Padmasambhava

Don't think. Don't construct. Don't judge. Don't focus. Don't support.

pointing the staff at the old man.

While the great master, Padmasambhava, was staying in Great Rock Hermitage at Samye, Sherab Galpo of Nog, an uneducated 61-year-old man who had the highest faith and strong devotion to the master, served him for one year.

All this while, Nog didn't ask for any teachings, nor did the Master give him any.

When after a year the Master intended to leave, Nog offered a mandala plate upon which he placed a flower of one ounce of gold.

Then he said,

Great Master, think of me with kindness.

First of all, I am uneducated.

Second, my intelligence is small.

Third, I am old, so my elements have worn down.

I beg you to give a teaching to an old man on the verge of death that is simple to understand, can thoroughly cut through doubt, is easy to realize and apply, has an effective view, and will help me in future lives

The master pointed his walking staff at the old man's heart and gave this instruction.

Listen here, old man.

Look into the awakened mind of your own awareness.

It has neither form nor color, neither center nor edge.

At first, it has no origin but is empty.

Next, it has no dwelling place but is empty.

At the end, it has no destination but is empty.

This emptiness is not made of anything and is clear and cognizant.

When you see this,