When we say that mind is empty, we do not mean that it is a void in the way that space is empty. Space is indeed empty but it does not have the ability to know, to see, or to reflect. Space is “dead emptiness.” When we say that the nature of mind is emptiness, we mean that the mind is not a solid or fixed entity. It cannot be found, no matter where we look. Nonetheless it has the ability to understand and reflect. This ability to think and know is what we mean when we speak of the mind’s luminosity.
Thrangu Rinpoche
from the book Essentials of Mahamudra: Looking Directly at the Mind
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Further quotes from the book Essentials of Mahamudra:
- Subtly unclear state of mind
- Resting and moving mind
- The union of appearance and emptiness
- Understanding the mind as it is
- The foundation of meditation
- The nature of the mind
- Mindfulness and alertness
- The union of space and wisdom