Mahamudra
The direct translation of Mahamudra in Tibetan is “realisation
of Shunyata, freedom from samsara and the inseparability of these two”.
The teaching system was revealed to Tilopa by Samantabadra and passed
down the Kagyud lineage.
It begins with dwelling in peace and culminates in the transformation
of every experience through the clear light or shunyata.
Symbolised by images of a Buddha and consort in sexual union, the concept
of Mahamudra encompasses absolute union of all that is the duality to
leave the indivisible whole. All things can be seen to be marked with
the “great seal” or Mahamudra.
The central element of mahamudra is the recognition of the inseparable
nature of wisdom and compassion, or in our terms the human consciousness
and the deva or form aspect. The process towards this or towards “the
centre of the mandala” is the esoteric path of initiation (unlike
conventional Buddhist initiation ceremonies), which can be understood
as the perfection and mastery over the personality self. Where the progressive
stages of initiation can be likened to the unfolding of the mandala,
and nearing its centre or embodying the deity. Where the first initiation
is passing the outer ring of fire (1),
the second initiation is the process of purifying oneself of desires
and defilements (2), the
third initiation is entering through the gates of the dorje and the
unions of minor deities in the mandala (3),
and the fourth initiation is entering the mandalaa of great bliss which
is at the centre of the mandala and the final consummation of the main
deity and consort in union (4).
Read
more here about Mandalas
This process may also be understood as analogous of the cleansing and
unfolding of the chakras and the lines of interrelation between each
chakra. In order for each initiation to occur the cleansing and awakening
of many minor charkas and petals leading to larger charkas must occur
on the path to the centre.
Each deity and grouping of deities is steeped in symbolism and must
be decoded by the initiate.
The path of mahamudra is the path of abstraction.
Written
by Angie O'Sullivan
|
