Padmasambhava

The refined essence of oral instructions.

Homage to the master.

When the master was about to leave Tibet for the land of the rukshas, I, Lady Karchen, having offered a mandala of gold and turquoise, and having turned a wheel of gathering, implored,

Oh great master, you are leaving to tame the Rakshas.

I am left behind here in Tibet.

Although I have served you for a long time master, this old woman has no confidence about the time of death.

So I beseech you to kindly give me an instruction condensing all teachings into one which is concise and easy to practice.

The Great Master replied

devoted one with a faithful and virtuous mind, listen to me.

Although there are many profound key points of body, rest free and relaxed as you feel comfortable.

Everything is included in simply that,

Although there are many key points of speech, such as breath control and mantra recitation, stop speaking and rest like a mute.

Everything is included in simply that.

although there are many key points of mind, such as concentrating, relaxing, projecting, dissolving, and focusing inward.

Everything is included in simply letting it rest in its natural state, free and easy.

without fabrication.

The mind doesn't remain quietly in that state.

If one wonders, is it nothing

Like haze in the heat of the sun, it still shimmers and flashes forth.

But if one wonders, is it something?