A sharing by Khenpo Chime Rigzin
(One of the senior students of HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche)
Regarding the key points of Madhyamaka and Dzogchen, some insights arose
through study and contemplation. To
describe this in more detail, I recall that during a certain period of my
intensive study of The Jewel Lamp of Definitive Meaning (by Mipham Rinpoche), I
once placed a mirror in front of me and carefully observed the reflections
within it. Combining my studies with
this, I developed an understanding that all material forms are empty and
illusory.
On another occasion, after reading The Treasury of Dharmadhatu (by Longchenpa),
I went out and experienced a kind of realization that all appearances are
insubstantial and illusory manifestations.
Similarly, when His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok was teaching Lama Yangtik, I was in
my monastic dwelling and from an investigative and contemplative angle
developed a deep conviction that "the so-called ultimate reality of all
phenomena is just this."
Later, I had several opportunities to seek confirmation of these insights from
the most precious protector Guru. Generally speaking, if one puts efforts in
learning and contemplating the meaning of numerous scriptures, one will on
occasion develop different depths of insights. However, the insights I
mentioned above, along with the circumstances and timings in which they arose,
left a forever unforgettable and very strong impression on me.
Reading the biographies and records of realisations of past great masters, it
is stated: "Although the realization did not come from a formal
empowerment or direct pointing-out instruction, but when you are near an
accomplished master and suddenly gained some insight into the ultimate
nature—this was entirely due to the master's blessings."
This led me to reflect if my insights were the result of my precious kind
Guru’s blessings. When evaluated through the lens of scriptural teachings, I
believe that those realizations arose from a combination of my Guru’s blessings
and my own study and contemplation. They were not the result of meditation or
formal practice, moreover the first two experiences could be considered
faith-based insight while the latter one is an
understanding-based insight.
