Luminous Clarity, Buddha Nature, in Connection with Bliss-Emptiness Mahamudra

Namo Guru Asanga Ye

To the unequalled teacher, mighty Shakyamuni,
And the lord of the tenth ground, supreme Maitreya,
With my three gates filled with great respect, I prostrate.
I shall explain Buddha Nature, luminous clarity.

The subject of the final turning’s Sutras on the Essence
Is mind’s abiding reality, Buddha Nature itself,
Spontaneously present, not produced by causes,
Self-arisen and self-free, clarity-emptiness, fixation-free.

Mind’s essence is empty of duality’s fleeting stains,
Beyond duality, ordinary mind is not empty.  

Beyond permanence and extinction is luminous clarity,
Permanence and extinction don’t exist in this basic nature,
Affirmation and negation’s stains don’t cover it,
So it is explained to be self-arisen and self-free.

This bliss-emptiness, self-awareness, inexpressible,
When described is luminous clarity, great bliss,
And when left undescribed, it is the same bliss-emptiness—
How amazing! Join this with the great secret path.


Composed by Dechen Rangdrol, March 20, 2006, Arbuta, India.
Translated by Ari Goldfield. Translation copyright 2012, Ari Goldfield.

Know this life to be like a dream.
See the mind’s unborn nature.
Aspire to be of benefit to others.

– Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
Your donations help support Khenpo Rinpoche’s nunneries and make his teachings available worldwide.