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 Words of My Perfect Teacher

translated by Padmakara Translation Group


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Further quotes from the book Words of My Perfect Teacher:

• Compassion
• The Six Paramitas
• Impermanence is everywhere
• At your feet I bow
• Aspiration for renunciation
• Peerless Teacher, at your feet I bow
• The result of learning, contemplation, and meditation
• Bright moon
• May our minds mingle with the Dharma
• The Three Defects when listening to the Dharma
• May we realize the natural state
• Diligence
• Arousing Bodhicitta
• Motivated by ordinary concerns
• Even the smallest amounts of merit
• Actions arising from anger
• Discovering Dharma
• No Life Guarantee
• Remembering impermanence
• The need to follow a spiritual teacher