2025 Spring Term Monastic Retreat—Luminosity and Emptiness, Manifesting the Trikaya

Every being holds the nature of mind. This very nature of mind is luminous with an essence of emptiness. Our present awareness is formless, yet it clearly illuminates all knowing. We need to understand that we are clarifying the truth of phenomena. None of these phenomena represents oneself, nor does one identify with any of these phenomena. This brilliantly clear, unchanging, and uncompromised primordial awareness is what we must uncover and realize.

We are caught in samsara because we fail to realize our primordial awareness. Thus, we wander through life and death, suffering everywhere, experiencing constant calamity. Now, through Chan practice, we have the opportunity to become acquainted with and eventually realize our primordial awareness. "Awareness" has always been there; and "essence" means all that is perceived is of emptiness. Thus, awareness and emptiness are not distinct entities.

Here in the shrine hall, we see fellow practitioners doing sitting meditation. This is the process of getting to know oneself; such clear knowing gradually uncovers the luminosity of the mind. Whatever notions we perceive externally are merely the projections of our mind. Because of luminosity and emptiness, the mind is clear and luminous where all kinds of phenomenal projections appear when causes and conditions converge. Nonetheless, they lack inherent existence. Phenomena are of emptiness despite our perceiving temporary notions.

Our true nature is emptiness and luminosity. Likewise, the true nature of everything we perceive is emptiness and luminosity. If we mistake such true nature of emptiness and luminosity as inherently existing phenomena, we remain trapped in samsara and wander through birth and death. Therefore, we must clearly recognize this as luminosity and emptiness. At this very moment, what we are experiencing is merely luminosity and emptiness, not phenomena. Even with phenomena, they are encompassed within emptiness and luminosity. 

Padmasambhava taught extensively about the nature of the mind. One teaching points out that failing to realize this nature is a grave fault and great shame. It has always been present, yet we perceive it only as phenomena. Instead, we should view all phenomena with the understanding of their emptiness and luminosity. “Luminosity is sambhogakaya, emptiness is dharmakaya, ability to appear is nirmanakaya.” Under the proper causes and conditions, all phenomena can manifest anywhere.

Without habitual tendencies, emptiness can be realized. Without discursive conceptions, luminosity is shown forth. Without attachment, nirmanakaya continues to manifest. This is why the Four-step Technique of Peace Meditation is essential: through concentration, clarity, and non-distraction, we clearly come to the realization of emptiness and luminosity that are within ourselves. 

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Awareness, luminous-emptiness without existence,
Neither inner nor outer attaches to any objects.
Luminous clarity brings mind at ease,
Abiding in radiance, resting in its original state.
Primordial awareness and luminosity spontaneously arise,
Clear awareness, realizing, and sealing.
Free from dwelling, conceptions, and notions—
Return to the luminous essence of the primordial state.
Through contemplation, observe the nature, and come to realization.