In absolute truth, all phenomena are devoid of any intrinsic nature, and therefore merit too cannot be objectified, being entirely free of the three concepts.

In relative, conventional truth, every aspect of a positive action – the agent who performs the action, the object of the action, and the action itself – is like a dream or a magical illusion: although it appears, it has no intrinsic nature.

It is with this approach that the dedication should be made, for as we read in the Middle Sutra of Transcendent Wisdom:

“Subhuti, all phenomena are like a dream,
like a magical illusion.”

Virtue too should be dedicated in the manner of its being like a dream.

Dudjom Rinpoche

from the book A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom: Complete Instructions on the Preliminary Practices

translated by Padmakara Translation Group


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Further quotes from the book A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom:

• Accumulation of merit becoming perfectly pure
• The truth of the path
• Our minds and the Dharma go different ways