Illusory Appearances and the True Nature of the World

All visual forms perceived by the eyes, all sounds heard by the ears, all smells sensed by the nose, all tastes experienced by the tongue, all sensations felt by the body, and all thoughts arising in the mind are manifestations of the mind itself. They arise from the mind’s illusory and deluded appearances, much like a dream. Because the mind is temporarily obscured, whatever appears to us now seems real, though in truth it is deceptive and unreal.

What, then, is the true nature of the mind?

The mind itself is empty in essence, luminous in nature, and inseparable from wisdom and compassion that pervade all beings. When one correctly understands this true nature, one realizes ultimate reality (dharmata), also known as recognizing intrinsic awareness, or rigpa. To remain steadily in this state of awareness is called meditation on the view of the Great Perfection (Dzogchen).

By becoming increasingly familiar with this state over time, all deluded thoughts and conceptual confusion are gradually purified until only the Dharmakaya — the ultimate nature of reality — remains.

The Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma and taught the many vehicles and stages of the path as skillful methods, directly or indirectly, for realizing this truth. One who fully realizes this meaning is called a Buddha.

Even if one cannot fully realize the true nature of mind in this lifetime, meditation can still gradually calm and weaken the many layers of suffering within the mind. For this reason, meditation is extremely important.

In general, meditation should not be understood merely as a religious belief or practice. When the body becomes ill, we take medicine; when the mind suffers, we should practice meditation and train the mind. By caring for both body and mind in this way, we can live healthier, more peaceful, and more balanced lives.

— KPG