Dzogchen · 1808–1887
Patrul Rinpoche
Nyingma · Dzogchen (Rimé) · The Words of My Perfect Teacher
A wandering yogin with a sharp tongue against spiritual self-deception.
The essence of the teaching: True realization lies not in amassing knowledge, rituals and status, but in turning the mind inward to heal the obscuring emotions. The natural state of mind is empty, and yet clear and knowing.
Transmission
Patrul struck at the most dangerous thing of all – spiritual egoism. You can be a diligent practitioner and miss the point entirely. You can pile up mountains of knowledge, perform the rituals flawlessly, rise in standing within the community – and not come one step closer, if the mind has not turned inward. The more you cherish a spiritual "self," the further you stray. The mind's endless planning, its projects and cares without end – this is samsara in action. True practice is the stillness in which the mind, left to itself, turns out to be empty and clear at the same time. Turn your attention inward and heal what obscures – the rest is mere ornament.
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