The way to see confusion as the four kayas (four bodies or four
dimensions) is to regard any difficulties and troubles we may
experience as a dream, a magical illusion, because the true nature
of external phenomena has no inherent nature: external phenomena of
samsara are like phenomena in a dream: they do not exist and the
realization of this absence of true existence is the dharmakaya.
While phenomena do not exist ultimately, on a relative level, due
to mere dependent origination, they arise like appearances in a
dream and this is the nirmanakaya. These two qualities of being
non- existent and yet perceived or experienced are an indivisible
unity which is the sambhogakaya. The unity of all three kayas or
dimensions is the svabhavikakaya. In this way, we can train in
treating confusion as the four kayas, which is how they actually
are. This method is called "the unexcelled protection of shunyata
or emptiness."
If we have developed some stability in our meditation we may be
capable of dealing with problems and mishaps by regarding
everything as an illusion, the nature of the four kayas. Otherwise,
we will have to train in the relative level of dealing with
difficulties by bringing them into the path of enlightenment,
diminishing self-cherishing and increasing cherishing others.
Copyright © 2004 by Thrangu Rinpoche.
Root text translation © 2004 Michele Martin Close
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