
Question: When we’re in the Trekcho state would we ever need to use reasoning? If we did, would it be a form of grasping?
Answer: When we have good stability in Trekcho, we continue to perceive and relate with all the objects of the phenomenal world, and mind continues to function, and so we’ll reason when reason is necessary. But now we’ll see everything with perfect clarity, so there’s no more grasping. This is known as the state of “being like an old man watching children play.” When an old man watches children play, what is there for him to grasp? He sees the children having fun, no more or less than that. The children themselves might grasp at their play, but not the old man.
Question: Rinpoche, how do we become like that old man?
Answer: Listen to and contemplate the teachings. Cultivate bodhichitta and devotion. Analyze the mind. Do sitting meditation. Through this, you’ll get a glimpse of the true nature. Then, to transform what you glimpsed into full panoramic vision, continue to practice as before with joyful effort.
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches
The Beauty of Awakened Mind (pgs 96-97)
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches at Padma Samye Ling in May 2010.
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