Difference between revisions of "A Lamp for the Enlightenment Path - Composed by Atisa"
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#1. | #1. | ||
− | I bow in great reverence to all past, present and | + | I [[bow]] in great reverence to all {{Wiki|past}}, {{Wiki|present}} and |
− | Future Victors, to their Doctrine and Communities. | + | Future Victors, to their [[Doctrine]] and Communities. |
− | I shall light a Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, | + | I shall {{Wiki|light}} a [[Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment]], |
− | At the request of my good disciple Byang-chub-'od. | + | At the request of my good [[disciple]] [[Byang-chub-'od]]. |
− | [The three levels of motivation] | + | [The three levels of [[motivation]]] |
#2. | #2. | ||
− | In that they are Inferior or Mediocre or Superior, | + | In that they are {{Wiki|Inferior}} or Mediocre or {{Wiki|Superior}}, |
Persons should be understood as three: | Persons should be understood as three: | ||
− | The characteristics of each are very clear, | + | The [[characteristics]] of each are very clear, |
and I shall note how they differ from one another. | and I shall note how they differ from one another. | ||
. | . | ||
#3. | #3. | ||
One who by every means he finds, | One who by every means he finds, | ||
− | Seeks by the pleasure of samsara, | + | Seeks by the [[pleasure]] of [[samsara]], |
And cares but for himself alone, that one | And cares but for himself alone, that one | ||
− | Is known as the Inferior Person. | + | Is known as the {{Wiki|Inferior}} [[Person]]. |
. | . | ||
#4. | #4. | ||
− | One who puts life's pleasures behind | + | One who puts life's [[pleasures]] behind |
− | And turns himself from deeds of sin, | + | And turns himself from [[deeds]] of [[sin]], |
− | Yet cares only about his own peace, | + | Yet cares only about his [[own]] [[peace]], |
− | That person should be called Mediocre. | + | That [[person]] should be called Mediocre. |
. | . | ||
#5. | #5. | ||
One who wholly seeks a complete end | One who wholly seeks a complete end | ||
− | To the entire suffering of others because | + | To the entire [[suffering]] of others because |
− | Their suffering belongs to his own [conscious] stream, | + | Their [[suffering]] belongs to his [[own]] [[[conscious]]] {{Wiki|stream}}, |
− | That person is a Superior. | + | That [[person]] is a {{Wiki|Superior}}. |
. | . | ||
− | [The following teaching is for those with the "superior motivation"] | + | [The following [[teaching]] is for those with the "{{Wiki|superior}} [[motivation]]"] |
. | . | ||
#6. | #6. | ||
− | For those pure beings whose desire | + | For those [[pure beings]] whose [[desire]] |
− | Is the highest of Enlightenments, | + | Is the [[highest]] of [[Enlightenments]], |
I shall explain the right means | I shall explain the right means | ||
− | Which were taught me by my Gurus. | + | Which were [[taught]] me by my [[Gurus]]. |
. | . | ||
#7. | #7. | ||
− | Facing a painted image of the Perfect Buddha, | + | Facing a painted image of the [[Perfect Buddha]], |
− | Or in front of holy reliquaries and the like, | + | Or in front of {{Wiki|holy}} reliquaries and the like, |
− | Give worship with flowers and incense | + | Give {{Wiki|worship}} with [[flowers]] and [[incense]] |
− | And whatever objects may be at hand. | + | And whatever [[objects]] may be at hand. |
. | . | ||
#8. | #8. | ||
− | Then with the Sevenfold Worship expressed | + | Then with the Sevenfold {{Wiki|Worship}} expressed |
− | In the Deeds of Samantabhadra, | + | In the [[Deeds]] of [[Samantabhadra]], |
− | And a mind that does not turn back until | + | And a [[mind]] that does not turn back until |
− | The Heart of Enlightenment is reached, | + | The [[Heart]] of [[Enlightenment]] is reached, |
. | . | ||
#9. | #9. | ||
− | With great faith in the Three Jewels, | + | With great [[faith]] in the [[Three Jewels]], |
Bending knee to the ground, | Bending knee to the ground, | ||
And folding the hands | And folding the hands | ||
− | First take the Three Refuges thrice. | + | First take the [[Three Refuges]] thrice. |
. | . | ||
#10. | #10. | ||
− | Then, because the Thought of Love for | + | Then, because the [[Thought]] of [[Love]] for |
− | All creatures is the prerequisite, | + | [[All creatures]] is the prerequisite, |
− | One looks out on all the world, | + | One looks out on all the [[world]], |
− | Suffering in death, transmigration, | + | [[Suffering]] in [[death]], [[transmigration]], |
− | And rebirth in the three bad destinies: | + | And [[rebirth]] in the three bad destinies: |
. | . | ||
− | [Generating Bodhicitta] | + | [[[Generating Bodhicitta]]] |
. | . | ||
#11. | #11. | ||
− | At sight of that suffering, one suffers; | + | At [[sight]] of that [[suffering]], one [[suffers]]; |
− | And he who wants to free the world | + | And he who wants to free the [[world]] |
− | From the very cause of such suffering, | + | From the very [[cause]] of such [[suffering]], |
− | Must beget this Thought of Enlightenment | + | Must beget this [[Thought of Enlightenment]] |
That is pledged never to turn back. | That is pledged never to turn back. | ||
. | . | ||
#12. | #12. | ||
− | Every quality that belongs to | + | Every [[quality]] that belongs to |
− | Begetting thoughts of such Resolution | + | Begetting [[thoughts]] of such Resolution |
− | Has been well explained by Maitreya | + | Has been well explained by [[Maitreya]] |
− | In his sutra, the Stalks in Array. | + | In his [[sutra]], the Stalks in Array. |
. | . | ||
#13. | #13. | ||
− | Read that sutra or hear it from a Guru, and when | + | Read that [[sutra]] or hear it from a [[Guru]], and when |
− | The infinite benefits of Perfect Enlightenment Thought | + | The [[infinite]] benefits of [[Perfect Enlightenment]] [[Thought]] |
− | Are seen, then for that very reason you | + | Are seen, then for that very [[reason]] you |
− | Will beget the Thought again and again. | + | Will beget the [[Thought]] again and again. |
#14. | #14. | ||
− | The merit of this is shown extremely well | + | The [[merit]] of this is shown extremely well |
− | In the sutra called the Questions of Viradatta; | + | In the [[sutra]] called the Questions of [[Viradatta]]; |
− | And to give the essence of it, | + | And to give the [[essence]] of it, |
I quote three of its verses here: | I quote three of its verses here: | ||
. | . | ||
#15. | #15. | ||
− | "If a form could be had for the full | + | "If a [[form]] could be had for the full |
− | Merit of the Enlightenment Thought, | + | [[Merit]] of the [[Enlightenment]] [[Thought]], |
It would surpass even one | It would surpass even one | ||
− | That filled the whole realm of space." | + | That filled the whole [[realm]] of [[space]]." |
. | . | ||
#16. | #16. | ||
− | "Or take a man who owns jewels, and with them | + | "Or take a man who owns [[jewels]], and with them |
− | Fills every one of the Buddha-fields – | + | Fills every one of the [[Buddha-fields]] – |
− | Reckoned as more than the grains of Ganga's sands – | + | Reckoned as more than the grains of [[Ganga's]] sands – |
− | Then offers all this to the Lord of the World;" | + | Then offers all this to the [[Lord of the World]];" |
. | . | ||
#17. | #17. | ||
"Yet another who merely folds his hands, | "Yet another who merely folds his hands, | ||
− | And inclines his thought to Enlightenment. | + | And inclines his [[thought]] to [[Enlightenment]]. |
− | The latter's worship is higher by far, | + | The latter's {{Wiki|worship}} is higher by far, |
Because in it there is found no limit." | Because in it there is found no limit." | ||
. | . | ||
#18. | #18. | ||
− | When you get the thoughts of aspiring to Enlightenment, | + | When you get the [[thoughts]] of aspiring to [[Enlightenment]], |
− | Then with great effort strive to expand them fully; | + | Then with great [[effort]] strive [[to expand]] them fully; |
− | And to recall your resolve in your other births, | + | And to recall your resolve in your other [[births]], |
Observe fully the Training I explained to you. | Observe fully the Training I explained to you. | ||
. | . | ||
− | [Taking vows] | + | [Taking [[vows]]] |
. | . | ||
#19. | #19. | ||
− | A right resolve will not be furthered | + | A [[right resolve]] will not be furthered |
− | Without vows that have progress in mind; | + | Without [[vows]] that have progress in [[mind]]; |
Therefore he who seeks growth | Therefore he who seeks growth | ||
− | in the resolve for Perfect Enlightenment, | + | in the resolve for [[Perfect Enlightenment]], |
earnestly takes them. | earnestly takes them. | ||
. | . | ||
#20. | #20. | ||
− | Only he who has lasting vows in | + | Only he who has lasting [[vows]] in |
− | One of Pratimoksa's seven ranks | + | One of [[Pratimoksa's]] seven ranks |
− | Is fit for the Vow of the Bodhisattva; | + | Is fit for the [[Vow]] of the [[Bodhisattva]]; |
There is no other way for it to be. | There is no other way for it to be. | ||
. | . | ||
#21. | #21. | ||
− | The Tathagata has said that of | + | The [[Tathagata]] has said that of |
− | The seven ranks of Pratimoksa, | + | The seven ranks of [[Pratimoksa]], |
− | The glorious Pure Life is highest; | + | The glorious [[Pure]] [[Life]] is [[highest]]; |
− | By which he meant the vows of a Monk. | + | By which he meant the [[vows]] of a [[Monk]]. |
. | . | ||
#22. | #22. | ||
− | According to the ritual given in the | + | According to the [[ritual]] given in the |
− | Conduct Chapter of the Bodhisattva Levels, | + | Conduct [[Chapter]] of the [[Bodhisattva Levels]], |
− | One takes the Vow from any good Guru | + | One takes the [[Vow]] from any good [[Guru]] |
− | Who has the proper characteristics. | + | Who has the proper [[characteristics]]. |
. | . | ||
#23. | #23. | ||
− | One who is learned in the ritual of the Vow, | + | One who is learned in the [[ritual]] of the [[Vow]], |
− | And himself lives the Vow he has taken, | + | And himself [[lives]] the [[Vow]] he has taken, |
− | And has the compassionate forbearance | + | And has the [[compassionate]] [[forbearance]] |
− | To impart it -- know him to be the good Guru. | + | To impart it -- know him to be the good [[Guru]]. |
. | . | ||
#24. | #24. | ||
But if, after trying, one cannot | But if, after trying, one cannot | ||
− | Find just such a Guru as this, | + | Find just such a [[Guru]] as this, |
− | I will explain another ritual | + | I will explain another [[ritual]] |
− | For taking the vow in a correct way. | + | For taking the [[vow]] in a correct way. |
. | . | ||
− | [The method to take the Bodhisattva Vows by yourself] | + | [The method to take the [[Bodhisattva Vows]] by yourself] |
. | . | ||
#25. | #25. | ||
− | In this latter way, Manjusri in a former life | + | In this [[latter]] way, [[Manjusri]] in a former [[life]] |
− | As Ambaraja begat the Enlightenment Thought; | + | As [[Ambaraja]] begat the [[Enlightenment]] [[Thought]]; |
− | And as told in the sutra called The Ornament of Manjustri's Buddha-field, | + | And as told in the [[sutra]] called The [[Ornament of Manjustri's Buddha-field]], |
I write it down clearly here now: | I write it down clearly here now: | ||
. | . | ||
#26. | #26. | ||
− | "In the presence of the Lords, | + | "In the presence of the [[Lords]], |
− | I beget The Thought of Perfect Enlightenment, | + | I beget The [[Thought]] of [[Perfect Enlightenment]], |
And issuing invitation to all creatures, | And issuing invitation to all creatures, | ||
− | I will save them all from the cycle of rebirth." | + | I will save them all from the [[cycle of rebirth]]." |
. | . | ||
#27. | #27. | ||
− | "Beginning from this moment and henceforth, | + | "Beginning from this [[moment]] and henceforth, |
− | Until I obtain the Highest Enlightenment, | + | Until I obtain the [[Highest]] [[Enlightenment]], |
− | I shall not permit ill-will or anger, | + | I shall not permit [[ill-will]] or [[anger]], |
− | Avarice or envy, to occupy my mind." | + | [[Avarice]] or [[envy]], to occupy my [[mind]]." |
. | . | ||
#28. | #28. | ||
− | "I shall practice the Pure Life, | + | "I shall practice the [[Pure]] [[Life]], |
− | And renounce sin and base desire; | + | And {{Wiki|renounce}} [[sin]] and base [[desire]]; |
− | I shall imitate the Buddha | + | I shall imitate the [[Buddha]] |
− | By rejoicing in the vow of Conduct." | + | By [[rejoicing]] in the [[vow]] of Conduct." |
. | . | ||
#29. | #29. | ||
"Myself, I am not keen to reach | "Myself, I am not keen to reach | ||
− | Enlightenment in some swift way; | + | [[Enlightenment]] in some swift way; |
I shall remain until the final end | I shall remain until the final end | ||
− | For the sake of but a single creature." | + | For the [[sake]] of but a single creature." |
. | . | ||
#30. | #30. | ||
− | "I shall purify the innumerable | + | "I shall {{Wiki|purify}} the {{Wiki|innumerable}} |
− | Inconceivable fields of the universe, | + | [[Inconceivable]] fields of the [[universe]], |
− | And from the taking of this [new] name, | + | And from the taking of this [new] [[name]], |
− | [henceforth] I shall live in the ten directions." | + | [henceforth] I shall live in the [[ten directions]]." |
. | . | ||
#31. | #31. | ||
− | "Purifying the actions of | + | "Purifying the [[actions]] of |
− | My body and speech entirely, | + | My [[body]] and {{Wiki|speech}} entirely, |
− | I shall cleanse my mind's activity as well; | + | I shall cleanse my [[mind's]] [[activity]] as well; |
− | No unvirtuous deed will ever be mine." | + | No [[unvirtuous]] [[deed]] will ever be mine." |
. | . | ||
− | [The Three Higher Trainings] | + | [The [[Three Higher Trainings]]] |
. | . | ||
#32. | #32. | ||
− | In essence, one's purity of body, speech and mind | + | In [[essence]], one's [[purity]] of [[body, speech and mind]] |
− | Means keeping vows with a mind for progress; | + | Means [[keeping vows]] with a [[mind]] for progress; |
For by practicing well the Three Conduct Trainings, | For by practicing well the Three Conduct Trainings, | ||
− | Appreciation of those same Three becomes greater. | + | [[Appreciation]] of those same Three becomes greater. |
. | . | ||
− | [Morality] | + | [[[Morality]]] |
. | . | ||
#33. | #33. | ||
− | Hence, when one has striven in the vows which make up | + | Hence, when one has striven in the [[vows]] which make up |
− | The pure and perfect Bodhisattva Vow, | + | The [[pure]] and {{Wiki|perfect}} [[Bodhisattva Vow]], |
− | He will bring to complete perfection | + | He will bring to complete [[perfection]] |
− | The very Equipment for Perfect Enlightenment. | + | The very Equipment for [[Perfect Enlightenment]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [Superknowledges] | + | [[[Superknowledges]]] |
. | . | ||
#34. | #34. | ||
− | All the Buddhas have held that | + | All the [[Buddhas]] have held that |
Perfecting this Equipment, | Perfecting this Equipment, | ||
− | The nature of which is Merit and Knowledge, | + | The [[nature]] of which is [[Merit]] and [[Knowledge]], |
− | Lies essentially in the superknowledges. | + | Lies [[essentially]] in the [[superknowledges]]. |
. | . | ||
#35. | #35. | ||
Just as a bird with unfledged wings | Just as a bird with unfledged wings | ||
Cannot fly up into the sky, | Cannot fly up into the sky, | ||
− | So without the superknowledges' power, | + | So without the [[superknowledges]]' power, |
One cannot work for the good of others. | One cannot work for the good of others. | ||
. | . | ||
#36. | #36. | ||
− | The merits which a man with the | + | The [[merits]] which a man with the |
− | Superknowledges gains in a single day | + | [[Superknowledges]] gains in a single day |
− | Could not be had in a hundred lives | + | Could not be had in a hundred [[lives]] |
− | By one who lacked those knowledges. | + | By one who lacked those [[knowledges]]. |
. | . | ||
#37. | #37. | ||
− | He who seeks to bring to perfection swiftly | + | He who seeks to bring to [[perfection]] swiftly |
− | The Equipment for Perfect Enlightenment | + | The Equipment for [[Perfect Enlightenment]] |
− | Strives hard for the superknowledges, | + | Strives hard for the [[superknowledges]], |
− | For they are not accomplished by sloth. | + | For they are not accomplished by [[sloth]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [Concentration] | + | [[[Concentration]]] |
. | . | ||
#38. | #38. | ||
− | As long as Calmness is not attained, | + | As long as [[Calmness]] is not [[attained]], |
− | The superknowledges will not occur; | + | The [[superknowledges]] will not occur; |
− | Therefore, in order to achieve Calmness, | + | Therefore, in order to achieve [[Calmness]], |
One must keep striving over and over. | One must keep striving over and over. | ||
. | . | ||
#39. | #39. | ||
− | One who neglects the Limbs of Calmness, | + | One who neglects the Limbs of [[Calmness]], |
− | Even though he strive to meditate | + | Even though he strive to [[meditate]] |
For thousands of years, never | For thousands of years, never | ||
− | Will achieve Concentration. | + | Will achieve [[Concentration]]. |
. | . | ||
#40. | #40. | ||
Therefore, when well established in the Limbs | Therefore, when well established in the Limbs | ||
− | That are stated in the Chapter on Concentration Equipment, | + | That are stated in the [[Chapter]] on [[Concentration]] Equipment, |
− | One can then set the mind in virtue, | + | One can then set the [[mind]] in [[virtue]], |
Fixed on any Topic he chooses. | Fixed on any Topic he chooses. | ||
. | . | ||
− | [Wisdom] | + | [[[Wisdom]]] |
. | . | ||
#41. | #41. | ||
− | When yogic Calmness is achieved, | + | When [[yogic]] [[Calmness]] is achieved, |
− | So too are the superknowledges; | + | So too are the [[superknowledges]]; |
− | But obscuration is not destroyed | + | But {{Wiki|obscuration}} is not destroyed |
− | Without the Perfection of Insight. | + | Without the [[Perfection]] of [[Insight]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [We need both, method and wisdom, to stay away from the two extremes] | + | [We need both, [[method and wisdom]], to stay away from the [[two extremes]]] |
. | . | ||
#42. | #42. | ||
− | Hence, to remove all obscuration | + | Hence, to remove all {{Wiki|obscuration}} |
− | Of his affliction and his knowledge, | + | Of his [[affliction]] and his [[knowledge]], |
− | The yogin must continually cultivate | + | The [[yogin]] must continually cultivate |
− | the Perfection of Insight together with Means. | + | the [[Perfection]] of [[Insight]] together with Means. |
. | . | ||
#43. | #43. | ||
− | Scripture says that bondage is from | + | [[Scripture]] says that bondage is from |
− | Insight being divorced from Means, | + | [[Insight]] being divorced from Means, |
− | And the Means from Insight as well. | + | And the Means from [[Insight]] as well. |
Therefore, neglect not this union. | Therefore, neglect not this union. | ||
. | . | ||
#44. | #44. | ||
− | To remove any doubts about | + | To remove any [[doubts]] about |
− | What Insight is, and what are Means, | + | What [[Insight]] is, and what are Means, |
I make clear the difference | I make clear the difference | ||
− | Between the Means and Insight. | + | Between the Means and [[Insight]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [Method is the first five paramitas] | + | [Method is the first [[five paramitas]]] |
. | . | ||
#45. | #45. | ||
The Victors have explained that | The Victors have explained that | ||
− | the Means Are all the Equipments of virtue, | + | the Means Are all the Equipments of [[virtue]], |
− | Starting with the Perfection of Giving, | + | Starting with the [[Perfection of Giving]], |
− | Up to, but excluding, that of Insight. | + | Up to, but [[excluding]], that of [[Insight]]. |
. | . | ||
#46. | #46. | ||
− | One who combines the mastery of the Means | + | One who combines the [[mastery]] of the Means |
− | With a true cultivation of Insight | + | With a true [[cultivation]] of [[Insight]] |
− | Will swiftly attain Enlightenment, but | + | Will swiftly [[attain Enlightenment]], but |
− | Not by cultivating merely Non-self. | + | Not by [[cultivating]] merely [[Non-self]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [Wisdom is realizing that everything is empty of inherent existence; not existent, not non-existent, not both, not neither] | + | [[[Wisdom]] is [[realizing]] that everything is [[empty of inherent existence]]; not [[existent]], not [[non-existent]], not both, not neither] |
. | . | ||
#47. | #47. | ||
− | "Insight" is fully explained as knowing | + | "[[Insight]]" is fully explained as [[knowing]] |
− | The Emptiness of intrinsic nature, | + | The [[Emptiness]] of [[intrinsic nature]], |
− | In comprehending that Aggregates | + | In comprehending that [[Aggregates]] |
− | and Sense bases and Elements do not arise. | + | and [[Sense bases]] and [[Elements]] do not arise. |
. | . | ||
#48. | #48. | ||
− | An existent's arising is impossible; | + | An existent's [[arising]] is impossible; |
− | A non-existent's is like flowers in the sky; | + | A non-existent's is like [[flowers]] in the sky; |
− | For a thing to be both is absurd fallacy; | + | For a thing to be both is absurd [[fallacy]]; |
So neither do they originate together. | So neither do they originate together. | ||
. | . | ||
#49. | #49. | ||
− | Since an entity does not arise from itself, | + | Since an [[entity]] does not arise from itself, |
And is not from another, or even from both, | And is not from another, or even from both, | ||
− | Nor is it yet without cause; therefore it has | + | Nor is it yet without [[cause]]; therefore it has |
− | No intrinsic nature by way of own-existence. | + | No [[intrinsic nature]] by way of own-existence. |
. | . | ||
− | [First, a conceptual refutation of inherent existence through various adapted skillful reasonings; which all come down to the dependence of everything on conceptual imputation and its expectation (or more generally on primitive associations – this-that – karma formation and karma conditioning)] | + | [First, a {{Wiki|conceptual}} refutation of [[inherent existence]] through various adapted [[skillful]] reasonings; which all come down to the [[dependence]] of everything on {{Wiki|conceptual}} [[imputation]] and its expectation (or more generally on primitive associations – this-that – [[karma]] formation and [[karma]] {{Wiki|conditioning}})] |
. | . | ||
#50. | #50. | ||
Furthermore, if one analyses all things | Furthermore, if one analyses all things | ||
− | As identities or multiplicities, | + | As {{Wiki|identities}} or multiplicities, |
− | Own-existence is not perceived; hence one is | + | Own-existence is not [[perceived]]; hence one is |
− | Certain that intrinsic natures do not exist. | + | Certain that [[intrinsic natures]] do not [[exist]]. |
. | . | ||
#51. | #51. | ||
− | The reasoning of the Seventy Stanzas on Emptiness, | + | The {{Wiki|reasoning}} of the [[Seventy Stanzas on Emptiness]], |
− | And of texts like the Basic Stanzas on the Middle Way, | + | And of texts like the Basic [[Stanzas]] on the [[Middle Way]], |
− | Explains the proof that all entities | + | Explains the [[proof]] that all entities |
− | Are empty of intrinsic nature. | + | Are [[empty]] of [[intrinsic nature]]. |
. | . | ||
#52. | #52. | ||
Wherefore, lest my text become too long, | Wherefore, lest my text become too long, | ||
I do not elaborate it here, | I do not elaborate it here, | ||
− | But will explain only proven tenets | + | But will explain only proven [[tenets]] |
In order to further contemplation. | In order to further contemplation. | ||
. | . | ||
#53. | #53. | ||
− | Thus, not to perceive intrinsic nature | + | Thus, not to {{Wiki|perceive}} [[intrinsic nature]] |
− | In any phenomenon whatever | + | In any [[phenomenon]] whatever |
− | Is to contemplate its Non-Self; which | + | Is to [[contemplate]] its [[Non-Self]]; which |
− | Is the same as contemplating with Insight. | + | Is the same as [[contemplating]] with [[Insight]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [Second, a direct realization of emptiness] | + | [Second, a [[direct realization]] of [[emptiness]]] |
. | . | ||
#54. | #54. | ||
− | And this Insight which does not see | + | And this [[Insight]] which does not see |
− | Intrinsic nature in any phenomena | + | [[Intrinsic nature]] in any [[phenomena]] |
− | Is that same Insight explained as Wisdom. | + | Is that same [[Insight]] explained as [[Wisdom]]. |
− | Cultivate it without conceptual thought. | + | Cultivate it without [[conceptual thought]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [The root cause of all samsara is grasping at conventional truths (which are mostly conceptual) and thinking they are absolute, representing objects that are inherently existing (independently of imputation / association by our mind)] | + | [The [[root cause]] of all [[samsara]] is [[grasping]] at [[conventional truths]] (which are mostly {{Wiki|conceptual}}) and [[thinking]] they are [[absolute]], representing [[objects]] that are [[inherently existing]] ({{Wiki|independently}} of [[imputation]] / association by our [[mind]])] |
. | . | ||
#55. | #55. | ||
− | The world of change springs from conceptual | + | The [[world]] of change springs from {{Wiki|conceptual}} |
− | Thought, which is its very nature; | + | [[Thought]], which is its very [[nature]]; |
The complete removal of such | The complete removal of such | ||
− | Thought is the Highest Nirvana. | + | [[Thought]] is the [[Highest]] [[Nirvana]]. |
. | . | ||
− | [Enlightenment is seeing through this process, seeing the real nature of our own mind, how it operates and creates those associations, concepts, and thinks they are real; being always conscious of this, not accepting anything as absolute, without rejecting anything.] | + | [[[Enlightenment]] is [[seeing]] through this process, [[seeing]] the real [[nature]] of our [[own mind]], how it operates and creates those associations, [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]], and [[thinks]] they are real; being always [[conscious]] of this, not accepting anything as [[absolute]], without rejecting anything.] |
. | . | ||
#56. | #56. | ||
− | Moreover, the Blessed One declared: | + | Moreover, the [[Blessed One]] declared: |
− | "Conceptual thinking is the great ignorance, | + | "{{Wiki|Conceptual}} [[thinking]] is the great [[ignorance]], |
− | And casts one into samsara's ocean; but | + | And casts one into [[samsara's]] ocean; but |
Clear as the sky is his contemplation who | Clear as the sky is his contemplation who | ||
− | Remains in Concentration without concepts." | + | Remains in [[Concentration]] without [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]]." |
. | . | ||
#57. | #57. | ||
− | And he also says in the Non-Conceptual Progress Formula: | + | And he also says in the Non-Conceptual Progress [[Formula]]: |
− | "When a son of the Victor meditates on | + | "When a son of the Victor [[meditates]] on |
− | This holy Doctrine without conceptual thought, | + | This {{Wiki|holy}} [[Doctrine]] without [[conceptual thought]], |
− | He gradually attains the non-conceptual." | + | He gradually attains the [[non-conceptual]]." |
. | . | ||
#58. | #58. | ||
− | When through scripture and reason one has | + | When through [[scripture]] and [[reason]] one has |
Penetrated the non-intrinsic | Penetrated the non-intrinsic | ||
− | Nature of all non-arising phenomena, | + | [[Nature]] of all [[non-arising]] [[phenomena]], |
− | Then contemplate without conceptual thought. | + | Then [[contemplate]] without [[conceptual thought]]. |
. | . | ||
#59. | #59. | ||
And when he has thus contemplated Thatness, | And when he has thus contemplated Thatness, | ||
− | And by stages has attained "Warmth" and the rest, | + | And by stages has [[attained]] "Warmth" and the rest, |
− | Then he will gain the "Joyous" [Level] and on up: | + | Then he will gain the "[[Joyous]]" [Level] and on up: |
Buddha-Enlightenment is not far off. | Buddha-Enlightenment is not far off. | ||
. | . | ||
− | [Tantrayana] | + | [[[Tantrayana]]] |
. | . | ||
#60. | #60. | ||
− | Through the rites of "Appeasement" and "Prosperity" | + | Through the [[rites]] of "Appeasement" and "[[Prosperity]]" |
− | And the rest, effected by the force of Mantra, | + | And the rest, effected by the force of [[Mantra]], |
− | And also by the strength of the Eight Great Powers, | + | And also by the strength of the Eight Great [[Powers]], |
Starting with that "Good Flask", and others, | Starting with that "Good Flask", and others, | ||
. | . | ||
#61. | #61. | ||
It is maintained that the Equipment for | It is maintained that the Equipment for | ||
− | Enlightenment is perfected with ease; | + | [[Enlightenment]] is perfected with ease; |
− | And if one wants to practice Mantra as prescribed | + | And if one wants to practice [[Mantra]] as prescribed |
− | In the Tantras: Action, Practice, and on, | + | In the [[Tantras]]: [[Action]], Practice, and on, |
. | . | ||
#62. | #62. | ||
Then, to gain the Preceptor-Initiation, | Then, to gain the Preceptor-Initiation, | ||
− | One must first win a holy Guru | + | One must first win a {{Wiki|holy}} [[Guru]] |
− | By giving him attendance and precious things | + | By giving him [[attendance]] and [[precious]] things |
− | And by obedience to his word. | + | And by {{Wiki|obedience}} to his [[word]]. |
. | . | ||
#63. | #63. | ||
And when the Preceptor-Initiation has been | And when the Preceptor-Initiation has been | ||
− | Conferred by the Guru who was won over, | + | Conferred by the [[Guru]] who was won over, |
− | Then one is purified of all sin, and | + | Then one is [[purified]] of all [[sin]], and |
− | Becomes fit to exercise the Powers. | + | Becomes fit to exercise the [[Powers]]. |
. | . | ||
#64. | #64. | ||
− | The Secret and Insight Initiations | + | The Secret and [[Insight]] [[Initiations]] |
− | Should not be taken by religious celibates, | + | Should not be taken by [[religious]] celibates, |
Because it is emphatically forbidden | Because it is emphatically forbidden | ||
− | In the Great Tantra of Primal Buddha. | + | In the [[Great Tantra]] of [[Primal Buddha]]. |
. | . | ||
#65. | #65. | ||
− | If those Initiations were taken by one who stays | + | If those [[Initiations]] were taken by one who stays |
− | In the austerity of a religious celibate, | + | In the austerity of a [[religious]] [[celibate]], |
− | It would violate his vow of austerity | + | It would violate his [[vow]] of austerity |
Since he would be practicing what is forbidden. | Since he would be practicing what is forbidden. | ||
. | . | ||
#66. | #66. | ||
Transgressions would occur which defeat | Transgressions would occur which defeat | ||
− | The man of religious observance; | + | The man of [[religious]] [[observance]]; |
And by his certain fall to bad destinies, | And by his certain fall to bad destinies, | ||
− | He would not even succeed [in Mantra practice]. | + | He would not even succeed [in [[Mantra]] practice]. |
. | . | ||
#67. | #67. | ||
Having acquired the Preceptor-Initiation, | Having acquired the Preceptor-Initiation, | ||
− | He may listen to all Tantras and explain them; | + | He may listen to all [[Tantras]] and explain them; |
Perform Fire-offering, Gift-worship, and the like: | Perform Fire-offering, Gift-worship, and the like: | ||
− | There is no wrong in wisdom about reality. | + | There is no wrong in [[wisdom]] about [[reality]]. |
[Conclusion] | [Conclusion] | ||
Line 455: | Line 455: | ||
I, the Elder, Dipamkarasri, | I, the Elder, Dipamkarasri, | ||
Having seen this explanation in texts | Having seen this explanation in texts | ||
− | Such as the sutras; and Byang-chub-'od's request | + | Such as the [[sutras]]; and Byang-chub-'od's request |
− | Have explained concisely the Path to Enlightenment. | + | Have explained concisely the [[Path to Enlightenment]]. |
. | . | ||
[Colophon] | [Colophon] | ||
. | . | ||
− | This completes the Lamp for the Enlightenment Path | + | This completes the [[Lamp]] for the [[Enlightenment]] [[Path]] |
− | Composed by the great Acarya, glorious Dipamkarajnana. | + | Composed by the great [[Acarya]], glorious [[Dipamkarajnana]]. |
− | Translated and edited by the great Upadhyaya of India himself, | + | Translated and edited by the great [[Upadhyaya]] of [[India]] himself, |
− | and by the revisor-translator Dge-ba'i blo-gros. | + | and by the revisor-translator [[Dge-ba'i blo-gros]]. |
− | This text was composed at the Tho-ling temple of Zhang-zhung. | + | This text was composed at the [[Tho-ling temple]] of [[Zhang-zhung]]. |
[End] | [End] |
Latest revision as of 13:59, 1 February 2020
#1.
I bow in great reverence to all past, present and
Future Victors, to their Doctrine and Communities.
I shall light a Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment,
At the request of my good disciple Byang-chub-'od.
[The three levels of motivation]
#2.
In that they are Inferior or Mediocre or Superior,
Persons should be understood as three:
The characteristics of each are very clear,
and I shall note how they differ from one another.
.
#3.
One who by every means he finds,
Seeks by the pleasure of samsara,
And cares but for himself alone, that one
Is known as the Inferior Person.
.
#4.
One who puts life's pleasures behind
And turns himself from deeds of sin,
Yet cares only about his own peace,
That person should be called Mediocre.
.
#5.
One who wholly seeks a complete end
To the entire suffering of others because
Their suffering belongs to his own [[[conscious]]] stream,
That person is a Superior.
.
[The following teaching is for those with the "superior motivation"]
.
#6.
For those pure beings whose desire
Is the highest of Enlightenments,
I shall explain the right means
Which were taught me by my Gurus.
.
#7.
Facing a painted image of the Perfect Buddha,
Or in front of holy reliquaries and the like,
Give worship with flowers and incense
And whatever objects may be at hand.
.
#8.
Then with the Sevenfold Worship expressed
In the Deeds of Samantabhadra,
And a mind that does not turn back until
The Heart of Enlightenment is reached,
.
#9.
With great faith in the Three Jewels,
Bending knee to the ground,
And folding the hands
First take the Three Refuges thrice.
.
#10.
Then, because the Thought of Love for
All creatures is the prerequisite,
One looks out on all the world,
Suffering in death, transmigration,
And rebirth in the three bad destinies:
.
[[[Generating Bodhicitta]]]
.
#11.
At sight of that suffering, one suffers;
And he who wants to free the world
From the very cause of such suffering,
Must beget this Thought of Enlightenment
That is pledged never to turn back.
.
#12.
Every quality that belongs to
Begetting thoughts of such Resolution
Has been well explained by Maitreya
In his sutra, the Stalks in Array.
.
#13.
Read that sutra or hear it from a Guru, and when
The infinite benefits of Perfect Enlightenment Thought
Are seen, then for that very reason you
Will beget the Thought again and again.
#14.
The merit of this is shown extremely well
In the sutra called the Questions of Viradatta;
And to give the essence of it,
I quote three of its verses here:
.
#15.
"If a form could be had for the full
Merit of the Enlightenment Thought,
It would surpass even one
That filled the whole realm of space."
.
#16.
"Or take a man who owns jewels, and with them
Fills every one of the Buddha-fields –
Reckoned as more than the grains of Ganga's sands –
Then offers all this to the Lord of the World;"
.
#17.
"Yet another who merely folds his hands,
And inclines his thought to Enlightenment.
The latter's worship is higher by far,
Because in it there is found no limit."
.
#18.
When you get the thoughts of aspiring to Enlightenment,
Then with great effort strive to expand them fully;
And to recall your resolve in your other births,
Observe fully the Training I explained to you.
.
[Taking vows]
.
#19.
A right resolve will not be furthered
Without vows that have progress in mind;
Therefore he who seeks growth
in the resolve for Perfect Enlightenment,
earnestly takes them.
.
#20.
Only he who has lasting vows in
One of Pratimoksa's seven ranks
Is fit for the Vow of the Bodhisattva;
There is no other way for it to be.
.
#21.
The Tathagata has said that of
The seven ranks of Pratimoksa,
The glorious Pure Life is highest;
By which he meant the vows of a Monk.
.
#22.
According to the ritual given in the
Conduct Chapter of the Bodhisattva Levels,
One takes the Vow from any good Guru
Who has the proper characteristics.
.
#23.
One who is learned in the ritual of the Vow,
And himself lives the Vow he has taken,
And has the compassionate forbearance
To impart it -- know him to be the good Guru.
.
#24.
But if, after trying, one cannot
Find just such a Guru as this,
I will explain another ritual
For taking the vow in a correct way.
.
[The method to take the Bodhisattva Vows by yourself]
.
#25.
In this latter way, Manjusri in a former life
As Ambaraja begat the Enlightenment Thought;
And as told in the sutra called The Ornament of Manjustri's Buddha-field,
I write it down clearly here now:
.
#26.
"In the presence of the Lords,
I beget The Thought of Perfect Enlightenment,
And issuing invitation to all creatures,
I will save them all from the cycle of rebirth."
.
#27.
"Beginning from this moment and henceforth,
Until I obtain the Highest Enlightenment,
I shall not permit ill-will or anger,
Avarice or envy, to occupy my mind."
.
#28.
"I shall practice the Pure Life,
And renounce sin and base desire;
I shall imitate the Buddha
By rejoicing in the vow of Conduct."
.
#29.
"Myself, I am not keen to reach
Enlightenment in some swift way;
I shall remain until the final end
For the sake of but a single creature."
.
#30.
"I shall purify the innumerable
Inconceivable fields of the universe,
And from the taking of this [new] name,
[henceforth] I shall live in the ten directions."
.
#31.
"Purifying the actions of
My body and speech entirely,
I shall cleanse my mind's activity as well;
No unvirtuous deed will ever be mine."
.
[The Three Higher Trainings]
.
#32.
In essence, one's purity of body, speech and mind
Means keeping vows with a mind for progress;
For by practicing well the Three Conduct Trainings,
Appreciation of those same Three becomes greater.
.
[[[Morality]]]
.
#33.
Hence, when one has striven in the vows which make up
The pure and perfect Bodhisattva Vow,
He will bring to complete perfection
The very Equipment for Perfect Enlightenment.
.
[[[Superknowledges]]]
.
#34.
All the Buddhas have held that
Perfecting this Equipment,
The nature of which is Merit and Knowledge,
Lies essentially in the superknowledges.
.
#35.
Just as a bird with unfledged wings
Cannot fly up into the sky,
So without the superknowledges' power,
One cannot work for the good of others.
.
#36.
The merits which a man with the
Superknowledges gains in a single day
Could not be had in a hundred lives
By one who lacked those knowledges.
.
#37.
He who seeks to bring to perfection swiftly
The Equipment for Perfect Enlightenment
Strives hard for the superknowledges,
For they are not accomplished by sloth.
.
[[[Concentration]]]
.
#38.
As long as Calmness is not attained,
The superknowledges will not occur;
Therefore, in order to achieve Calmness,
One must keep striving over and over.
.
#39.
One who neglects the Limbs of Calmness,
Even though he strive to meditate
For thousands of years, never
Will achieve Concentration.
.
#40.
Therefore, when well established in the Limbs
That are stated in the Chapter on Concentration Equipment,
One can then set the mind in virtue,
Fixed on any Topic he chooses.
.
[[[Wisdom]]]
.
#41.
When yogic Calmness is achieved,
So too are the superknowledges;
But obscuration is not destroyed
Without the Perfection of Insight.
.
[We need both, method and wisdom, to stay away from the two extremes]
.
#42.
Hence, to remove all obscuration
Of his affliction and his knowledge,
The yogin must continually cultivate
the Perfection of Insight together with Means.
.
#43.
Scripture says that bondage is from
Insight being divorced from Means,
And the Means from Insight as well.
Therefore, neglect not this union.
.
#44.
To remove any doubts about
What Insight is, and what are Means,
I make clear the difference
Between the Means and Insight.
.
[Method is the first five paramitas]
.
#45.
The Victors have explained that
the Means Are all the Equipments of virtue,
Starting with the Perfection of Giving,
Up to, but excluding, that of Insight.
.
#46.
One who combines the mastery of the Means
With a true cultivation of Insight
Will swiftly attain Enlightenment, but
Not by cultivating merely Non-self.
.
[[[Wisdom]] is realizing that everything is empty of inherent existence; not existent, not non-existent, not both, not neither]
.
#47.
"Insight" is fully explained as knowing
The Emptiness of intrinsic nature,
In comprehending that Aggregates
and Sense bases and Elements do not arise.
.
#48.
An existent's arising is impossible;
A non-existent's is like flowers in the sky;
For a thing to be both is absurd fallacy;
So neither do they originate together.
.
#49.
Since an entity does not arise from itself,
And is not from another, or even from both,
Nor is it yet without cause; therefore it has
No intrinsic nature by way of own-existence.
.
[First, a conceptual refutation of inherent existence through various adapted skillful reasonings; which all come down to the dependence of everything on conceptual imputation and its expectation (or more generally on primitive associations – this-that – karma formation and karma conditioning)]
.
#50.
Furthermore, if one analyses all things
As identities or multiplicities,
Own-existence is not perceived; hence one is
Certain that intrinsic natures do not exist.
.
#51.
The reasoning of the Seventy Stanzas on Emptiness,
And of texts like the Basic Stanzas on the Middle Way,
Explains the proof that all entities
Are empty of intrinsic nature.
.
#52.
Wherefore, lest my text become too long,
I do not elaborate it here,
But will explain only proven tenets
In order to further contemplation.
.
#53.
Thus, not to perceive intrinsic nature
In any phenomenon whatever
Is to contemplate its Non-Self; which
Is the same as contemplating with Insight.
.
[Second, a direct realization of emptiness]
.
#54.
And this Insight which does not see
Intrinsic nature in any phenomena
Is that same Insight explained as Wisdom.
Cultivate it without conceptual thought.
.
[The root cause of all samsara is grasping at conventional truths (which are mostly conceptual) and thinking they are absolute, representing objects that are inherently existing (independently of imputation / association by our mind)]
.
#55.
The world of change springs from conceptual
Thought, which is its very nature;
The complete removal of such
Thought is the Highest Nirvana.
.
[[[Enlightenment]] is seeing through this process, seeing the real nature of our own mind, how it operates and creates those associations, concepts, and thinks they are real; being always conscious of this, not accepting anything as absolute, without rejecting anything.]
.
#56.
Moreover, the Blessed One declared:
"Conceptual thinking is the great ignorance,
And casts one into samsara's ocean; but
Clear as the sky is his contemplation who
Remains in Concentration without concepts."
.
#57.
And he also says in the Non-Conceptual Progress Formula:
"When a son of the Victor meditates on
This holy Doctrine without conceptual thought,
He gradually attains the non-conceptual."
.
#58.
When through scripture and reason one has
Penetrated the non-intrinsic
Nature of all non-arising phenomena,
Then contemplate without conceptual thought.
.
#59.
And when he has thus contemplated Thatness,
And by stages has attained "Warmth" and the rest,
Then he will gain the "Joyous" [Level] and on up:
Buddha-Enlightenment is not far off.
.
[[[Tantrayana]]]
.
#60.
Through the rites of "Appeasement" and "Prosperity"
And the rest, effected by the force of Mantra,
And also by the strength of the Eight Great Powers,
Starting with that "Good Flask", and others,
.
#61.
It is maintained that the Equipment for
Enlightenment is perfected with ease;
And if one wants to practice Mantra as prescribed
In the Tantras: Action, Practice, and on,
.
#62.
Then, to gain the Preceptor-Initiation,
One must first win a holy Guru
By giving him attendance and precious things
And by obedience to his word.
.
#63.
And when the Preceptor-Initiation has been
Conferred by the Guru who was won over,
Then one is purified of all sin, and
Becomes fit to exercise the Powers.
.
#64.
The Secret and Insight Initiations
Should not be taken by religious celibates,
Because it is emphatically forbidden
In the Great Tantra of Primal Buddha.
.
#65.
If those Initiations were taken by one who stays
In the austerity of a religious celibate,
It would violate his vow of austerity
Since he would be practicing what is forbidden.
.
#66.
Transgressions would occur which defeat
The man of religious observance;
And by his certain fall to bad destinies,
He would not even succeed [in Mantra practice].
.
#67.
Having acquired the Preceptor-Initiation,
He may listen to all Tantras and explain them;
Perform Fire-offering, Gift-worship, and the like:
There is no wrong in wisdom about reality.
[Conclusion]
#68.
I, the Elder, Dipamkarasri,
Having seen this explanation in texts
Such as the sutras; and Byang-chub-'od's request
Have explained concisely the Path to Enlightenment.
.
[Colophon]
.
This completes the Lamp for the Enlightenment Path
Composed by the great Acarya, glorious Dipamkarajnana.
Translated and edited by the great Upadhyaya of India himself,
and by the revisor-translator Dge-ba'i blo-gros.
This text was composed at the Tho-ling temple of Zhang-zhung.
[End]