‘The Natural Abiding’

In the following verses, tantric yogini Niguma writes about Mahamudra as empty bubbles in a translucent ocean. The post ‘The Natural Abiding’ appeared first on Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.

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Jun 26, 2024 - 21:01
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‘The Natural Abiding’

Ideas Vajrayana

In the following verses, tantric yogini Niguma writes about Mahamudra as empty bubbles in a translucent ocean.

By Miranda Shaw, PhD Jun 25, 2024‘The Natural Abiding’Photo by Cristian Palmer

Don’t do anything whatsoever with the mind—
Abide in an authentic, natural state.
One’s own mind, unwavering, is reality.
The key is to meditate like this without wavering;
Experience the great reality beyond extremes.
In a pellucid ocean,
Bubbles arise and dissolve again.
Just so, thoughts are no different from ultimate
        reality,
So don’t find fault; remain at ease.
Whatever arises, whatever occurs,
Don’t grasp—release it on the spot.
Appearances, sounds, and objects are one’s own
        mind;
There’s nothing except mind.
Mind is beyond the extremes of birth and death.
The nature of mind, awareness,
Although using the objects of the five senses,
Does not wander from reality.
In the state of cosmic equilibrium
There is nothing to abandon or practice,
No meditation or post-meditation. Just this.

        —Niguma, translated by Miranda Shaw

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Excerpted from Passionate Enlightenment: Women in Tantric Buddhism by Miranda Shaw, © Miranda Shaw, Princeton Classic Edition 2022. Reprinted in arrangement with Miranda Shaw.

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