Table Of ContentThe Guhyagarbha Tantra
Secret Essence Definitive Nature just As It Is
Part One: The Root Tantra
Part Two: Commentary by Longchen Rabjam entitled
Thorough Dispelling of Darkness
throughout the Ten Directions
Translated by
Lama Chonam and Sangye Khandro
of the Light ofBerotsana Translation Group
under the guidance of
Khen Rinpoche Namdrol
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ISBN-q: 978-J-SS939·400-0
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Lilmtr_y f!(Crmf{W.<' Cztaloging-in-Puh!ication Data
Tripi taka. Siitrapi~aka. Tantra. Guhyagarbhatantra. English.
"!he Guhyagarbha Tantra: Secret Essence Definitive Nature Just As
It Is ; with Commentary by Longe hen Rabjam entitled 1huruugh
Dispelling of Darkness throughout the "len Directions I Translated
by I .am a Chonam and Sangyc Khandro of the Light of Berotsana
Translation Group under the guidance ofKhen Rinpochc Namdrol.
pages em
Includes bibliographical rc:fcrc:nces and index.
ISBN-q: 978-I-SS9\9·400·0 (aJk. paper)
ISBN-Io: I-SS9~9-400-S (alk. paper)
I. Chonam, Lama, translator. II. Khandru, Sangyc, I9SI- tran.slator.
Ill. Klon-chen-pa Dri-med-'od-zcr, 1; o!!-1~6~. Gsan 'grel phyog~ bcu
mun scl. English. IV. Titlt:. BQ2t8o.G9;2.2.Ess 2.0II
2.94.fHs-dc2.2.
Designed and typeset by Gop a & Ted2., Inc
VA)RASATTVA
Reproduced by permission from Hungkar Oorje, 1imgk.r.r ill Gulog, Tilt! T.mgka
Album ofJ.zmg-llgOill•tlonilstery, compiled and edited by Hungkar Oorje
(Beijing, China: Encyclopedia of China Publishing House, 2.001) .
Contents
List of Illustrations ....................................................... xxvii
Foreword by Kyabje Oungsei lhinley Norbu Rinpoche ............... xxix
Introduction .................................................................. S
Translators' Preface .......... . . .................................... I I
The quhyagarbha Tantra...
PART ONE: 1hc Root Tantra ............................................. 31
PART Two: Commentary by Longchen Rabjam: 1horough
Dispelling ofD arkness throughout the Ten Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. I
Homage. ................................................................... 12.7
Statement of Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I 2. 7
Author's Introduction .................................................... 12.9
CHAPTER ONE .......................................................... I 3 I
I The Explanation of the Title ........................................... I 3 I
I. I The Meaning of the Title. ............................................ 1 3 1
1.1.1 The Purpose of the Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... I 3 1
1.1.2. A Concise Explanation ............................................. 13 2.
1.1.3 'The Words of the Title ............................................. I 3 2.
I. I ·4 A Refutation of Criticism .......................................... 1 34
I .2 Paying Homage ...................................................... I 3 s
2 The Explanation of the Tamra ......................................... r 3 9
2. . I Th:: Way Compassion Arises from within the Natural,
Spontaneously Present Mal)qala of the Ground ....................... 1 3 9
2. . 1. I lbe Dharmakiya Teacher Manifests the Arrangement
ofSdf-Appearances ................................................... 140
viii THE GUHYAGARBHA TA:-ITRA
L 1.1.1 A Brief Explanation of the Fully Endowed Narrative
Context.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 140
2..1.1.1.1 An Explanation of the Nature ........................ . . ..... 140
l.I.I.I.2. Rcfmation of Misconceptions .................................. I47
1...1.1.2. An Extensive Explanation oflhat Narure ........................ I 49
2..1.1.2. . 1 A Brief Overview of the Teacher's Sarnbhogak.'lya Nature ...... I so
1..1.1.1..1. An Extensive Explanation of the Divisions of
the Sarnbhogakaya .................................................... 1 S S
2..1.1.2..2..1 TheFullyEndowedPiace ..................................... ISS
1..1. 1.1..2.. 1.1 1he Overview ............................................... 1 '5 S
1..1.1.1..1..1.1.1 Definition ................................................ I s6
2..1.1.2..2.1.!.2. Characteristics ............................................ I s6
2..1.1.2.2..1.1.3 Divisions. ................................................. I s6
2..r.1.2..2.1.I.3.1 Akani~h~a Dharmakii.ya ................................ 1 s6
2..1.1.2..2..1.1.3.2 Akani~h~haSarnbhogak.'lya ............................. IS?
2..1.1.2..1..1.1.3.3 Akani~h~haNirmfu)akii.ya ............................... 160
2..I.I.2..2..I.I.4 Refutations ............................................... 164
1..1.1.1..1..1.1. TheExposition .............................................. 166
1..1.1.1..1..1.1..1 lllePureLandoftheSarnbhogakii.ya ...................... z66
1..1.1.1..2..1.1..1. lhe Cdestia!Palace ....................................... 166
2..1.1.2..2..1.2..3 lhe Fully Endowed Arrangement ......................... 169
1..1.1.1..1..1. lhe Fully Endowed Teacher .................................. 176
2..1.1.2.,2..2..1 lhe Overview ............................................... 176
1..1.1.1..1..1..1. Ihe Exposition ............................................. 187
1..1.1.1..1..1..1..1 lhe Way the Principal One Abides and a General
Explanation of the Hand Emblems ................................... 187
2..I.I.2..2..2..2..I.I The Uncommon .Marks and Signs ....................... 188
2..1.1.1..2..1..1..1.1. TheCommon.MarksandSigns ......................... I88
1..1. 1.1..1..1..1..1. lhe Explanation of the Individual Male and
Female Deities. ........................................................ 19 3
1..1.1.1..1..1..1..1..1 TheOverview ........................................... 193
1..1.1.1..1..1..1..1..1.1 1l1e Primordial Ma1,1<)ala of Deities. ................... I 93
2.1.1.1..2. . 2..2..2..I.2. The DistinccionsofFamilies .......................... I9S
1..1.1.1..1..2..1..1..2. lhe Exposition .......................................... 196
2..1.1.2..2.3 lhcFullyEndowedRetinue .................................. 197
2..1.1.2..2.3 .1 lhe Retinue of the Intrinsic Nature ......................... 19 8
CON TENTS ix
2..1.1.2..2.3.2 'lhe Retinue of Compassion ................................ 198
2 . 1 ••• 2 .2 ,,.2.1 1he Inner Sattvas and Female Satrvas................... 198
2 . 1. r,2..2.3.2..2 1he Outer Satrvas and Female Sattvas .................... 199
2.1.1.2.2·3·2·3 The Male-Female Gatekeepers ............................ 20 I
2..1. 1. 3 A Synthesis ofWhat Is Meant by the Array
of Self-Appearing Wisdom ............................................ 20 3
2.1.1.3.1 TheOriginoftheArray'sNature .............................. 203
2.1. 1.3.2 The Way It Is Arranged ......................................... 203
CHAPTER Two .......................................................... 207
2. 1.2 1he Teacher Arises as rhe Five Buddha Families ................... 207
2.1.2.1 Bringing Forth the Meaning of the Wisdom Intent .............. 208
2.1.2..1.1 1he Male ....................................................... 208
2.1.2. r.2 1he Female ..................................................... 21 o
2. 1.2. 1.3 Indivisibility ................................................... 2 1 2
2.1.2.2 TI1cStirringofCompassion forlhose \Vho Lack
Recognition ........................................................... 2 r 3
2.1.2.2.1 An ExplanationAbouttheObjectsofCompassion ............ 214
2.1.2.2.2 The Way the Confusion ofSaq1s-.ira Occurs .................... 214
2.1.2.2.3 The \VayConfused Appearances Are Free from Bondage
and Release ........................................................... 2 16
2.1.2.2.4 lhe Way the Dynan1ic Strength of Compassion Manitests ..... 217
CHAPTER THREE ....................................................... 219
2.1. 3 Phenomena Arc Established as the Arrangement of Light ......... 219
2.1.3.1 The Overview .................................................... 219
2. • 1.3.1.1 lhe Tradition of the Common Vehicles ........................ 219
2.1.3.1.1.1 How the Supreme Bodhichitta Was Initially Generated ...... 220
2.1.3.1.1.2 How Merit Wa~ Accumulated over Three
Countless Kalpas ...................................................... 2 20
2.1.p.1.3 How Buddhahood Occurred through the Twelve Deeds ..... 222
2.1.3.1.1.3.1 Departure from Tu~hita .................................... 223
2.1.3.1.1.3-J. Descent and Entry into the Womb ......................... 224
2.1.3.1.1.3-3 TakingBirth ............................................... 226
2.1. 3.1.1.3.4 Proficiency in the Arts ...................................... 22 7
2.1.3.J.J.3.5 EnjoymcnrofConsorts ..................................... 228
2.1.3.1.1.3.6 Ordination ................................................. 2.29
X I THE GUHYAGARBHA TANTRA
2..1.3.1.1.3.7 EnduringHardships ........................................ 2.2.9
2..1.p.1.3.8 Depaningforthe Heart of Awakening ..................... 2. 30
2..1.3.1.I-3-9 SubjugatingtheDemons. ................................... 2.31
2..1.3.1.1.3.1 o Awakening ................................................ 2. 32·
2..1.3.1.1.3.1 r Turning the Dharmachakra. ............................... 2. 33
2..1.3.1.1.3.12. Parinirvil)a ............................................... 2.35
2..1.3.1.2. The Tradition of the Uncommon Vehicle ....................... 2.3 7
2..1.3.2. lheExposition ................................................... 2.39
2..1.3.2..1 Establishing the Connection with the Meaning ................ 2.40
2..1.3.2..2. An Explanation of Each Word ................................. 2.40
2..1.3.2..2..1 A General Explanation of the Four Ways to Tame ............ 2.40
2..1.3.2..2..1.1 A Brief Explanation ......................................... 2.40
2..1.3.2..2..1.2. An Extensive Explanation .................................. 2.41
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..1 Taming through the Enlightened Body ................... 2.42.
:z..r .3.2..2..1.2..2. Taming through the Enlightened Mind. .................. 2.42.
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..3 Taming through Great Miracles .......................... 2.43
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4 Taming through Enlightened Speech ..................... 2.45
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1 The Overview ........................................... 2.45
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.1 The Definition ........................................ 2.45
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2. lhe Distinctions ...................................... 2.45
:z..I.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2..1 General Distinctions ................................ 2.46
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2..2. Specific Distinctions ................................ 2.49
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2.2..1 Vehicle of Gods and Humans ..................... 2.50
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2..2..2. VehicleoftheHearers ............................. 2.50
2..1.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2..2..3 Vehicle of the Solitary Realizers ................... 2. 52.
:z.. I.3.2..2.,r.:z..4.I.2..2..4 Vehicle of the Bodhisattvas ........................ 2.5 3
2..1.3.2.,2..1.2..4.1.2..2..5 Vehicle ofS ecret Mantra .......................... 2.56
:z..I.3.:z..:z..r.:z..4.1.2..:z..s.1 OuterTantras ................................... 2.57
:z..I.3.2..2..1.2..4.1.2..2..5.2. InnerTantras .................................... 2.58
:z..r.3.2..2..1.2..4.2. The Exposition .......................................... 260
2..1.3.2..2..2. A Specific Explanation Concerningthe Intrinsic
Nature ofS entient Beings and Phenomena ............................ 2.62.
2..1. 3 .:z..:z..2..1 Intrinsic Nature of SaJTisira as the Nature
ofPhenomena ......................................................... 2.62.
2.1.3.2..2.2..2. How the Intrinsic Nature ofPhenomenals Ineffable ....... 2.66