As in a dream, all the external objects perceived with the five senses are not there, but appear through delusion.
As in a magic show, things are made to appear by a temporary conjunction of causes, circumstances and connections.
As in a visual aberration, things appear to be there, yet there is nothing.
As in a mirage, things appear but are not real.
As in an echo, things can be perceived but there is nothing there, either outside or inside.
As in a city of gandharvas, there is neither a dwelling nor anyone to dwell.
As in a reflection, things appear but have no reality of their own.
As in a city created by magic, there are all sorts of appearances but they are not really there.
Patrul Rinpoche
from the book
translated by Padmakara Translation Group
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Further quotes from the book Words of My Perfect Teacher :
- May we realize the natural state
- Bright moon
- May our minds mingle with the Dharma
- Aspiration for renunciation
- The result of learning, contemplation, and meditation
- The Three Defects when listening to the Dharma
- Even the smallest amounts of merit
- Motivated by ordinary concerns
- Arousing Bodhicitta
- Diligence
- At your feet I bow
- Actions arising from anger
- Discovering Dharma
- Compassion
- Peerless Teacher, at your feet I bow
- The Six Paramitas
- Impermanence is everywhere
- No Life Guarantee
- Remembering impermanence
- The need to follow a spiritual teacher