Christopher Wilkinson - The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva: Two Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection

The Mirror Of the Heart Of Vajrasattva Two Upadesha Tantras 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. 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 2017 Christopher Wilkinson All rights reserved. ISBN : 1542725747 ISBN-13 : 978-1542725743 DEDICATION For all teachers and students of the Great Perfection. Also Translated By Christopher Wilkinson The Lion Stops Hunting: An Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection 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 CONTENTS

It was he who introduced me to Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche, and through his recommendations enabled me to receive full empowerments, transmissions, and permissions in the areas of Mah, Anu, and Ati Yogas. With the highest regard I wish to thank Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche, Khetsun Zangpo Rinpoche, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Khenpo Palden Sherab for their kind instruction and encouragement in my effort to translate the literature of the rDzogs chen. There are many individuals, too many to name here, that have helped me over the years to become a qualified translator, in many ways. At this time I want to remember the kindness of Ngawang Kunga Trinlay Sakyapa, Jigdral Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche, Dhongthog Rinpoche, H.H. Karmapa Rangjung Rigpay Dorje, Kalu Rinpoche, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Geshe Ngawang Nornang, Carl Potter, David Ruegg, Turrell Wylie, Gene Smith, Karen Lang, Richard Solomon, Jack Hawley, David Jackson, Cyrus Stearns, Herbert Guenther, Eva Neumeier-Dargyay, Leslie Kawamura, Frits Staal, Robert Thurman, Paul Nietupski, Lou Lancaster, David Snellgrove, Jean-Luc Achard, Steve Landsberg, Tsultrim Alione, Carolyn Klein, Rob Mayer, Jonathan Silk, David White, and Mark Tatz. I also want to make a very special thanks 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 two Tantras that are here translated are among these seventeen works. The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva records a conversation between the wrathful ones, the dakinis, and a Buddha named Mighty Young Hero which was held in a charnel ground called Blazing Fire Mountain.

The Self-Liberation of Awareness records a conversation between the Bodhisattva Majur and this same Mighty Young Hero, also at the Blazing Fire Mountains charnel ground. This Tantra comments on the largest of the Seventeen Tantras, The Dawn of the Awareness ( Rig pa rang shar ), while standing as a Tantra in its own right. I have included images of the Tibetan manuscript for your convenience and to help preserve this ancient literature. All the best, Christopher Wilkinson . The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva In the Indian language: Mm o | Vajra Satva Dhe k e Tsitta Tantra Nma In the Tibetan language: rDo rje sems dpa snying gi me long gi rgyud ces bya ba In the English language: The Tantra on the Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva . The Basic Scene I bow to the Blessed One, The one who is undefeated and who wears a frown.

I presented these words on one occasion: The audience who are near to me Must listen well. I will explain the meaning Of the majestic method of self-origination. I am explaining it! Listen to me! That is what he commanded. I heard these words on one occasion: There is a great charnel ground called Blazing Fire Mountain. During the day there is a choking mist. During the night its fires blaze.