Translating Shamatha Mahamudra

Mahamudra is ultimately indefinable, indescribable. Nevertheless, for generations teachers have guided students who have themselves become teachers, who have guided yet more students in the ways of mahamudra. In that spirit, we would like to share a few very profound and pithy excerpts on the subject of shamatha meditation as expressed by the mahamudra lineage. These are connected by the unbroken garland of precious lineage holders and masters of the tradition. By looking at some of the translation issues surrounding these pieces and delving into the dharma itself, we can feel the lifeblood of this tradition continuing today. We hope you enjoy this food for thought, or nonthought, as the case may be.

Dzokchen Ponlop Rinpoche explains the "Mahamudra Aspiration"
to Tingdzin and Scott at Nitartha Institute

The first is from the "Mahamudra Aspiration," a very direct and succinct exposition on mahamudra meditation in the form of an aspirational supplication, written by the third Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, in the early 14th century.

The second is the stanza on shamatha from the famous "Supplication to the Takpo Kagyü,'' composed in the 15th century by the lineage holder Pengar Jampal Sangpo, who was a student of the sixth Karmapa, Thongwa Tönden. Jampal Sangpo wrote this supplication at the end of 18 years of retreat as the expression of his understanding and realization. Many teachings and commentaries on this supplication have been given as it expresses the entire path in a very concise and devotional summary.

The third excerpt is from the ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje's teaching on mahamudra meditation, entitled Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance, which he wrote in the 16th century. This excerpt is from our translation-in-progress, from the section on shamatha, and combines images and language—unaltered freshness and a calm ocean without waves—from the two previous compositions.

Translating Shamatha Mahamudra Continued...