Control Over Appearances

KTGR CO

Khenpo Tsültrim
Gyamtso Rinpoche

Quote of the Week

January 4, 2013

Control Over Appearances

Student: Why does it seem like everybody's somewhat under the control of appearances, instead of controlling the appearances?

KTGR: Actually, having control over appearances does not mean jumping off buildings and flying. Rather, it means that you do not cling to appearances as they seem to be in the usual worldly way of relating to them. Such appearances will not cause you suffering or tie you up once you have gained mastery over them through not clinging.

It is prajna realizing selflessness that frees you from samsara. Through knowing appearances to be inseparable from emptiness, you have mastery over them. It is not necessary to engage in behavior that is contrary to a mundane way of seeing things.

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, The Gradual Path of the Heart of Wisdom, Karme Choling 1995, p. 43.

Translated by Michele Martin (Lightly edited for the Weekly Quote)