Passages similar to: The Tibetan Book of the Dead — Book I: The First Day
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Tibetan Buddhist
The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Book I: The First Day (4.8-4.9)
Be not fond of the dull white light of the devas. Be not attached [to it]; be not weak. If thou be attached to it, thou wilt wander into the abodes of the devas and be drawn into the whirl of the Six Lokas. That is an interruption to obstruct thee on the Path of Liberation. Look not at it. Look at the bright blue light in deep faith. Put thy whole thought earnestly upon Vairochana and repeat after me this prayer: Alas! when wandering in the Sangsdra, because of intense stupidity, On the radiant light-path of the Dharma-Dhdtu Wisdom May [I] be led by the Bhagavan Vairochana, May the Divine Mother of Infinite Space by [my] rearguard; May [I] be led safely across the fearful ambush of the Bardo; May [I] be placed in the state of the All-Perfect Buddhahood.'
Let a man meditate on the fivefold Sâman as the five worlds. The hiṅkâra is, the earth, the prastâva the fire, the udgîtha the sky, the pratihâra the...
(1) Let a man meditate on the fivefold Sâman as the five worlds. The hiṅkâra is, the earth, the prastâva the fire, the udgîtha the sky, the pratihâra the sun, the nidhana heaven; so in an ascending line.
You yourself must make an effort. The Tathâgatas (Buddhas) are only preachers. The thoughtful who enter the way are freed from the bondage of Mâra.
(276) You yourself must make an effort. The Tathâgatas (Buddhas) are only preachers. The thoughtful who enter the way are freed from the bondage of Mâra.
The consideration of this Plane of Consciousness must be closed here, for reasons which the advanced occultist will at once realize, and which the...
(35) The consideration of this Plane of Consciousness must be closed here, for reasons which the advanced occultist will at once realize, and which the less advanced student must be told are adequate. Many, not prepared for the full Light must be protected from spiritual and mental blindness by being exposed to rays before they have become accustomed to the lesser lights of the Truth. Rest assured, however, O student, that when your eyes are ready to gaze upon the Sacred Flame, it will no longer be hidden from you.
Circulation of the Light and Protection of the Centre (6)
The Light is not in the body alone, neither is it only outside the body. Mountains and rivers and the great Earth are lit by sun and moon; all that...
(6) The Light is not in the body alone, neither is it only outside the body. Mountains and rivers and the great Earth are lit by sun and moon; all that is this Light. Therefore it is not only within the body. Understanding and clarity, knowing and enlightenment, and all motion (of the spirit), are likewise this Light; therefore it is not just something outside the body. The Light- lower of Heaven and Earth ills all thousand spaces. But also the Light-flower of one body passes through Heaven and covers the Earth. Therefore, just as the Light is circulating, so Heaven and Earth, mountains and rivers, are all rotating with it at the same time. To concentrate the seed- flower of the human body above in the eyes, that is the great key of the human body. Children, take heed! If for a day you do not practise meditation, this Light streams out, who knows whither? If you only meditate for a quarter of an hour, you can set ten thousand aeons and a thousand births at rest. All methods take thei/ source in quietness. This marvellous magic cannot be fathomed.
My son, do not allow your mind to stare downward, but rather, let it look by means of the light at things above. For the light will always come from...
(44) My son, do not allow your mind to stare downward, but rather, let it look by means of the light at things above. For the light will always come from above. Even if it (the mind) is upon the earth, let it seek to pursue the things above. Enlighten your mind with the light of heaven, so that you may turn to the light of heaven.
For in the ether exist both sun and moon, the lightning, stars, and fire (agni). Through the ether we call, through the ether we hear, through the eth...
(1) 'Ether (or space) is better than fire. For in the ether exist both sun and moon, the lightning, stars, and fire (agni). Through the ether we call, through the ether we hear, through the ether we answer . In the ether or space we rejoice (when we are together), and rejoice not (when we are separated). In the ether everything is born, and towards the ether everything tends when it is born . Meditate on ether.
The meaning of this section (18) is to call attention to the wrong paths of meditation so that one can enter the place of power instead of the cave...
(8) The meaning of this section (18) is to call attention to the wrong paths of meditation so that one can enter the place of power instead of the cave of fantasy. This is the world of demons. This, for example, is the case if one sits down to meditate, and sees light lames or bright colours appear, or if one sees Bodhisatvas and gods approach, or any other similar fantasies. Or, if one is not * successful in uniting power and breathing, if the water of the kidneys cannot rise, but presses downward, the primordial power becomes cpld and the breathing heavy. Then the gentle light powers of the great Earth are too few, and the empty fantasyworld is entered. Or, when one has sat a long time, ideas rise up in crowds and one tries to stop them, but it cannot be done; one submits to being driven by them and feels easier. When this happens, one must under no circumstances go on with meditation but must get up and walk around a little while until heart and power are again in unison; only then can one return to meditation. In meditating, a man must have a sort of conscious intuition, so that he feels power and breathing unite in the field of the Elixir; he must feel that a warm release belonging to the true Light begins to stir dimly. Then he has found the right place. When this right place has been found, one is released from the danger of getting into the world of illusory desire or dark demons.
The circulation of the Light is the inclusive term, The further the work advances, the more can the Golden Flower bloom. But there is a still more...
(4) The circulation of the Light is the inclusive term, The further the work advances, the more can the Golden Flower bloom. But there is a still more marvellous kind of circulation. Till now we have worked from the outside on what is within; now we tarry in the centre and rule what is external. Hitherto, it was a service in aid of the Master; now it is a dissemination of the commands of this Master. The whole relationship is now reversed. If one wants to penetrate the more delicate regions by this method, one must irst see to it that body and heart are completely controlled, that one is quite free and at peace, letting go of all entanglements, untroubled by the slightest excitement, with the Heavenly Heart exactly in the middle. Then let one lower the lids of the two eyes as if one received a holy edict, a summons to the minister. Who would dare disobey? Then one illumines the house of the abysmal (water, K'an) with both eyes. Wherever the Golden Flower appears, the true Light of polarity goes out to meet it. The principle of that which adheres to (lightness, Li), is light outside and dark within; it is the body of the creative. Darkness enters and becomes master. The result is that the heart (consciousness), becomes dependent on things, is directed outward, and is tossed about on the stream. When the rotating light shines within the heart, it does not become dependent on things, the power of the Dark is limited, and the Golden Flower shines with concentration. It is then the collected Light of polarity. Things which are related attract each other. Thus the polarity Light-line of the abysmal presses upward. It is not only the Light in the abyss, but it is creative Light meeting creative Light. As soon as these two substances meet each other, they unite inseparably, and unceasing life begins; it comes and goes, rises and falls of itself, in the house of the primordial power. One is aware of e fulgence 60 and infinity. The whole body feels lighter and would like to fly. This is the state of which it is said: Clouds fill the thousand mountains. Gradually it [life] goes here and there quite quietly; it rises and falls imperceptibly. The pulse stands still and breathing stops. This is the moment of true creative unity, the state of which it is said: The moon gathers up the ten thousand waters. In the midst of this darkness, the Heavenly Heart suddenly begins a movement. This is the return of the one Light, the time when the child comes to life.
Do not bring grief and trouble to the divine which is within you. But when you will care for it, will request of it that you remain pure, and will...
(18) Do not bring grief and trouble to the divine which is within you. But when you will care for it, will request of it that you remain pure, and will become self-controlled in your soul and body, you will become a throne of wisdom, and one belonging to God's household. He will give you a great light through it (wisdom).
Meditate, O Bhikshu, and be not heedless! Do not direct thy thought to what gives pleasure that thou mayest not for thy heedlessness have to swallow...
(371) Meditate, O Bhikshu, and be not heedless! Do not direct thy thought to what gives pleasure that thou mayest not for thy heedlessness have to swallow the iron ball (in hell), and that thou mayest not cry out when burning, 'This is pain.'
Stop the stream valiantly, drive away the desires, O Brâhmana! When you have understood the destruction of all that was made, you will understand...
(383) Stop the stream valiantly, drive away the desires, O Brâhmana! When you have understood the destruction of all that was made, you will understand that which was not made.
The girls then asked Vimalakirti: ‘What should we do while staying at the demon’s palace?’ Vimalakirti replied: ‘Sisters, there is a Dharma called...
(5) The girls then asked Vimalakirti:
‘What should we do while staying at the demon’s palace?’
Vimalakirti replied:
‘Sisters, there is a Dharma called the Inexhaustible Lamp, which you should study and practice. For instance, a lamp can (be used to) light up hundreds and thousands of other lamps; darkness will thus be bright and this brightness will be inexhaustible. So, sisters, a Bodhisattva should guide and convert hundreds and thousands of living beings so that they all develop the mind set on supreme enlightenment; thus his deep thought (of enlightening others) is, likewise, inexhaustible. This teaching of the Dharma will then increase in all excellent Dharmas; this is called the Inexhaustible Lamp. Although you will be staying at the demon’s palace you should use this Inexhaustible Lamp to guide countless sons and daughters of devas to develop their minds set on supreme enlightenment, in order to repay your debt of gratitude to the Buddha, and also for the benefit of all living beings.’
The devas’ daughters bowed their heads at Vimalakirti’s feet and followed the demon to return to his palace and all of a sudden they vanished.”
World Honoured One, since Vimalakirti possesses such supernatural power, wisdom and eloquence, I am not qualified to call on him to inquire after his health.”
The criers of the Mysteries speak again, bidding all men welcome to the House of Light. The great institution of materiality has failed. The false...
(39) The criers of the Mysteries speak again, bidding all men welcome to the House of Light. The great institution of materiality has failed. The false civilization built by man has turned, and like the monster of Frankenstein, is destroying its creator. Religion wanders aimlessly in the maze of theological speculation. Science batters itself impotently against the barriers of the unknown. Only transcendental philosophy knows the path. Only the illumined reason can carry the understanding part of man upward to the light. Only philosophy can teach man to be born well, to live well, to die well, and in perfect measure be born again. Into this band of the elect--those who have chosen the life of knowledge, of virtue, and of utility--the philosophers of the ages invite YOU.
How can constancy fail while form abides? But the truth is, the sun's beams strike the wall, Why give your heart to mere stones, O simpleton? Go!...
(45) How can constancy fail while form abides? But the truth is, the sun's beams strike the wall, Why give your heart to mere stones, O simpleton? Go! seek the source of light which shineth always! Distinguish well true dawn from false dawn, Distinguish the color of the wine from that of the cup; So that, instead of many eyes of caprice, Then you will behold true colors instead of false, But what is a jewel? Nay, you will be an ocean of pearls; Yea, a sun that measures the heavens!
And I pray that propitious results may be seen in the lights.
(1) And now I will proclaim, O ye who are drawing near and seeking to be taught! those animadversions which appertain to Him who knows (all things) whatsoever; the praises which are for Ahura, and the sacrifices (which spring) from the Good Mind, and likewise the benignant meditations inspired by Righteousness. And I pray that propitious results may be seen in the lights.
O Light, forget not my praise-singing. "'2. For Self-willed and his lion-faced power have opened their chops against me and have acted craftily agains...
(2) "'1. O Light, forget not my praise-singing. "'2. For Self-willed and his lion-faced power have opened their chops against me and have acted craftily against me. "'3. They have surrounded me, desiring to take away my power, and have hated me, because I have sung praises unto thee. "'4. Instead of loving me they slandered me. But I sang praises. "'5. They plotted a plot to take away my power, because I have sung to thee praises, O Light; and hated me, because I have loved thee. "'6. Let the darkness come over Self-willed, and let the ruler of the outermost darkness abide at his right hand. "'7. And when thou passest sentence, take from him his power; and the deed which he hath plotted, to take from me my light,--mayest thou take his from him. "'8. And may all his powers of his light in him finish, and let another of the three triple-powers receive his sovereignty. "'9. May all the powers of his emanation be lightless and may his matter be without any light in it. "'10. May his emanations remain in the chaos and not dare to go to their region. May their light in them die away and let them not go to the thirteenth æon, their region. "'11. May the Receiver, the Purifier of the lights, purify all the lights which are in Self-willed, and take them from them. "'12. May the rulers of the lower darkness rule over his emanations, and let no one give them shelter in his region; and let no one hearken to the power of his emanations in the chaos. "'13. Let them take away the light in his emanations and blot out their name from the thirteenth æon, yea rather take his name for ever out of that region. "'14. And on the lion-faced power let them bring the sin of him who emanated it, before the Light, and not wipe out the iniquity of the matter which hath brought him [ sc. Self-willed] forth. "'15. And may their sin be altogether before the Light eternally, and may they let them not look beyond [the chaos] and take their names out of all regions; "'16. Because they have not spared me and have oppressed him whose light and whose power they have taken away, and also conformably with those who set me therein, they desired to take away my whole light from me. "'17. They loved to descend to the chaos; so let them abide therein, and they shall not be brought up [therefrom] from now on. They desired not the region of Righteousness for dwelling-place, and they shall not be taken thither from now on. '"18. He put on darkness as a garment, and it entered into him as water, and it entered in into all his powers as oil. "'19. Let him wrap himself into the chaos as into a garment, and gird himself with the darkness as with a leathern girdle for ever. "'20. Let this befall them who have brought this upon me for the Light's sake and have said: Let us take away her whole power. "'21. But do thou, O Light, have mercy upon me for the sake of the mystery of thy name, and save me in the goodness of thy grace. "'22. For they have taken away my light and my power; and my power hath inwardly tottered, and I could not stand upright in their midst. "'23. I am become as matter which is fallen; I am tossed hither and thither as a demon in the air. "'24. My power hath perished, because I possess no mystery; and my matter hath become dwindled because of my light, for they have taken it away. "'25. And they mocked me; they looked at me, nodding at me. "'26. Help me according to thy mercy.' "Now, therefore, let him whose spirit is ready, come forward and utter the solution of the twelfth repentance of Pistis Sophia."