Other translations:

Eight Ornaments of Profound Meaning

To be free from conventional terms is such a joy!
The lord guru who's been so kind abides on my crown.
In my mind, unceasing realization shines.
You two teacher-meditators who like to analyze:
If your words don't come from realization within
All your barking and howling is merely arrogance.


To cut through exaggeration from within,
Is this not view not spoiled by any extreme?
Dress it in scriptures, adorn it with reasoning
And this will serve as its special embellishment.


When into the dharmakaya thoughts resolve,
Is this not a self-emergent meditation?
Dress it up in the realm of experience
And this will serve as its special embellishment.


The sixfold collection, purified where it stands,
Is this not the conduct that goes with equal taste?
Dress it up in a sense of timing that's right
And this will serve as its special embellishment.


When experiences of emptiness-bliss well up,
Is this not the point of whispered lineage instruction?
Dress it in four empowering abhishekas
And this will serve as its special embellishment.

When the vivid vision of emptiness unfolds,
Is this not the evolution of paths and levels?
Dress it in signs that come while traversing the path
And this will serve as its special embellishment.


When your mind has arrived at the point where the riddle is solved,
Is this not buddhahood gained in a single life?
Array it in bodies, the buddhakayas, the four
And this will serve as its special embellishment.


A master of scriptures and logic and special instructions,
Is this not called a lama who holds a lineage?
Adorned with a noble heart of true compassion,
This is what serves as his special embellishment.


One who has faith, with compassion is amply endowed,
Is this not a student comprising a suitable vessel?
Fully equipped with respect and devout commitment,
This is what serves as their special embellishment.


In brief, one comes to terms with mind through view;
Meditation turns this into experience.
Conduct fills in the picture in every detail;
What actually happens—four kayas manifest.
The fruit of all this is asserted in terms of mind;
Realization is seeing these all come down to the same.


Under the guidance of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, translated and arranged by Jim Scott, Tibetan page 724. The first verse was translated by Ari Goldfield, Tekchen Kyetsal, Tenerife, Spain, April 29, 2003. Translation copyright 2012, Jim Scott and Ari Goldfield.