Clarity

2026, May, Issue 203

Open heart

Vision of mind

Clarity unending,

Here we gaze

inwardly

at that vast openness,

at that open oneness

beyond imagination,

without naming

that luminous quality,

that amazing as it is,

beyond within thusness,

clearly seeing

our unending condition

that has been forgotten,

though we are reminded

in every moment;

Why have we become

so closed,

so rigid,

so fixated

on what is not real?

Clearly our mental body perceives

what is Ultimately Real,

what is plainly evident,

what is beyond concept,

beyond belief,

Clearly, clearly, clearly!

It is simply, as it is,

Time to Awaken.

A poem by Robert Aho © 2026

When we are confused about existence, we look for examples; and, then, when we receive those examples, we proceed to create beliefs and ideas that are also not true, equally confusing, providing very little relief from our state of eternal misery. We do what we’ve always done, which is to create just another way of misunderstanding reality. This is why we are trapped in cyclic existence, we keep applying effort, and that effort creates obstacle that must then be overcome. Awakening is beyond any sort of effort, beyond concept and belief. When we awaken, it’s very simple, very clear. We open ourselves up to a natural luminous clarity that has always been there, just there in our heart center. When we examine that, we realize how foolish we have been. We’ve been searching for something that has never gone missing.

Clarity can be thought of as something synonymous with awakening; however, the actual meaning must be discovered directly through intensive examination of mind, leading to the realization of the Nature of Mind. This can be done gradually or instantaneously, it doesn’t matter. Whatever happens must be a process of discovery that is unique to the individual. The realization is like stepping through a door, suddenly realizing where you have been all along, suddenly seeing this magical display for what it is.

We can look at the example of a clear sky; however, be careful not to think that is the same thing as awakening. The clarity of the sky only gives us a glimpse, a hint at something far more brilliant, a realization that is neither subject nor object. The vast clarity of the sky is a much smaller example of something similar to what we must discover by looking within. How can we look within in order to discover something far vaster than the sky? You will need to explore your own mind in order to find out.

When we are meditating, the whole point is to awaken. This means clearing away obstacles. We start with the spark of total enlightenment, holding that as most precious. Then we face everything and anything that is standing in our way. We learn our best to clear away obstacles. We increase our clarity of mind, thus increasing our capacity.

It’s not possible to awaken while remaining dependent upon examples, concepts and beliefs. We must let all of that go. We must find natural clarity, which is very simple and effortless.

Emotions, random thoughts, agitation with the world around us, a failing body, birth, old age, death, and rebirth, these are all obstacles, simply distractions that prevent us from awakening if we find ourselves attached in any way. The natural clarity of awakening occurs when we let go, when we allow the clutter to fall away into emptiness. Awakening occurs because we remain at ease in all circumstances, without attachment, without grasping at this or that, simply because we allow our own vision to become clear.

Our habitual mind continually creates new obstructions as a matter of practice. Even if we receive teachings from a fully enlightened Buddha, we are unlikely to see the benefit in that or realize what has been transmitted. It seems to me that even the creation of Buddhism by the followers of Buddha Shakyamuni was a vast departure from what the Buddha actually taught. By creating a religion, it generated a significant number of obstacles through the creation of rituals and philosophies, as well as grasping at sectarian identity or creating some tribal points of view. Awakening is not something that any religion or sectarian view can ever give to us. We must do the hard work of looking within all by ourselves, discovering what is naturally there. This discovery is not beholden to labels or institutional authority.

When the clarity of your natural condition arises as part of your view, you discover a power within that is far greater than anything on Earth. You discover unlimited potentiality. This is what all the great masters have taught, it is what you discover when you look within, it is what you encounter in the death bardo. It is your unlimited potentiality, and it is important that you see it that way, without being discouraged or distracted by people who want to keep you away from this discovery. Yeshua and Buddha Shakyamuni both taught this. Many other great masters taught this, that you must look within in order to discover your own infinite potentiality.

Clarity happens when you rise above the clutter and muck of an embroiled world. Clarity is this vast condition of luminosity we discover within. Clarity is mind discovering Ultimate Reality.

Blessings of Source,

Rigdzin Robert Aho

Robert Aho is the author of Timeless Luminosity and The Frog: A Spiritual Autobiography, Spanning Many Lifetimes. Both books, written after his death experience, give advanced spiritual advice regarding the complete Spiritual Path, inspiration for living each day and words of encouragement, with the intention of helping people to stay committed to their Spiritual Path, as well as preparing for death. This ultimately leads to discovering your own power within, which leads to Awakening. Both books are available on Amazon, Zenith Bookstore, as well as various other sources.