Chapter 3 — Seeing the World as Pure: The View of Sacred Perception (Dag Snang 淨觀)
From “Unveiling Vajrayana Practice in Daily Life” — Series 2
Introduction: The Heart of Vajrayana Vision
Among all Vajrayana teachings, few are as profound—and as misunderstood—as pure perception (Dag Snang 淨觀). To many, it sounds idealistic: “See everything as pure? Everyone as deities?” But in classical Vajrayana, pure perception is not fantasy. It is a direct expression of the mind’s natural state.
“Perception is mind. Mind is empty. Recognizing this, all appearances are pure.”
Pure perception is not about changing the world—it is about recognizing the true nature of what is already present.
1. The View Rooted in Emptiness
In sutra teachings, we learn that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence. Vajrayana deepens this:
- Because phenomena are empty, appearances are naturally pure.
- Purity is not created; it is recognized.
Thus:
“Samsara and nirvana are not two places. They are two perceptions of the same nature.”
2. Mandala Vision: The World as Pure Realm
In Vajrayana, pure perception is described as the mandala view:
This is not literal. It means seeing the essence of appearances, not just their surface.
“When the mind rests in its natural state, the mandala appears within ordinary perception.”.
3. The Inseparability of Samsara and Nirvana
In Vajrayana:
- Grasping appearances → samsara
- Recognizing emptiness and luminosity → nirvana
Mipham Rinpoche said:
“Purity is not the adding of something new. Impurity is not the removal of something old. Impurity is confusion; purity is recognition.”
4. Guru Yoga: The Gateway to Pure Perception
Pure perception begins with the guru because the mind needs a living example of awakened qualities to reshape its perception.
“For the disciple who sees the guru as a Buddha, the blessings of the Buddha will be received.”
Once this perception is stable, it naturally extends to the world, beings, and experiences.
5. Lineage Stories That Reveal Pure Perception
Story 1: Milarepa and the Demons
Milarepa meditated in a mountain cave. Demons appeared. He ignored them—they stayed. He shouted—they grew stronger. Finally, he realized:
“These demons are the display of my own mind.”
He bowed, and instantly they vanished. This is pure perception: recognizing appearances as mind’s display.
Story 2: The Dakini in Disguise
A yogi met a dirty old woman who mocked him. Annoyed, he drove her away. His teacher later said:
“The Dakini came to test your perception. Instead of seeing purity, you saw fault.”
Pure perception is not theoretical—it is training to see the sacred in all beings.
6. Misunderstanding: Pure Perception Is Not Denial
Pure perception does not mean:
- ignoring suffering
- excusing harmful actions
- pretending negativity is not there
It means understanding:
- beings are pure in nature,
- but not yet pure in behavior.
Thus, compassion and wisdom guide the practice, not naive positivity.
7. Applying Pure Perception in Daily Life
A. Environment
See your surroundings as a mandala, not by fantasy but by relaxed awareness.
B. People
Recognize everyone’s Buddha nature, especially during conflict or stress.
C. Emotions
See emotions as energy—vivid, empty, workable—not solid or personal.
D. Sounds
Treat all sounds as mantra-like vibrations arising in awareness.
If you enjoy my articles and would like to support my creative work, you can make a small contribution below. Your support helps me continue writing and sharing more inspiring stories. (Payments are processed securely via PayPal.)
| Meditation Exercise: Recognizing Purity in Appearances |
- Sit comfortably and breathe naturally.
- Observe any sound, sensation, or thought.
- Notice it arises and dissolves naturally.
- Recognize each as “empty and luminous.”
- Imagine your environment as a pure mandala.
- See all beings as having awakened nature.
- Rest in non-grasping awareness.
Closing Verse (Guru Rinpoche)
“When you see with pure perception, the world becomes a field of wisdom. When you see with impure perception, even a Buddha appears ordinary. Train your mind, and the pure realm will be revealed.”If my writings or reflections resonate with you, you may support this Dharma page here — subscription starts from MYR 2.49/month (≈ USD 0.60)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.