Glimpses THE
THREE
of Realization
BODIES
OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Glimpses of Realization THE THREE BODIES OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Chögyam Trungpa Judith L. Lief, Editor
Vajradhatu Publications Halifax, 2003
N O T E : Based on the seminar entitled " T h e T h r e e Bodies of E n l i g h t e n m e n t " given in Boulder, Colorado in February and March, 1975, this b o o k is the fifth in the "Glimpses o f ' series by C h o g y a m Trungpa. Glimpses of Abhidharma, Glimpses of Shunyata, Glimpses of Space, and Glimpses of Mahayana are also available through Vajradhatu Publications. ©2003 by Diana J. Mukpo All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 155055-006-3
Published by VAJRADHATU PUBLICATIONS An imprint of Shambhala Media 3008 Oxford Street STE 201 Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3L 2W5 Email:
[email protected] Tel: 902-421-1550 Ext 1 Cover photo and book design by Molly Nudell Back cover photograph from the collection of the Shambhala Archives. PRINTED IN CANADA
Contents ONE
W h y We Are Here At All
1
TWO
Cosmic Disaster
13
THREE
Self-Existing Grin
29
FOUR
Light-Heartedness
45
FIVE
Loose and Awake
55
SIX
Buddha is Everywhere
69
V
Acknowledgments This book is based on the seminar, " T h e Three Bodies of Enlightenment," held at Karma Dzong, Boulder, Colorado, February 28 - March 6, 1974. As with other books we have edited based on the oral teachings of the Vidyadhara, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpochc, we worked with materials carefully preserved in the Shambhala Archives. Thank you to the many people involved in this work: the sound recorders, the videographers, the transcribers, and archivists. We would also like to thank Gordon Kidd of Kalapa Recordings for providing the tapes, and Ellen Kearney for the index and her careful proofreading. Once'again, Molly Nudell has produced an outstanding design, for which we are most appreciative. Cheryl Campbell continues to take care of business so that such projects can move forward. We are grateful for her resourcefulness. We would like to express our gratitude to Diana J. M u k p o for her permission to publish this material and for her ongoing support of our work. O u r thanks also to Carolyn Gimian for her encouragement. It is due to the dedication and persistence of all these people that we are able to make these teachings available to the wider public. May the teachings of the Vidyadhara, so profound and to the point, continue to flourish for the benefit of all beings. —-Judith L. Lief, Editor
Vll
ONE
Why We Are Here At All Fathers and mothers are one in space; therefore, nobody gets pregnant— or everybody gets pregnant. Nobody gives birth; therefore, everybody gives birth simultaneously. Mother and father are in the process of making love all the time.
T h e topic of this book, the three bodies of enlightenment, is somewhat out of the ordinary. W i t h o u t a background in Buddhist study and practice, it may be difficult for you to follow. However, I am going to try to present the feeling of it rather than the whole thing. As you read, I want you to be open a