Advice From the Lotus Born
At the end of the future age, there will be many perverted practitioners who will treat the Dharma as merchandise. At that time, all of you who obey my words, do not forsake the ten spiritual activities. Although your realization is equal to that of the buddhas', make offerings to the Three Jewels. Although you have gained mastery over your mind, direct your innermost aims towards the Dharma. Although the nature of the Great Perfection is supreme, don't disparage other teachings. Although you have realized that buddhas and sentient beings are equal, embrace all beings with compassion. Although the paths and bhumis are beyond training and journeying, don't forsake purifying your obscurations through Dharma activities. Although the accumulations are beyond gathering, don't sever the roots of conditioned virtue. Although your mind lies beyond birth and death, this illusory body does die, so practice while remembering death. Although you experience dharmata free from thought, maintain the attitude of bodhichitta. Although you have attained the fruition of dharmakaya, keep company with your yidam deity. Although dharmakaya is not some other place, seek the true meaning. Although buddhahood is not anywhere else, dedicate any virtue you create towards unexcelled enlightenment. Although everything experienced is original wakefulness, don't let your mind stray into samsara. Although your mind essence is the awakened one, always worship the deity and your master. Although you have realized the nature of the Great Perfection, don't abandon your yidam deity. Those who, instead of doing this, speak foolishly with boastful words only damage the Three Jewels and will find not even an instant of happiness. Padmasambhava - Advice From the Lotus Born. - Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Do a complete article with clear explanations
Padmasambhava's advice, as conveyed in "Advice From the Lotus Born," serves as a profound guide for practitioners in the face of potential challenges in the future age. Let's break down each point:
Respect for Dharma: Despite potential deviations in the future, practitioners are urged not to forsake the ten spiritual activities, emphasizing the enduring importance of Dharma.
Humility in Realization: Even if one's realization equals that of the buddhas, the importance of making offerings to the Three Jewels is underscored, promoting humility and reverence.
Alignment of Mind Mastery with Dharma: Mastery over the mind is valued, but the directive is to direct one's innermost aims towards the Dharma, reinforcing the principle of aligning personal development with spiritual goals.
Inclusivity in Understanding: The nature of the Great Perfection is deemed supreme, yet practitioners are cautioned against disparaging other teachings, fostering an inclusive perspective in the pursuit of wisdom.
Compassion for All Beings: Despite realizing equality between buddhas and sentient beings, the call is to embrace all beings with compassion, emphasizing the compassionate aspect inherent in enlightened understanding.
Continuous Purification: The recognition that paths and bhumis are beyond training is acknowledged, yet practitioners are advised not to forsake the ongoing process of purifying obscurations through Dharma activities.
Dedication of Virtue: Although accumulations are beyond gathering, the call is to not sever the roots of conditioned virtue, emphasizing the importance of dedicating one's virtuous actions for the benefit of all.
Awareness of Impermanence: Despite the mind lying beyond birth and death, the advice is to practice with the awareness of the body's mortality, reminding practitioners to integrate the reality of impermanence into their spiritual journey.
Maintaining Bodhichitta: Even with the experience of dharmata free from thought, the directive is to maintain the attitude of bodhichitta, emphasizing the cultivation of the altruistic intention for enlightenment.
Connection with Yidam Deity: Despite attaining the fruition of dharmakaya, the instruction is to keep company with the yidam deity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with the chosen meditational deity.
Seeking True Meaning: Despite dharmakaya and buddhahood not being elsewhere, practitioners are encouraged to seek the true meaning, promoting an active engagement in the quest for profound understanding.
Dedication for Enlightenment: Acknowledging the original wakefulness in all experiences, practitioners are advised to dedicate any virtue created towards unexcelled enlightenment, reinforcing the ultimate goal of liberation for the benefit of all beings.
Mindfulness to Prevent Straying: Despite everything experienced being original wakefulness, the caution is not to let the mind stray into samsara, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in preventing distraction.
Continuous Devotion: Despite the mind essence being the awakened one, the directive is to always worship the deity and one's master, promoting a sense of continuous devotion and gratitude in the spiritual journey.
Integration of Realization: Even with the realization of the Great Perfection, the advice is not to abandon one's yidam deity, stressing the integration of various aspects of the spiritual path.
Padmasambhava's counsel concludes with a stark warning against speaking foolishly and boastfully, highlighting the potential harm to the Three Jewels and the absence of happiness for those who deviate from this guidance. The advice serves as a comprehensive roadmap for practitioners, emphasizing humility, compassion, continuous practice, and dedication to the path of enlightenment.
