Goals Quote by Longchen Rabjam
““ Refutation of the Assertion That the (Phenomenal) Appearances Are Mind Although forms appear to the mind, the (objective) appearances are not mind… When the reflection of your face appears in a mirror, it appears as the face looks, because the clear surface of the mirror is capable of making the reflection appear and the face has the potential of appearing or of projecting the reflection. At that time, the reflection of the face is not the face, nor is there any other face than the face which imprinted it. Likewise, various kinds (of phenomena) are appearing in the deluded mind because of the interdependent origination of the causes and conditions of delusion. The various objective appearances, such as mountains, are not mind. Also there is nothing in the mind which truly exists, but (merely) appearances (created by the) delusory habituation of the mind. So they are the forms of delusory appearances. They are wrong appearances, just as the person who has "hairy vision" will see hair before his eyes…””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Great Exposition of the Nature of Mind, Longchen Rabjam, 17th century
The passage argues that external appearances are not mental constructs; they arise due to interdependent causes, while the mind itself only holds fleeting, delusory images.
In simple terms: Appearances are not mind; mind holds only appearances.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the distinction between external forms and mental projections.
Themes
philosophy
mind
perception
illusion
interdependence
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Meditation practice
- philosophical study
- psychology
- cognitive therapy
Key Concepts
Madhyamaka
emptiness
dependent origination
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between external reality and mental constructs?
- What practices help see through delusory appearances?
A Different Perspective
The view may overlook the role of consciousness in shaping experience.
