like a blind
man leading the blind; and this is a grievous failure.
(13) To hold the experiences resulting from the first stage
of meditation to be those of the final stage is to be like a
man who mistaketh brass for gold; and this is a grievous
failure.
These are The Thirteen Grievous Failures.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XIV. THE FIFTEEN WEAKNESSES
(1) A religious devotee showeth weakness if he allow his
mind to be obsessed with worldly thoughts while dwelling in
solitude.
(2) A religious devotee who is the head of a monastery
showeth weakness if he seek his own interests [rather than
those of the brotherhood].
(3) A religious devotee showeth weakness if he be careful
in the observance of moral discipline and lacking in moral
restraint.
(4) It showeth weakness in one who hath entered upon the
Righteous Path to cling to worldly feelings of attraction and
repulsion.
(5) It showeth weakness in one who hath renounced
worldliness and entered the Holy Order to hanker after
acquiring merit.
(6) It showeth weakness in one who hath caught a glimpse
of Reality to fail to persevere in sadhana [or yogic meditation]
till the dawning of Full Enlightenment.
(7) It showeth weakness in one who is a religious devotee
to enter upon the Path and then be unable to tread it.
(8) It showeth weakness in one who hath no other occupation
than religious devotion to be unable to eradicate from
himself unworthy actions.
(9) It showeth weakness in one who hath chosen the
religious career to have hesitancy in entering into close
retreat while knowing full well that the food and everything
needed would be provided unasked.
(10) A religious devotee who exhibiteth occult powers
when practising exorcism or in driving away diseases showeth
weakness.
(11) A religious devotee showeth weakness if he barter
sacred truths for food and money.
(12) One who is vowed to the religious life showeth weakness
if he cunningly praise himself while disparaging others.
(13) A man of religion who preacheth loftily to others and
doth not live loftily himself showeth weakness.
(14) One who professeth religion and is unable to live in
solitude in his own company and yet knoweth not how to
make himself agreeable in the company of others showeth
weakness.
(15) The religious devotee showeth weakness if he be not
indifferent to comfort and to hardship.
These are The Fifteen Weaknesses.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XV. THE TWELVE INDISPENSABLE THINGS
(1) It is indispensable to have an intellect endowed with
the power of comprehending and applying the Doctrine to
one's own needs.
(2) At the very beginning [of one's religious career] it is
indispensably necessary to have the most profound aversion
for the interminable sequence of repeated deaths and births.
(3) A guru capable of guiding thee on the Path of Emancipation
is also indispensable.
(4) Diligence combined with fortitude and invulnerability
to temptation are indispensable.
(5) Unceasing perseverance in neutralizing the results of
evil deeds, by the performance of good deeds, and the fulfilling
of the threefold vows, to maintain chastity of body,
purity of mind, and control of speech, are indispensable.
(6) A philosophy comprehensive enough to embrace the
whole of knowledge is indispensable.
(7) A system of meditation which will produce the power
of concentrating the mind upon anything whatsoever is indispensable.
(8) An art of living which will enable one to utilize each
activity [of body, speech, and mind] as an aid on the Path is
indispensable.
(9) A method of practising the select teachings which will
make them more than mere words is indispensable.
(10) Special instructions [by a wise guru] which will enable
one to avoids misleading paths, temptations, pitfalls, and
dangers are indispensable.
(11) Indomitable faith combined with supreme serenity of
mind are indispensable at the moment of death.
(12) As a result of having practically applied the select
teachings, the attainment of spiritual powers capable of transmuting
the body, the speech, and the mind into their divine
essences is indispensable. [1]
[1] As a direct result of practically applying the Doctrine, the
devotee should attain that spiritual yogic power whereby the gross
physical body is transmuted into the radiant body of glory, elsewhere
in our texts called the 'rainbow body' {see pp. 170, 183, 318,
346}; and the erring human speech into the infallible divine
speech, and the unenlightened human mind into the supramundane
mind, of a Buddha.
These are The Twelve Indispensable Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XVI. THE TEN SIGNS OF A SUPERIOR MAN
(1) To have but little pride and envy is the sign of a
superior man.
(2) To have but few desires and satisfaction with simple
things is the sign of a superior man.
(3) To be lacking in hypocrisy and deceit is the sign of
a superior man.
(4) To regulate one's conduct in accordance with the law
of cause and effect as carefully as one guardeth the pupils of
one's eyes is the sign of a superior man.
(5) To be faithful to one's engagements and obligations is
the sign of a superior man.
(6) To be able to keep alive friendships while one [at the
same time] regardeth all beings with impartiality is the sign
of a superior man.
(7) To look with pity and without anger upon those who
live evilly is the sign of a superior man.
(8) To allow unto others the victory, taking unto oneself
the defeat, is the sign of a superior man.
(9) To differ from the multitude in every thought and
action is the sign of a superior man.
(10) To observe faithfully and without pride one's vows of
chastity and piety is the sign of a superior man.
These are The Ten Signs Of A Superior Man. Their
opposites are The Ten Signs Of An Inferior Man.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XVII. THE TEN USELESS THINGS [1]
[1] They are useless in the sense meant by Milarepa when he came to
realize that human life ought never to be frittered away in the
spiritually profitless doings of this world. {See Tibet's Great Yogi
Milarepa, pp. 176-7, 179-80.} The tenth aphorism of this series
having been unintentionally omitted from our Tibetan manuscript
by the scribe, we have substituted for it an adaptation of our own,
based upon the doctrine of the worthlessness of worldly actions,
as thus enunciated by Milarepa, and upon which this category of 'The
Ten Useless Things' is based.
(1) Our body being illusory and transitory, it is useless to
give over-much attention to it.
(2) Seeing that when we die we must depart empty-handed
and on the morrow after our death our corpse is expelled
from our own house, it is useless to labour and to suffer
privation in order to make for oneself a home in this world.
(3) Seeing that when we die our descendants [if spiritually
unenlightened] are unable to render us the least assistance,
it is useless for us to bequeath to them worldly [rather than
spiritual] riches, even out of love. [1]
[1] To fritter away the precious moments of life in heaping up the
perishable goods of this world, thinking thereby to benefit oneself
and one's family, is unwise. One's time on Earth ought to be given
to the winning of those riches which are imperishable and capable of
assisting one both in living, and in dying. It is the science of
accumulating riches of this character which parents should bequeath
to their children and not worldly riches merely intensify and prolong
their possessors' slavery to sangsaric existence. This precept is
emphasized by the fifth and sixth precepts which follow.
(4) Seeing that when we die we must go on our way alone
and with kinsfolk or friends, it is useless to have devoted
time [which ought to have been dedicated to the winning of
Enlightenment] to their humoring and obliging, or in showering
loving affection upon them. [1]
[1] Time when devoted to kinsfolk and friends should be employed
not merely for the sake of showing them proper courtesy and loving
affection, but chiefly for the purpose of setting them upon the Path
of the Great Deliverance, whereby each living being is realized to be
one's relative. All conventional social relationships on the human
plane being illusory, it is useless for a yogin to dissipate the
precious moments of this incarnate existence solely on their account.
(5) Seeing that our descendants themselves are subject to
death and that whatever worldly goods we may bequeath to
them are certain to be lost eventually, it is useless to make
bequeaths of the things of this world.
(6) Seeing that when death cometh one must relinquish
even one's own home, it is useless to devote life to the acquisition
of worldly things.
(7) Seeing that unfaithfulness to the religious vows will result
in one's going to the miserable states of existence, it is
useless to have entered the Order if one live not a holy life.
(8) To have heard and thought about the Doctrine and not
practised it and acquired spiritual powers to assist thee at the
moments of death is useless.
(9) It is useless to have lived, even for a very long time,
with a spiritual preceptor if one be lacking in humility and
devotion and thus be unable to develop spiritually.
(10) Seeing that all existing and apparent phenomena are
ever transient, changing, and unstable, and more especially
that the worldly life affordeth neither reality nor permanent
gain, it is useless to have devoted oneself to the profitless
doings of this world rather than to the seeking of Divine
Wisdom.
These are The Useless Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XVIII. THE TEN SELF-IMPOSED TROUBLES
(1) To enter the state of the householder without means of
sustenance produceth self-imposed trouble as doth an idiot
eating aconite. [Aconite is a poisonous plant.]
(2) To live a thoroughly evil life and disregard the Doctrine
produceth self-imposed trouble as doth an insane person
jumping over a precipice.
(3) To live hypocritically produceth self-imposed trouble
as doth a person who puteth poison in his own food.
(4) To be lacking in firmness of mind and yet attempt to
act as the head of a monastery produceth self-imposed trouble
as doth a feeble old woman who attempteth to herd cattle.
(5) To devote oneself wholly to selfish ambitions and not
to strive for the good of others produceth self-imposed trouble
as doth a blind man who alloweth himself to become lost in
a desert.
(6) To undertake difficult tasks and not have the ability to
perform them produceth self-imposed trouble as doth a man
without strength who trieth to carry a heavy load.
(7) To transgress the commandments of the Buddha or of
the holy guru through pride and self-conceit produceth self-imposed
trouble as doth a king who followeth a perverted
policy.
(8) To waste one's time loitering about towns and villages
instead of devoting it to meditation produceth self-imposed
trouble as doth a deer that descendeth to the valley instead
of keeping to the fastnesses of the mountains.
(9) To be absorbed in the pursuit of worldly things rather
than in nourishing the growth of Divine Wisdom produceth
self-imposed trouble as doth an eagle when it breaketh its
wing.
(10) Shamelessly to misappropriate offerings which have
been dedicated to the guru or to the Trinity [1] produceth
self-imposed trouble as doth a child swallowing live
coals. [2]
[1] The Buddhist Trinity is the Buddha, the Dharma (or scriptures),
and the Sangha (or Priesthood). Neither gurus nor priests in a
Buddhist or Hindu community have the right to demand any form of
payment in return for their performance of religious duties. Their
disciples or laymen, however, being in duty bound to provide for
their maintenance, make voluntary offerings to them, chiefly in the
form of food and clothing, and sometimes in the form of property
endowments to their ashramas, monasteries, or temples. According to
the rule of buddhist monasticism, no member of the Sangha should
touch money, but nowadays this rule is not usually observed; and the
offerings commonly include money, often for expenditure in some pious
work, such as building a stupa, making manuscript copies of the
Scriptures, restoring an image, or to help in the building or repair
of a shrine.
[2] The evil karma resulting from the act of impiety is for the
devotee as painful spiritually as the swallowing of live coals is for
the child physically.
These are The Ten Self-Imposed Troubles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XIX. THE TEN THINGS WHEREIN ONE DOETH GOOD TO ONESELF
(1) One doeth good to oneself by abandoning worldly conventions
and devoting oneself to the Holy Dharma.
(2) One doeth good to oneself by departing from home
and kindred and attaching oneself to a guru of saintly
character.
(3) One doeth good to oneself by relinquishing worldly
activities and devoting oneself to the three religious
activities,--hearing, reflecting, and meditating [upon the
chosen teachings].
(4) One doeth good to oneself by giving up social intercourse
and dwelling alone in solitude.
(5) One doeth good to oneself renouncing desire for
luxury and ease and enduring hardship.
(6) One doeth good to oneself by being contented with
simple things and free from craving for worldly possessions.
(7) One doeth good to oneself by making and firmly
adhering to the resolution not to take advantage of others.
(8) One doeth good to oneself by attaining freedom from
hankering after the transitory pleasures of this life and
devoting oneself to the realization of the eternal bliss of
Nirvana.
(9) One doeth good to oneself by abandoning attachment
to visible material things [which are transitory and unreal]
and attaining knowledge of Reality.
(10) One doeth good to oneself by preventing the three
doors to knowledge [the body, the speech, and the mind]
from remaining spiritually undisciplined and by acquiring,
through right use of them, the Twofold Merit.
These are The Ten Things Wherein One Doeth Good To Oneself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XX. THE TEN BEST THINGS
(1) For one of little intellect, the best thing is to have faith
in the law of cause and effect.
(2) For one of ordinary intellect, the best thing is to
recognize, both within and without oneself, the workings of
the law of opposites. [1]
[1] Another rendering, more literal, but rather unintelligible to the
reader unaccustomed to the profound thought of Tibetan metaphyicians,
might be phrased as follows: 'For one of ordinary intellect [or
spiritual insight] the best thing is to recognize the external and
internal phenomena [as these are seen] in the four aspects [or
unions] of phenomena and noumena'. Such recognition is to be arrived
at through yogic analysis of phenomena, manifested in or through the
cosmos. Such analysis must be based upon the realization that all
phenomena, visible and invisible, have their noumenal source in the
Cosmic Mind, the origin of all existing things. 'The four aspects
[or unions] of phenomena and noumena' are: (1) Phenomena and Voidness
(Skt. Shunyata); (2) Clearness and Voidness; (3) Bliss and Voidness;
(4) Consciousness and Voidness. Upon each of these 'unions' a vast
treatise could be written. Here we may briefly state that Phenomena,
Clearness, Bliss, and Consciousness represent four aspects of
phenomena in opposition to their corresponding noumena, voidnesses.
The Shunyata (Tib. Stong-pa-nyid), the Voidness, the Ultimate Source
of all phenomena, being without attributes, or qualities, is humanly
inconceivable. In the Mahayana philosophy it symbolizes the
Absolute, the Thatness of the Vedantists, the One Reality, which is
Mind.
(3) For one of superior intellect, the best thing is to have
thorough comprehension of the inseparableness of the knower,
the object of knowledge, and the act of knowing. [1]
[1] It is usual for the guru, somewhat after the manner of the Zen
gurus of Japan, to put the problem before the shishya (or disciple)
in the form of a series of interdependent questions such as the
following: Is the knower other than the object of knowledge? Is the
object of knowledge other than the act of knowing? Is the act of
knowing other than the knowledge? Similar series of questions are
set forth in The Epitome of the Great Symbol, pp. 78, 80, 98, 102.
(4) For one of little intellect, the best meditation is complete
concentration of mind upon a single object.
(5) For one of ordinary intellect, the best meditation is
unbroken concentration of mind upon the two dualistic concepts
[of phenomena and noumena, and consciousness and mind].
(6) For one of superior intellect, the best meditation is
remain in mental quiescence, the mind devoid of all thought-
processes, knowing that the mediator, the object of meditation,
and the act of meditating constitute an inseparable unity.
(7) For one of little intellect, the best religious practise is
to live in strict conformity with the law of cause and effect.
(8) For one of ordinary intellect, the best religious practise
is to regard all objective things as though they were images
seen in a dream or produced by magic.
(9) For one of superior intellect, the best religious practise
is to abstain from all worldly desires and actions, [1] [regarding
all sangsaric things as though they were non-existent].
(10) For those of all three grades of intellect, the best
indication of spiritual progress is the gradual diminution of
obscuring passions and selfishness.
These are the Ten Best Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXI. THE TEN GRIEVOUS MISTAKES
(1) For a religious devotee to follow a hypocritical charlatan
instead of a guru who sincerely practiseth the Doctrine is a
grievous mistake.
(2) For a religious devotee to apply himself to vain worldly
sciences rather than to seeking the chosen secret teachings of
the Great Sages is a grievous mistake.
(3) For a religious devotee to make far-reaching plans as
though he were going to establish permanent residence [in
this world] instead of living as though each day were the last
he had to live is a grievous mistake.
(4) For a religious devotee to preach the Doctrine to the
multitude [err having realized it to be true] instead of meditating
upon it [and testing its truth] in solitude is a grievous
mistake.
(5) For a religious devotee to be like a miser and hoard up
riches instead of dedicating them to religion and charity is a
grievous mistake.
(6) For a religious devotee to give way in body, speech, and
mind to the shamelessness of debauchery instead of observing
carefully the vows [of purity and chastity] is a grievous
mistake.
(7) For a religious devotee to spend his life between worldly
hopes and fears instead of gaining understanding of Reality is
a grievous mistake.
(8) For a religious devotee to try to reform others instead
of reforming himself is a grievous mistake.
(9) For a religious devotee to strive after worldly powers
instead of cultivating his own innate spiritual powers is a
grievous mistake.
(10) For a religious devotee to be idle and indifferent
instead of persevering when all the circumstances favourable
for spiritual advancement are present is a grievous mistake.
These are The Ten Grievous Mistakes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXII. THE TEN NECESSARY THINGS
(1) At the very outset [of one's religious career] one should
have so profound an aversion for the continuous succession of
deaths and births [to which all who have not attained Enlightenment
are subject] that one will wish to flee from it even as a
stag fleeth from captivity.
(2) The next necessary thing is perseverance so great that
one regretteth not the losing of one's life [in the quest for
Enlightenment], like that of the husbandman who tilleth his
fields and regretteth no the tilling even though he die on the
morrow.
(3) The third necessary thing is joyfulness of mind like that
of a man who hath accomplished a great deed of far-reaching
influence.
(4) Again, one should comprehend that, as with a man
dangerously wounded by an arrow, there is not a moment of
time to be wasted.
(5) One needeth ability to fix the mind on a single thought
even as doth a mother who hath lost her only son.
(6) Another necessary thing is to understand that there is
no need of doing anything, [1] even as a cowherd whose cattle
have been driven off by enemies understandeth that he can do
nothing to recover them.
[1] The yogin's goal is complete quiescence of body, speech, and
mind, in accordance with the ancient yogic precept, 'Be quiescent,
and know that thou art That'. The Hebrew Scriptures echo the same
teaching in the well-known aphorism, 'Be still, and know that I am
God' (Psalms xlvi. 10).
(7) It is primarily requisite for one to hunger after the
Doctrine even as a hungry man hugereth after good food.
(8) One needeth to be as confident of one's mental ability
as doth a strong man of his physical ability to hold fast to a
precious gem which he hath found.
(9) One must expose the fallacy of dualism as one doth the
falsity of a liar.
(10) One must have confidence in the Thatness [as being
the Sole Refuge] even as an exhausted crow far from land
hath confidence in the mast of the ship upon which it resteth.
These are The Necessary Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXIII. THE TEN UNNECESSARY THINGS
(1) If the empty nature of the mind be realized, no longer
is it necessary to listen to or to meditate upon religious
teachings. [1]
[1] Realization of the empty nature of the mind is attained through
yogic mastery of the Doctrine of the Voidness, which shows that Mind,
the Sole Reality, is the noumenal source of all phenomena; and, that
being non-sangsaric (ie. not dependent for its existence upon
objective appearances, nor even upon thought-forms or thought-
processes), it is in the Qualityless, the Attributeless, and,
therefore, the Vacuous. Once having arrived at this realization,
the yogin no longer needs to listen to or to meditate upon religious
teachings, for these are merely guides to the great goal of yoga
which he has reached.
(2) If the unsulliable nature of the intellect be realized, no
longer is it necessary to seek absolution of one's sins. [1]
[1] According to The Awakening of Faith by Ashvaghosha, one of the
illustrious expounders of the Mahayana, 'The mind from the beginning
is of a pure nature, but since there is the finite aspect of it
which is sullied by finite views, there is the sullied aspect of it.
Although there is this defilement, yet the original pure nature is
eternally unchanged.' As Ashvaghosha adds, it is only an Enlightened
One, Who has realized the unsulliable nature of primordial mind
(or intellect), that understands this mystery. (Cf. Timothy
Richard's translation of The Awakening of Faith, Shanghai, 1907,
p. 13; also the translation made by Professor Teitaro Suzuki,
published in Chicago in 1900, pp. 79-80.) So for him who knows that
the defilements of the world are, like the world, without any
reality, being a part of the Great Illusion, or Maya, what need is
there for absolution of sin? Likewise, as the next aphorism teaches,
'for who abideth in the State of Mental Quiescence', which is the
State of Enlightenment, all such illusory concepts of the finite mind
as sin and absolution vanish as morning mists do when the Sun has
arisen.
(3) Nor is absolution necessary for one who abideth in the
State of Mental Quiescence.
(4) For him who hath attained the State of Unalloyed
Purity there is no need to meditate upon the Path or
upon the methods of treading it, [for he hath arrived at the
Goal].
(5) If the unreal [or illusory] nature of cognitions be
realized, no need is there to meditate upon the state of non-
cognition. [1]
[1] Here, again, reference to the Doctrine of the Voidness [of mind]
is essential to right understanding of this aphorism. The State of
Non-Cognition, otherwise called the True State [of mind], is a state
of unmodified consciousness, comparable to a calm and infinite ocean.
In the modified state of consciousness, inseparable from mind in its
microcosmic or finite aspect, this ocean illusorily appears to be
ruffled with waves, which are the illusory concepts born of sangsaric
existence. As Ashvaghosha also tells us in The Awakening of Faith
(Richard's translation, p. 12), 'We should know that all phenomena
are created by the imperfect notions in the finite mind; therefore
all existence is like a reflection in a mirror, without substance,
only a phantom of the mind. When the finite mind acts, then all
kinds of things arise; when the finite mind ceases to act, then all
kinds of things cease.' Concomitantly with realization of the True
State, wherein mind is quiescent and devoid of the thought-processes
and concepts of finite mind, the yogin realizes the unreal nature of
cognitions, and no longer need he meditate upon the State of Non-
Cognition.
(6) If the non-reality [or illusory nature] of obscuring
passions be realized, no need is there to seek their antidote.
(7) If all phenomena be known to be illusory, no need is
there to seek or to reject anything. [1]
[1] For according to the Doctrine of Maya (or illusion) nothing which
has illusory (or phenomenal) existence is real.
(8) If sorrow and misfortune be recognized to be blessings,
no need is there to seek happiness.
(9) If the unborn [or uncreated] nature of one's own consciousness
be realized, no need is there to practise transference
of consciousness. [1]
[1] Consciousness, or mind, being primordially of the Unborn,
Uncreated, cannot really be transfered. It is only to consciousness
in its finite or microcosmic aspect, as manifested in the Sangsara,
or Realm of Illusion, that one may apply the term transference.
To the Unborn, in the True State, wherein the Sangsara is
transcended, time and space, which belong wholly to the Realm of
Illusion, have no existence. How then can the Unborn be transferred,
since there is no whence or whither to which it can be related?
Having realized this, that the noumenal cannot be treated as the
phenomenal, there is no need to practise the transference of
consciousness. {Book IV, which follows, being devoted wholly to an
exposition of the Doctrine of Consciousness-Transference, affords
further commentary on this aphorism.}
(10) If only the good of others be sought in all that one
doeth, no need is there to seek benefit for oneself. [1]
[1] Humanity being a unified organism, through which the One Mind
finds highest expression on Earth, whatsoever one member of it does
to another member of it, be the action good or evil, inevitably
affects all members of it. Therefore, in the Christian sense as
well, the doing of good to others is the doing of good to oneself.
These are The Ten Unnecessary Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXIV. THE TEN MORE PRECIOUS THINGS
(1) One free and well-endowed human life is more precious
than myriads of non-human lives in any of the six states of
existence. [1]
[1] The six states or regions, of sangsaric existence are (1) the
deva-worlds, (2) the asura-(or titan)world, (3) the human world,
(4) the brute-world, (5) the preta(or unhappy ghost)world, and (6)
the hell-worlds.
(2) One sage is more precious than multitudes of irreligious
and worldly-minded persons.
(3) One esoteric truth is more precious than innumerable
exoteric doctrines.
(4) One momentary glimpse of Divine Wisdom, born of
meditation, is more precious than any amount of knowledge
derived from merely listening to and thinking about religious
teachings.
(5) The smallest amount of merit dedicated to the good of
others is more precious than any amount of merit devoted to
one's own good.
(6) To experience but momentarily the samadhi wherein
all thought-processes are quiescent is more precious than to
experience uninterruptedly the samadhi wherein thought-
processes are still present. [1]
[1] As explained on {p. 329}, there are four states of dhyana,
or samadhi (profound meditation). The highest of these states is
one wherein the yogin experiences that ecstatic bliss which is
attained by realization of the unmodified condition of primordial
mind. This state is designated as the True State, being vacuous
of all the sangsaric thought-forming processes of the mind in its
modified or finite aspect. In the lowest, or first of samadhi,
wherein complete cessation of these thought-forming processes
has not been reached, the yogin experiences an incomparably
inferior sort of ecstasy, which novices are warned not to mistake
for the highest state.
(7) To enjoy a single moments of Nirvanic bliss is more
precious than to enjoy any amount of sensual bliss.
(8) The smallest good deed done unselfishly is more precious
than innumerable good deeds done selfishly.
(9) The renunciation of every worldly thing [home, family,
friends, property, fame, duration of life, and even health] is
more precious than the giving of inconcievably vast worldly
wealth in charity.
(10) One lifetime spent in the quest for Enlightenment is
more precious than all the lifetimes during an aeon spent in
worldly pursuits.
These are The Ten More Precious Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXV. THE TEN EQUAL THINGS
(1) For him who is sincerely devoted to the religious life, it is
the same whether he refrain from worldly activities or not. [1]
[1] That is to say, as the Bhagavad Gita teaches, for one who is
sincerely devoted to the religious life and is wholly free from
attachment to the fruits of his actions in the world, it is the same
whether he refrain from worldly activities or not, inasmuch as such
disintrestedness produces no karmic results.
(2) For him who hath realized the transcendental nature of
mind, it is the same whether he meditate or not. [1]
[1] The goal of yogic meditation is to realize that only mind is
real, and that the true (or primordial) state of mind is that state
of mental quiescence, devoid of all thought-processes, which is
experienced in the highest samadhi; and, once this goal is attained,
meditation has fulfilled its purpose and is no longer necessary.
(3) For him who is freed from attachment to worldly luxuries,
it is the same whether he practise asceticism or not.
(4) For him who hath realized Reality, it is the same whether
he dwell on an isolated hill-top in solitude or wander hither
and thither [as a bhikshu].
(5) For him who hath attained the mastery of his mind,
it is the same whether he partake of the pleasures of the world
or not.
(6) For him who is endowed with the fullness of compassion,
it is the same whether he practise meditation in solitude or
work for the good of others in the midst of society.
(7) For him whose humility and faith [with respect to his
guru] are unshakable,it is the same whether he dwell with
his guru or not.
(8) For him who understandeth thoroughly the teachings
which he hath received, it is the same whether he meet with
good fortune or with bad fortune.
(9) For him who hath given up the worldly life and taken
to the practise of the Spiritual Truth, it is the same whether
he observe conventional codes of conduct or not. [1]
[1] In all his relationships with human society, the yogin is free to
follow conventional usages or not. What the multitude consider
moral he may consider immoral, and vice versa. (See Milarepa's
song concerning what is shameful and what is not, pp. 226-7, of
Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa.)
(10) For him who hath attained the Sublime Wisdom, it is
the same whether he be able to exercise miraculous powers
or not.
These are The Ten Equal Things.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXVI. THE TEN VIRTUES OF THE HOLY DHARMA (OR DOCTRINE) [1]
[1] According to the Southern School, the Dharma (Pali : Dhamma)
implies not merely the Scriptures, but also the study and practise
of them for the purpose of attaining Nirvana (Pali : Nibbana).
(1) The fact that there have been made known amongst
men the Ten Pious Acts, [1] the Six Paramita, [2] the various
teachings concerning Reality and Perfection, the Four
Noble Truths, [3] the Four States of Dhyana, [4] the Four
States of Formless Existence, [5] and the Two Mystic
Paths [6] of spiritual unfoldment and emancipation, showeth
the virtue of the Holy Dharma.
[1] These are the opposite of the Ten Impious Acts. Three are acts
of the body, namely, Saving Life, Chastity, and Charity. Four are
acts of speech, namely, Truth-telling, Peace-making, Politeness of
speech, and Religious discourse. Three are acts of the mind, namely,
Benevolence, Good Wishes, and Meekness combined with Faith.
[2] The Six Paramita (or 'Six Boundless Virtues') are Boundless
Charity, Morality, Patience, Industry, Meditation, Wisdom. In the
Pali canon ten Paramita are mentioned: Charity, Morality,
Renunciation, Wisdom, Energy (or Industry), Tolerance, Truthfulness,
Good-Will, Love, and Equanimity.
[3] The Four Noble Truths taught by the Buddha may be stated as
follows :(1) Existence in the Sangsara (the transitory and phenomenal
universe) is inseparable from Suffering, or Sorrow. (2) The Cause of
Suffering is Desire and Lust for Existence in the Sangsara. (3) The
Cessation of Suffering is attained by conquering and eradicating
Desire and Lust for Existence in the Sangsara. (4) The Path to the
Cessation of Suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path. {See p. 13.}
[4] {See p. 329 [1].}
[5] Literally, 'the Four Arapa (Formless) Unions'. To be born in any
of these worlds, wherein existence is bodiless or formless, is to be
united with them. These worlds are the four highest heavens under
the sway of the God Brahma, known as the Higher Brahmaloka ('Realms
of Brahma'). Their names are: (1) Akashanantyayatana (Realm wherein
consciousness exists in infinite space); (2) Vijnananantyanatana
(Realm wherein consciousness exists in the infinite state of
consciousness); (3) Akincanyayatana (Realm wherein consciousness
exists free from the infinite state of consciousness); (4)
Naivasamjnana Samjnayatana (Realm wherein there is neither perception
nor non-perception). These four realms represent four progressive
stages in the higher evolutionary process of emptying consciousness
of its most subtle sangsaric objects, through yogic meditation, and
thereby attaining higher conditions of sangsaric existence prepatory
to the attainment of Nirvava. In the first state, consciousness has
no object upon which to centre itself save infinite space. In the
second, consciousness transcends infinite space as its object. In
the third, consciousness transcends the second stage and thus becomes
free from all thinking or process of thought; and this is one of the
great goals of yoga. In the fourth state, consciousness exists of
itself and by itself, without exercising either perception or non-
perception, in profoundest samadhic quiescence. These four states of
consciousness, which are among the highest attainable within the
Sangsara, are reached in yogic trance induced by deep meditation.
So transcendent are they that the unwisely directed yogin is apt to
mistake the realization of them for the realization of Nirvana. (See
p. 329 {1}.) The Prince Gautama, ere attaining Buddhahood, studied
and practised the yoga pertaining to the Four States of Formless
Existence under two gurus, Arlara and Uddaka, and relinquished it
because he discovered that such yoga fails to lead to Nirvana. (Cf.
the Aryaparyesana, or 'Holy Research', Sutta, Majjhima Nikaya,
i. 164-6.)
[6] According to the Mahayana, there is the lower path, leading to
the Four States of Formless Existence, and to other heaven worlds,
such as that of Sukhavati, the Western Paradise of the Dhyani Buddha
Amitabha; and the higher path, leading to Nirvana, whereby the
Sangsara is transcended.
(2) The fact that there have been evolved in the Sangsara
spiritually enlightened princes and Brahmins [1] amongst men,
and the Four Great Guardians, [2] the six orders of devas of the
sensuous paradises, [3] the seventeen orders of gods of the worlds
of form, [4] and the four orders of gods of the worlds without
form [5] showeth the virtue of the Holy Dharma.
[1] Most of the religious teachers of India have been either of royal
descent, like Gautama the Buddha, or of Brahmanical or priestly
origin, like Ashvaghosa, Nagarjuna, Tilopa and many others who were
eminent Buddhists. Buddhism holds that the historical Buddha,
Gauatama, is but One of a long succession of Buddhas, and that
Gautama merely handed on teachings which have existed since
beginningless time. Accordingly, it is directly due to beings in
past aeons having practised these venerable teachings, based as they
are upon realizable truths, that there have been evolved enlightened
men and gods; and this fact proves the virtue of these teachings,
recorded in the Buddhist Scriptures known as the Dharma.
[2] These are the four celestial kings who guard the four quarters
of the Universe from the destructive forces of evil, the Four Great
Guardians of the Dharma and of Humanity. Dhritarshthra guards the
East, and to him is assigned the symbolic colour white. Virudhhaka
guards the South, and his symbolic colour is green. The red guardian
of the West is Virupaksha, and the yellow guardian of the North is
Vaishravana.
[3] The six sensuous paradises, together with the Earth, constitute
the Region of Sensuousness (Skt. Kamadhatu), the lowest of the Three
Regions (Skt. Trailokya) into which the Buddhists divide the cosmos.
[4] These are the deities inhabiting the seventeen heavens of Brahma
which constitute the Region of Form (Skt. Rupadhatu), the second of
the Three Regions, wherein existence and form are free from
sensuousness.
[5] These are the deities inhabiting the four highest Brahma heavens,
wherein existence is not only non-sensuous, but is also formless.
These heavens (named above) together with the Akanishtha (Tib.
'Og-min) Heaven, the highest sangsaric state {see p. 250 [2]}
constitute the Region of Formlessness (Skt. Arupadhatu), the third
of the Three Regions. Beyond this is the supra-cosmic state, beyond
all heavens, hells, and worlds of sangsaric existence,--the Unborn,
Unmade Nirvana. The Stupa (Tib. Ch'orten) esoterically symbolizes
the Way to Nirvana through the Three Regions. (See Tibet's Great
Yogi Milarepa, opposite p. 269.)
(3) The fact fact that there have arisen in the world those who
have entered the Stream, those who will return to birth but
once more, those who have passed beyond the need of
further birth, {1} and Arhants, and Self-enlightened Buddhas
and Omniscient Buddhas, [2] showeth the virtue of the Holy
Dharma.
[1] These three gradations of human beings correspond to three steps
to Arhantship (or Saintship in the Buddhist sense), preparatory
to the Full Enlightenment of Buddhahood. 'Entering the Stream'
(Skt. Srotaapatti), which implies acceptance of the Doctrine of the
Buddha, is the first step of the neophyte on the Path to Nirvana.
'One who receives birth once more' (Skt. Sakridagamin) has taken
the second step. 'One who will not come back [to birth]' (Skt.
Anagamin), being one who has taken the third step and attained to the
state of the Arhant, normally would pass on to Nirvana. If, however,
he takes the vow not to accept Nirvana till every sentient being is
safely set upon the same Supreme Path that he has trodden, and thus
becomes a Bodhisattva (or 'Enlightenment Being'), he will consciously
reassume fleshly embodiment as a Divine Incarnation, a Nirmanakaya.
As a Bodhisattva, he may remain within the Sangsara for unknown aeons
and so give added strength to the 'Guardian Wall [of Spiritual
Power]' which protects all living things and makes possible their
Final Emancipation. According to the Pali canon, one who is a
Srota-apatti will be reborn at least once, but not more than seven
times, in any of the seven states of the Kamadhatu. A Sakridagamin
will assume birth only once more, in one of the Kamadhatu. And an
Anagamin will not be reborn in any of them.
[2] Self-Enlightened (Skt. Pratyeka) Buddhas do not teach the
Doctrine publicly, but merely do good to those who come into personal
contact with Them, whereas Omniscent Buddhas, of Whom was the Buddha
Gautama, preach the Doctrine widely, both to gods and to men.
(4) The fact that there are Those who have attained Bodhic
Enlightenment and are able to return to the world as Divine
Incarnations and work for the deliverance of mankind and of
all living things till the time of the dissolution of the physical
universe showeth the virtue of the Holy Dharma. [1]
[1] It is the Holy Dharma alone which has revealed to mankind the
Bodhic Pathway and the supreme teaching that Those who have won the
right to freedom from further worldly existence should renounce the
right and continue to reincarnate in order that their Divine Wisdom
and Experience shall not be lost to the world, but employed to the
sublime end of leading all unenlightened beings to the same State of
Emancipation.
(5) The fact that there existeth, as an outcome of the
all-embracing benevolence of the Bodhisattvas, protective spiritual
influences which make possible the deliverance of men and of
all beings showeth the virtue of the Holy Dharma. [1]
[1] In having chosen the Path of Infinite Benevolence, the
Bodhisattvas have projected into the worlds of sangsaric existence
subtle vibratory influences which protect all living beings and make
possible their spiritual progress and ultimate enlightenment, as
otherwise explained above. Were there no such inspiring and
elevating influences in the world, mankind would be without spiritual
guidance and remain enslaved by sensuous delusions and mental
darkness.
(6) The fact that one experienceth even in the unhappy
worlds of existence moments of happiness as a direct outcome
of having performed little deeds of mercy while in the human
world showeth the virtue of the Holy Dharma. [1]
[1] The Buddhist teaching that the beneficial results of deeds of
mercy done in this life assist one even in the unhappy after-death
states is proved by experience and so shows the virtue of the Holy
Dharma.
(7) The fact that men after having lived evilly should have
renounced the worldly life and become saints worthy of the
veneration of the world showeth the virtue of the Holy Dharma.
(8) The fact that men whose heavy evil karma would have
condemned them to almost endless suffering after death should
have turned to the religious life and attained Nirvana showeth
the virtue of the Holy Dharma.
(9) The fact that by merely having faith in or meditating
upon the Doctrine, or by merely donning the robe of the
bhikshu, one becometh worthy of respect and veneration
showeth the virtue of the Holy Dharma.
(10) The fact that one, even after having abandoned all
worldly possessions and embraced the religious life and given
up the state of the householder and hidden himself in a most
secluded hermitage, should still be sought for and supplied
with all the necessities of life showeth the virtue of the Holy
Dharma.
These are The Ten Virtues of The Holy Dharma.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXVII. THE TEN FIGURATIVE EXPRESSIONS [1]
[1] This category of negations concerning Truth is probably inspired
by the canonical Prajna-Paramita, upon which the seventh Book of our
present volume is based.
(1) As the Foundation Truth cannot be described [but must
be realized in samadhi], the expression 'Foundation Truth' is
merely figurative. [1]
[1] The Foundation Truth, which is synonymous with the Dharma Kaya
(or 'Divine Body of Truth'), is the All-Truth, in its primordial or
unmodified aspect. Yoga, the Science of Mind (or Truth), consists
of three divisions, namely, the Foundation Truth, the Path (or method
of attaining realization), and the fruit (or the realization itself).
(2) As there is neither any traversing nor any traverser of
the Path, the expression 'Path' is merely figurative. [1]
[1] 'Path' is merely a metaphor descriptive of the method of
realizing spiritual growth or progress.
(3) As there is neither any seeing nor any seer of the True
State, the expression 'True State' is merely figurative. [1]
[1] The True State, realizable in the highest samadhi, is in its
microcosmic reflex, a state wherein the mind, unmodified by the
process of thought, resembles in its quiescence an ocean unruffled by
the least movement of air, as has been similarly stated above.
All doors of perception are closed. There is complete oblivion
of the material universe of phenomena. The microcosmic mind
becomes attuned to the Macrocosmic Mind. Thereby is attained
the knowledge that in the True State there are no seeing or seer,
that all finite concepts are really non-existent, that all dualities
become unities, that there is but the One Reality Primordial
Cosmic Mind.
(4) As there is neither any meditation nor any meditator of
the Pure State, the expression 'Pure State' is merely figurative. [1]
[1] The Pure State is an intensified aspect of the True State,
wherein mind, in its primordial condition, exists unsullied by any
predication. In the realizing of it, in the samadhic condition,
the act of meditating, the meditator, and the thing meditated upon
are indistinguishably one.
(5) As there is neither any enjoying nor any enjoyer of
the Natural Mood, the expression 'Natural Mood' is merely
figurative. [1]
[1] The Natural Mood refers to a state of mind, likewise
reached in the highest samadhi, concomitant with the True State and
the Pure State. Therein there is realized that there are really no
enjoying or enjoyer, no actions or doer of actions, that all
objective things are as unreal as dreams; and that, therefore,
rather than live as the multitude in the pursuit of illusions,
one should choose the Path of the Bodhisattvas, the Lords of
Compassion, and be a worker for the emancipation of beings karmically
bound to the Wheel of Ignorance.
(6) As there is neither any vow-keeping nor any vow-keeper,
these expressions are merely figurative.
(7) As there is neither any accumulating nor any accumulator
of merits, the expression 'Twofold Merit' [1] is merely
figurative.
[1] This is: Casual Merit, which is the fruit of charitable
deeds, and otherwise known as temporal merit; and Resultant Merit,
which arises from super-abundance of Casual Merit, and otherwise
called spiritual merit. {Cf. p. 314 [3]}
(8) As there is neither any performing nor any performer
of actions, the expression 'Twofold Obscuration' [1] is merely
figurative.
[1] That is: Obscurations of intellect resulting from evil
passions; and Obscurations of intellect resulting from wrong belief,
such as the belief that there is an immortal personal self, or soul,
or the belief that phenomenal appearances are real. {Cf. p. 314 [3].}
(9) As there is neither any renunciation nor any renouncer
[of worldly existence], the expression 'worldly existence' is
merely figurative.
(10) As there is neither any obtaining nor any obtainer [of
results of actions], the expression 'result of actions' is
merely figurative.
These are The Ten Figurative Expressions. [1]
[1] All these aphorisms of negation rest upon the Bodhic doctrine
that personality is transitory, that personal (or soul)
immortality is inconceivable to one who has attained to Right
Knowledge. The microcosmic mind, a reflex of the Macrocosmic
Mind (which alone is eternal), ceases to be microcosmic, or limited,
when immersed in the ecstasy induced by the highest samadhi.
There is then no personality, no obtainer, no renouncer, no performer
of actions, no accumulator of merits, no vow-keeper, no enjoyer
of the Natural Mood, no meditator of the Pure State, no seer of the
True State, no traverser of the Path: and the whole conceptual or
illusory state of mind is obliterated. Human language is essentially
a means of enabling man to communicate with man in terms based upon
experiences common to all men existing in a sensuous universe; and
the employment of it to describe supersensuous experiences can never
anything more than figurative.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
XXVIII. THE TEN GREAT JOYFUL REALIZATIONS
(1) It is great joy to realize that the mind of all sentient
beings is inseparable from the All-Mind. [1]
[1] Or the Dharma-Kaya, the 'Divine Body of Truth', viewed as the
All-Mind.
(2) It is great joy to realize that the Fundamental Reality
is qualityless. [1]
[1] Qualities are purely sangsaric, ie. of the phenomenal universe.
To the Fundamental Reality, to the Thatness, no characteristics can
be applied. In It all sangsaric things, all qualities, all
conditions, all dualities, merge in transcendent at-one-ness.
(3) It is great joy to realize that in the infinite, thought-
transcending Knowledge of Reality all sangsaric differentiations
are non-existent. [1]
[1] In the Knowledge (or Realization) of Reality all partial or
relative truths are recognized as parts of the One Truth, and no
differentiations such as lead to the establishing of opposing
religions and sects, each perhaps pragmatically in possession of some
partial truth, is possible.
(4) It is great joy to realize that in the state of primordial
[or uncreated] mind there existeth no disturbing thought-process. [1]
[1] {Cf. pp. 89 [1], 153 [2].}
(5) It is great joy to realize that in the Dharma-Kaya
wherein mind and matter are inseparable, there existeth neither
any holder of theories nor any support of theories. [1]
[1] To the truth-seeker, whether in the realm of physical or of
spiritual science, theories are essential; but once any truth, or
fact, has been ascertained, all theories concerning it are useless.
Accordingly, in the Dharma-Kaya, or State of the Fundamental Truth,
no theory is necessary or conceivable; it is the State of Perfect
Enlightenment, of the Buddhas in Nirvana.
(6) It is great joy to realize that in the self-emanated
compassionate Sambhoga-Kaya there existeth no birth, death,
transition, or any change. [1]
[1] The Sambhoga-Kaya, or 'Divine Body of Perfect Endowment',
symbolizes the state of spiritual communion in which all Bodhisattvas
exist when not incarnate on Earth, similar to that implied by the
communion of saints. Like the Dharma-Kaya, of which it is the
self-emanated primary reflex, the Sambhoga-Kaya is a state wherein
birth, death, transitions, and change are transcended.
(7) It is great joy to realize that in the self-emanated, divine
Nirmana-Kaya there existeth no feeling of duality. [1]
[1] The Nirmana-Kaya, or 'Divine Body of Incarnation', the
secondary reflex of the Dharma-Kaya, is the Body, or Spiritual
State, in which abide all Great Teachers, or Bodhisattvas,
incarnate on earth. The Dharma-Kaya, being beyond the realm of
sangsaric sense perceptions, cannot be sensuously perceived.
Hence the mind of the yogin when realizing It ceases to exist
as finite mind, as something apart from It. In other words,
in the state of transcendent samadhic ecstasy wherein the
Dharma-Kaya is realized, finite mind attains to at-one-ment
with its Source, the Dharma-Kaya. Likewise, in the state of
the Nirmana-Kaya, the Divine and the Sentient, Mind and Matter,
Noumena and Phenomena, and all the dualities, blend in at-one-ment.
And this the Bodhhisattvas, when in the fleshly body, intuitively
feels; he knows that neither he himself, nor any sensuous or
objective thing, has a separate or independent existence apart
from the Dharma-Kaya. For a more detailed exposition of this
fundamental Mahayanic doctrine of the 'Three Divine Bodies'
(Skt. Tri-Kaya) the student is referred to The Tibetan Book
of the Dead, pp. 10-15.
(8) It is great joy to realize that in the Dharma-Chakra
there existeth no support for the soul doctrine. [1]
[1] The truths proclaimed by the Buddha are symbolized by the
Dharma-Chakra (the 'Wheel of Truth') which He set in motion when He
first preached the truths to his disciples, in the Deer Park,
near Benares. In the time of the Enlightened One, and long before
then, the animistic belief in a permanent ego, or self, in an
unchanging soul (Skt. atma), ie. in personal immortality, was
as widespread in India and the Far East as it is in Europe and
America now. He denied the validity of this doctrine; and nowhere
in the Buddhist Scriptures, or Dharma, of either Southern or Northern
Buddhism, is there any support for it.
(9) It is great joy to realize that in the Divine, Boundless
Compassion [of the Bodhisattvas] there existeth neither any
shortcoming nor any showing of partiality.
(10) It is great joy to realize that the Path to Freedom
which all the Buddhas have trodden is ever-existent, ever unchanged,
and ever open to those who are ready to enter upon it.
These are The Ten Great Joyful Realizations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[THE CONCLUSION]
Herein above, is contained the essence of the immaculate words
of the Great Gurus, who were endowed with Divine Wisdom; and of
the Goddess Tara and other divinities. Among these Great Teachers
were the glorious Dipankara, [1] the spiritual father and his successors, who were divinely appointed for the spreading of the
Doctrine in this Northern Land of Snow; and the Gracious Gurus of
the Kahdampa School. There were also that King of Yogins, Milarepa, to whom was bequeathed the learning of the Sage Marpa of Lhobrak
and of others; and the illustrious Saints, Naropa and Maitripa,
of the noble land of India, whose splendour equalled that of the
Sun and Moon; and the disciples of all these.
[1] Dipankara [Shri-jnana], as given in our text, is the Indian
name of Atisha, the first of the Great Reformers of Lamaism,
who was born in Bengal, of the royal family of Gaur, in AD. 980,
and arrived in Tibet in 1038. Having been a professor of
philosophy in the Vikramanshila Monastery, of Magadha, he
brought with him to Tibet much fresh learning, chiefly relating
to Yoga and Tantricism. His chief work, as a reformer, was
by enforcing celibacy and a higher priestly morality.
Atisha associated himself with the sect called the Kahdampas,
or 'Those Bound by the Ordinances'. Three hundred and fifty
years later, under the second of the Great Reformers, Tsong-Khapa,
a territorial title meaning 'Native of the Onion Country',
the district of his birth, in Amdo Province, in North-East
Tibet near the Chinese frontier, the Kahdampas became the
Gelugpas, or 'Followers of the Virtuous Order', who now
constitute the Established Church of Tibet.
Here endeth The Supreme Path, the Rosary of Precious Gems.
[THE COLOPHON]
This treatise was put into manuscript form by Digom Sonam
Rinchen, [1] who possessed thorough knowledge of the teachings
of the Kahdampas and of the Chagchenpas. [2]
[1] Text: Hbri-sgom Bsod-nams Rin-chen (pronounced Di-gom
So-nam Rin-chen), meaning, 'Meditating One of Precious Merit,
of the Cave of the Cow-Yak'.
[2] These are the followers of the yogic teachings contained in
the Chag-chen Philosophy, the essence of which forms the subject-
matter of Book II of this volume.
It is commonly believed that the Great Guru Gampopa, [otherwise
known as Dvagpo-Lharje], compiled this work, and that he handed
it on with this injunction: 'I entreat those devotees of generations
yet unborn, who will honour my memory and regret not having met me in
person, to study this, The Supreme Path, the Rosary of Precious Gems,
and, also, The Precious Ornament of Liberation, along with other
religious treatises. The result will be equivalent to that of
an actual meeting with me myself.'
May this Book radiate divine virtue; and may it prove to be
auspicious.
Mangalam. [1]
[1] The Tibetan-Sanskrit of the text, literally meaning, 'Blessing'
or 'Happiness'; or, in reference to this Book, 'May blessing be
upon it'.