Spiritual Guidance: Selections of Tibetan Buddhism Texts by the Venerated Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with Master Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa’s teachings on the importance of devotion to the guru, spiritual practices, and nurturing compassion and wisdom for liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Advice for Göndrak

“When you let the looker be, within awareness, It is free of color and form, vividly empty. Whatever thought arises, when you look at its essence It vanishes without trace, like clouds disappearing in the sky. When free of the apprehending thought, ‘It is empty,’ At that moment you see the essence of mind. At all times, treasure compassion, devotion, and diligence. It is vital to act in accordance with cause and effect.”

Advice for Tashi Lhamo

“If you don’t keep in mind impermanence and death, You can call it Dharma practice, but it’ll only be scraps of advice. […] If your intentions are good […], Then even as a householder you can easily attain buddhahood. Generally, to encounter the Dharma is extremely hard, But actually to meet a master who teaches Secret Mantra? That’s the impossible made possible!

Nowadays, to be a true practitioner of Secret Mantra, There’s no other way but to apply this single practice: Know all thoughts to be the dharmakaya [truth body]! This is the essential pith instruction of the Great Perfection and Great Seal. In an instant, all five poisons are freed in their own place. If you realize this, it’s impossible to keep wandering in samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth]. And if you combine this with the excellent intention of bodhicitta, Even samsaric [worldly] activities will become the Dharma. […]”

Advice for the Faithful of Upper Trindu

“You of great fortune, who wish to practice the sacred Dharma, Don’t let this human body you’ve obtained this one time go to waste! Since the time of death is uncertain, ramp up your diligence. Since karmic cause and effect do not deceive, Persevere in adopting and avoiding accordingly. Since samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth] is suffering, you should yearn for liberation. Since the refuge objects, the Three Jewels [Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha], are excellent, You should place your trust in them.

Since bodhicitta is the greatest wealth, focus on it ardently. Since misdeeds create suffering, Confess and resolve never to commit them again. Since awakening is attained by perfecting the accumulations, Make offerings and give. To receive the stream of blessings, arouse devotion for the guru. […] To increase your roots of virtue, make dedications and aspirations.”