Timeless Rapture: Inspired Verse from the Shangpa Masters

Few in a hundred have them all.
That’s why attaining awakening is difficult!
When misunderstanding is resolved,
This is called the view beyond extremes, is it not?
To it scripture and logic add a great ornament.
When discursive thought arises as the body of ultimate
enlightenment,
This is called self-manifest meditation, is it not?
To it experience adds a great vital point.
When the six senses are released in their own ground,
This is called conduct free from attachment, is it not?
To it timely [conduct] adds a great ornament.
Connection to the experience of emptiness
Is called the oral lineage’s profound instruction, is it not?
To it empowerment adds a great ornament.
When clear appearances arise in emptiness,
This is called progress on the paths and stages, is it not?
To it the paths’ signs add a great ornament.
Taking mind to the point of exhaustion
Is called enlightenment in a single lifetime, is it not?
To it enlightenment’s four bodies add a great ornament.
Individuals endowed with three characteristics 15
Are called lineage-bearing spiritual masters, are they not?
To them profound instructions add a great ornament.
Individuals imbued with faith and great understanding
Are called worthy disciples, are they not?
To them respect and devotion add a great ornament.
On the jewel mountain of the spiritual master,
Springs of sacred Teachings flow.
A Sea of Blessings 91