Section Three

PATH

 
 
 
 
 

EXPLANATION OF THE PATH THAT CAUSES REALIZATION

There are two parts: a short statement by means of a summary and the detailed explanation of that.

SHORT STATEMENT BY MEANS OF A SUMMARY

The Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo root text says:

          The stages of the path that bring about realization are innumerable.

          Purify your being, sow the seeds, and cultivate them.

          Remove the hindrances, and likewise bring forth enhancement.

          Thus enter the correct path through these five aspects.

An inconceivable number of stages of the paths of Sutra and Mantra have been taught as the methods that bring about realization of the inseparability of ground and fruition. Yet, when condensing these into one vital essence, the way to purify your being is like tilling a hard virgin field; the way to sow the seeds of ripening and freeing is like planting grain free from defects; the way to nurture them is like the endeavor of farming, such as giving water and fertilizer; the way to remove the hindrances of the path is like the exertion in protecting against hailstorms and the like; and the way to bring forth the enhancement of qualities is like applying the means for improvement, such as bringing rain and so forth.203

Therefore, thoroughly enter the correct path by training correctly in the path through these five aspects, and thus you will realize the fruition of liberation, like fully ripened crops.

DETAILED EXPLANATION

This includes five steps: purifying your being, sowing the seeds, cultivating them, removing hindrances, and bringing forth enhancement.

PURIFYING YOUR BEING

This has two points: the way to follow a spiritual guide, the root of the path; and, having followed him, the way of mind training.