Thrangu Rinpoche
In terms of inference and reasoning, we use the reasonings of the Middle Way to understand that all phenomena are emptiness. It is not just the mind—external appearances also cannot be established and are empty of essence. Though we cannot actually see this through inference, inference helps us to develop strong certainty in it. That certainty is the root of realizing the nature of mind. As Mipham Rinpoche said in his commentary on Shantarakshita’s Adornment of the Middle Way, such certainty is like the sword of Manjushri since it is able to sever clinging to reality.
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Nowadays many students have had the great fortune to receive the instructions of pointing out the nature of the mind. Although they may have an experience during the pointing-out instructions, many people have the difficulty of not being able to develop their experience. The pointing out becomes a glimpse that just flitters by, which they are unable to nurture and sustain. The condition that will allow realization to develop is the certainty that comes from reasoning.
When we develop the certainty that this is what Nagarjuna meant when he taught emptiness and is exactly what the Buddha spoke of in the Heart Sutra when he said that there is no form, no sound, no taste, no touch, no feeling, and no dharmas, we can compare that certainty with our experience. Many great scholars and masters of the past developed such experience and achieved accomplishment. If we who are diligent about practice do the same, we can develop this realization and manifest its results.
