Translation: Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
The maha ati is of the greatest simplicity. It is what is. It
cannot he shown by analogy; nothing can obstruct it. It is without
limitation and transcends all extremes. It is clear-cut nowness, which
can never change its shape or colour. When you become one with this
state the desire to meditate itself dissolves; you are freed from the
chain of meditation and philosophy, and conviction is born within you.
The thinker has deserted. There is no longer any benefit to be gained
from “good” thoughts and no harm is to be suffered from “bad”
thoughts. Neutral thoughts can no longer deceive.
People often try to discriminate between “good” thoughts and
“bad” thoughts, like trying to separate milk from water. It is easy
enough to accept the negative experiences in life but much harder to see
the positive experiences as part of the path. The state of
non-meditation is born in the heart when one no longer discriminates
between meditation and non-meditation and one is no longer tempted to
change or prolong the state of meditation. There is all-pervading joy,
free from all doubts. This is different from the enjoyment of sensual
pleasures or from mere happiness.
From “The Innermost Essence” by the great Dzogchen teacher Jigme Lingpa (1730-1798) and translated by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Shambhala Sun, September 2000.
