The Awakening Mind - Dalai Lama

The only entrance to the path of the Great Vehicle is generation of the awakening mind. Within the Great Vehicle there are only two vehicles, the sutra vehicle and the tantra vehicle. Whichever you wish to enter, the only entrance is with the awakening mind. When you possess the awakening mind you belong to the Great Vehicle, but as soon as you give it up you fall away from it. The moment you generate the awakening mind, even if you are bound in the sufferings of the cycle of existence, you will become an object of respect even for the Buddhas, who are themselves awakened. Just as a fragment of diamond is an excellent jewel that surpasses all other ornaments, the diamond like awakening mind even when it is weak outshines all the qualities possessed by those pursuing personal liberation. Nagarjuna says in his Precious Garland that if you wish to attain the unsurpassable state of supreme enlightenment, its source is the awakening mind. Therefore, generate an awakening mind as stable as the king of mountains.

Those who have not developed the awakening mind cannot enter into the secret practice of tantra. Access to tantric teachings is restricted to those who have received initiation and empowerment, and if you do not possess the awakening mind you cannot receive tantric initiation. This is a clear statement that entrance to the secret vehicle also depends on possessing the awakening mind.

The awakening mind is like a seed for the attainment of Buddhahood. It is like a field in which to cultivate all positive qualities. It is like the ground on which everything rests. It is like the god of wealth who removes all poverty. It is like a father protecting all bodhisattvas. It is like a wish-fulfilling jewel. It is like a miraculous vase fulfilling all your wishes. It is like a spear vanquishing the foe of disturbing emotions. It is like armor shielding you from improper thoughts. It is like a sword beheading the disturbing emotions. It is like an ax felling the tree of disturbing emotions. It is like a weapon staving off all kinds of attack. It is like a hook to draw you out of the waters of the cycle of existence. It is like the whirlwind that scatters all mental obstacles and their sources. It is like the concentrated teaching encompassing all the bodhisattvas’ prayers and activities. It is like a shrine before which everyone can make offerings.

Part II will be published in the next issue.

© "Awakening The Mind, Lightening The Heart" by Dalai Lama, published (1995) by Gopsons Papers Limited, A-14, Sector 60, Noida 201 301.

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