Arjuni, oil on canvas, 18 x 18 inches, © 2010 Diane McGregor"What is the Great Seal, the Mahamudra? Basically, it means that all of phenomena, all that is experienced by the mind, is the symbol of itself. There is no duality whatsoever between what you experience and who you are. There is no duality whatsoever between mind and its projections. There is no duality whatsoever between phenomena and appreciation. In all of reality there is no particular break. It is totally sealed and complete, altogether. There are no second thoughts. That is the Mahamudra.
"To the mind of a student, this is a terrifying prospect, and at the same time it opens the mind completely. It is terrifying in the sense that, on hearing these words, one begins to feel the quality of the mind itself. In other words, mind is seeing mind. If there is a residue of fear or struggle or egotism, the mind begins to move or shake. From that a quality of paranoia arises. That paranoia is this very mind, which we call nowness, or things as they are. And according to the Mahamudra, this mind has never been corrupted."
--Vajra Regent Osel Tendzin, reprinted in Shambhala Sun, January 2010, page 96.
Interesting. I met Tendzin, think he might have come to our Dharma group or maybe it was in Boston or at Karma Choling. Not sure. I remember the story of how he died, and all the conflagration in the Sanga around the situation. Thanks for this reflection.
ReplyDeleteand your painting is just gorgeous.
Another wonderful painting. And, the words are just what is needed as a reminder today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is, as always, so interesting to look at. I just wish I could see the layers, and know the texture, up close and personal. I think there is so much to enjoy that a photo simply can't capture.
ReplyDeleteThe image above looks very enchanting.
ReplyDeleteI love abstract paintings.
ReplyDeleteIt's very nice the way he says 'begins to feel the quality of mind itself' .... it seems so very much like that .... it's not exactly feeling it, not exactly sensing it .... the teachings always say 'knowing' it ... it certainly isn't thinking it, or thinking about it ... but rather, directly resting in knowing the nature of mind, no nature .... thanks so much for sharing these teachings :-)
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