Timeless Rapture: Inspired Verse from the Shangpa Masters

Produced incalculable accomplished meditators who showed
manifest signs of realization.
These days, like milk sold in the market,
The words [of Naro’s Doctrines] are of uncertain value, like a
madman’s prattle.
Since ordinary intellects created conflicting meanings,
My mind felt somewhat dissatisfied with them.
The inner essence of the sister dakini’s secrets,
Words uncontrived, is sealed with a vajra knot.
Its meaning, reality’s basic character, fell into my heart
And renewed this beggar’s blissful path to liberation.
If you think you want to follow me,
Don’t consider your painful tension to be meditation,
And don’t exaggerate the practice you have done.
Sing this relaxed song of my heart’s advice.
They say the spiritual master is the root of accomplishment;
They say the spiritual master is Buddha incarnate;
They say what he does should be seen as good—
They talk beautifully, but it’s all just words.
If I attain accomplishment, that’s fine; if I don’t, that’s fine.
Whether my spiritual master is a buddha or an ordinary being,
that’s fine.
Whether his behavior is good or bad, that’s fine.
I harbor not the slightest iota of egotistical doubt.
It’s said that in the Highest Pure Land’s palace above
Dwells ultimate enlightenment’s body, great Buddha Vajra Bearer,
Blue in color, radiating light.
These are deceptive words to guide those of limited capacity—
how pitiful!
Below at Shang-pu, Mokchok’s palace,
Stands a renunciant’s hut.
A Sea of Blessings 131