Samsara and nirvana are like two expressions on the same face, one dark and sullen, the other light and smiling. But, whatever the expression, we are not talking about a different face. It is not degraded when smeared with the dirt of samsara, neither is it improved when the dirt of samsara is washed off. Samsara and nirvana remain within the expanse of the absolute nature in the same way that the universe with its different continents all appear in space.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book Zurchungpa's Testament
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Further quotes from the book Zurchungpa's Testament:
- Free from the extreme of existence and that of nonexistence
- All perceptions are similar to a dream
- Complete absence of doubt
- Examine your actions very closely
- Not fabricated, never stained
- Projections of the mind
- Spontaneous devotion to your teacher
- Superficial dharma practice
- Just as space
- Recognizing awareness
- Nothing else than the projection of one’s own mind
- Suitable vessels
- The even state of all-pervading peace
- When true realization dawns in one’s mind
- Two great sources of fear in samsara
- First mature your own mind
- No other way
- Not outside yourself
- Perceiving everything in its natural purity