Christopher Wilkinson - The Lion Stops Hunting: An Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection

The Lion Stops Hunting An Upadesha Tantra Of the Great Perfection With Tibetan Text Translated by Christopher Wilkinson The painting on the cover was done by Tsering Kelsang, a master painter who is currently residing in Daramsala, India, and is used with his permission. 2016 Tsering Kelsang. If you are interested in commissioning a Thangka or other work of art, he may be reached at: https://www.facebook.com/tsering.kelsang.7 No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote excerpts in a review. Published by Christopher Wilkinson Portland, Oregon, USA Copyright 2016 Christopher Wilkinson All rights reserved. ISBN : 1539965007 ISBN-13 : 978-1539965008 DEDICATION This is for all teachers and students of the Great Perfection.

Also Translated By Christopher Wilkinson The Pearl Necklace Tantra: Upadesha Instructions of the Great Perfection The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon: Three Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection Eight Early Tantras of the Great Perfection: An Elixir of Ambrosia The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space The Secret Tantras of the Fish Wheel and the Nine Spaces: Two Ancient Scriptures of the Great Perfection Ten Early Tantras of the Great Perfection: A Basket of Diamonds The Gods and the Demons Are Not Two: A Tantra of the Great Perfection The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattvas Magnificent Sky Secret Sky: The Ancient Tantras on Vajrasattvas Magnificent Sky The Great Tantra of Vajrasattva: Equal to the End of the Sky Beyond Secret: The Upadesha of Vairochana on the Practice of the Great Perfection Secret Wisdom: Three Root Tantras of the Great Perfection Sakya Panditas Poetic Wisdom Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsan: The Hermit King Admission at Dharmas Gate by Sonam Tsemo An Overview of Tantra and Related Works Chogyal Phagpa: The Emperors Guru Advice to Kublai Khan: Letters by the Tibetan Monk Chogyal Phagpa To Kublai Khan and his Court At The Court of Kublai Khan: Writings of the Tibetan Monk Chogyal Phagpa CONTENTS

I also want to make a very special thanks to Norbert Hasenhrl for his most generous support for this translation, and to Robert J. Barnhart for his ongoing and truly generous support. The many people who made sustaining contributions toward the success of this translation, too many to name, are to be remembered for their kind generosity. The many people who have contributed to my understanding and ability to do this work cannot be counted. I wish to thank everyone that has taken a kind interest in these translations, however slight, for your part in making this work a reality.
INTRODUCTION The Great Perfection, also known as the Atiyoga or Dzogchen ( rDzogs chen ), is a tradition of esoteric Buddhism that propounds instantaneous enlightenment and was first brought to Tibet in the Eighth Century of the Common Era.

The Indian manuscripts of this tradition have been lost in time. Only the Tibetan translations remain. The original teachings of this tradition are contained in Tantras, which are generally divided into three categories: The Mind Section, the Space Section, and the Upadesha Instruction Section. The Upadesha Instruction section is devoted to the pointing out instructions or practical advice in the understanding and application of the Great Perfection. It is generally described as having seventeen root scriptures. The Lion Stops Hunting is one of these seventeen works.

In this Tantra the All Good One takes on the body of a lion and gives teachings to the Buddhas themselves. I have included images of the Tibetan manuscript for your convenience and to help preserve this ancient literature. All the best, Christopher Wilkinson November 2016 . The Lion Stops Hunting In the Indian language: Mah Ea Dhara Sing Paha Tantra Nma In the Tibetan language: Seng ge rtsal rdzogs chen poi rgyud ces bya ba In the English language: A Tantra of Greatness: The Lion Stops Hunting . Through Five Contemplations Our Wisdom Is Carried to the End I bow to the Blessed One, The suppressor of fierce hunting. I presented these words on one occasion: E Ma Ho! The wisdom of all the Buddhas Dwells within the spirit of every sentient being.

It is unchanging, And is perfect in its spontaneous realization. To teach this, There is the transmission of great wisdom. Those who expound on this will be liberated. These things we call words Use a body that has no form To see a knowledge that is beyond our thoughts. In the land of the palace of the dominion of the Dharma Awareness is manifest without being constructed. This is what it said.

This is what it is saying. This is what it will say: I heard these words on one occasion: In the infinite palace Built of the precious jewels By which we organize wisdom within our awareness, We were present in a single company With the five naturally pure embodiments Who are unchanging. Then the Blessed One, The illustrious All Good One, Arose from his samadhi on the true vision of reality, And he spoke on his inspirations, On the view that is present by itself, On a definitive wisdom: E Ma Ho! The view that is most amazing Is that of the wisdom of self-awareness, Which is the All Good One. I will teach you the view In which reality does not move from its primordial dominion. Vajrasattva, And everyone else in the entourage, Listen! The view does not go beyond The limitations that there are In the recognition of the wisdom of self-appearance, But the play of self-evident compassion does not stop. From the beginning, The view of self-originating wisdom is unceasing.