Commentary on “Mahamudra Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance” – Beru Khyentse Rinpoche

Based on explanations by the Sixteenth Karmapa, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche explains, line by line, the Ninth Karmapa’s basic text on mahamudra. With a foundation of preliminary practices, Karma Kagyu mahamudra meditation starts with shamatha practice on the mind in terms of sensory objects and then on no object. The attainment of shamatha brings the boon experiences of bliss, clarity and non-conceptuality. With this attainment as a basis, the meditation progresses with vipashyana meditation on the essential nature of the mind when it is settled or stirring and in relation to appearances and the body. The aim is to meet this essential nature “face-to-face.” In addition, the text presents various methods for enhancing the meditation practice.