Mahamudra

Mahamudra ( Skt.; Tib: phyag rgya chen po, also: Chag Chen; German: Great Seal or Great symbol ) is a central concept in the schools of the "New Translation " ( Sarma ) of Tibetan Buddhism.

Bases, path and fruit Mahamudra

Mahamudra referred to in these schools (to which the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug count ) the highest Buddhist teachings as the " basis " on which is based the practice of meditation; the documents based on these teachings practice himself as the " path "; and achieved by this practice enlightenment experience as the ultimately reached "fruit". One speaks therefore of the " basics, path and fruit of Mahamudra ."

Essence of the Buddha's teachings

The Mahamudra approach is often referred to as the essence of the Buddha's teachings ( Dharma ) and may result in its three levels of meaning under the best of circumstances within a single life span to enlightenment. The consequent impairment of cognition is also referred to as " recognition of the ultimate reality ", " recognizing the nature of mind " or simply as " recognition of the Buddha nature." In this perfect state all dualistic mental concepts are overcome, the long-term experience of an "absolute reality," synonymous with " highest wisdom " occurs.

One finds in the classical Tibetan literature, hence the description, " in obtaining the Mahamudra wear all the seal of the absolute nature" or " all phenomena appear as elements of the Wisdom Mandala of the Spirit". This insight is not different from the knowledge of the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra described in Mahayana Buddhism, the so-called perfect wisdom, the highest knowledge of all the Buddhas.

Four Yogas of Mahamudra

The teaching of Mahamudra is based on various stages of meditative practice, the so-called "Four Yogas of Mahamudra ":

It is said that through these four stages, the practitioner acquires the full realization of Mahamudra.