Lines of Experience

Lam-Rim Bsdus-Don

The Main Aspects of the Practice
of the Stages on the Graded Path to Enlightenment
By rJe Tzong-kha-pa
 
Verse 21

I do not see how you can cut the root of samsara with merely single-pointed meditative concentration alone. Moreover, divorced from the path of mental quiescence meditation (43) (to develop single-minded concentration,) I do not see how you can turn away from your defilements by merely examining them as much as possible with wisdom alone. Therefore, on the horse of mental quiescence meditation which trains your mind never to wander, the masters have mounted wisdom which cuts all doubts about how things exist and what is to be practiced or abandoned. Thus they have tried to expand their intelligence to understand Sunyata with the all-encompassing wisdom which examines things according to the way they actually exist. Armed in this way with the sharp weapon of the reasoning of the Middle Path, devoid of extremes, they have destroyed all traces of the idea that there can be such a thing as something that exists truly independently.
 

I, who actually have traveled a true path that leads to Enlightenment, have had the experience of doing just that. If you would also seek Liberation, please cultivate yourself in the same way.

 

Verse 22

Once you have developed single-minded concentration by having built up the habit of single-pointedness of thought (through mental quiescence meditation,) then, when (you direct this concentration towards an analysis of the nature of) all conceptual thoughts -- (which entails) a proper examination (of them with the wisdom of Sunyata) -- you will witness the development of a very firm state of single-minded concentration focused unwaveringly on the actual way in which all things exist. (Keeping in mind how) admirable all efforts are to establish the union of both mental quiescence and penetrative insight into Sunyata (44), (you should make the initial effort to enable you to achieve such a union) by offering as many prayers and wishes for this as possible.
 

I, who actually have traveled a true path that leads to Enlightenment, have had the experience of doing just that. If you would also seek Liberation, please cultivate yourself in the same way.

Onward On to Lines of Experience Verse 23

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