Natural Condition
2026, July, Issue 210
Empty cognizance,
That is our Natural Condition,
open,
vast,
aware,
inclusive of everything
and beyond;
It is not,
Not this closed-minded buffoon,
Not this idiot we create,
Not this egomaniac
who thinks that thoughts are somehow real,
who thinks that belief is somehow valuable,
who thinks this world isn’t illusion,
who thinks that there is an answer
out there to obtain;
Our Natural Condition
is one of spaciousness,
of light,
of blazing brightness,
a vision that
that cannot be grasped
by deluded mind,
that cannot be conceived,
not by all the great philosophers,
not encapsulated
by any or all religions
nor beliefs;
To discover our Natural Condition,
Gaze at mind!
Look within!
Experience the ineffable directly!
Discover your true unlimited potentiality!
Discover the Nature of Mind!
A poem by Robert Aho © 2026
Sometimes people think that discovering our Natural Condition is far away, that it is elusive, that only very advanced Spiritual Practitioners from Tibetan monasteries are able to discover such a thing as that. What people don’t realize, when they are dependent upon their own preconceptions, is the obvious, that we are all perfect from the beginning, that we don’t need to belong to some sort of sect in order to become realized masters, that our Natural Condition is always just here, as obvious as can be. We don’t need to be the sort of person who fits into any sort of preconception, we only need to remain at ease, then allow ourselves to be present in that realization of who we have always been.
When we create artificial preconceptions, then follow that up with beliefs which have no basis in reality, we trap ourselves. Cyclic existence only occurs because we are only too eager to fantasize about everything. We place importance upon teachers who look a certain way, but have no realizations worth mentioning. We jump from one belief to another, even though we can examine those beliefs as being completely arbitrary assumptions, based only in fantasy and wishful thinking. We’re a real mess and we don’t have to be this way.
If we wish to be genuine, then we need to start cleaning up our mess and get real. In order to do that, we need to look within, while Aspiring to Awaken, which means finding a way to truly understand reality, seeing just what is going on here without obstructions distracting us at every turn. When we clean up our mess, our vision clears. We start to have some idea that this Natural Condition is, in reality, full enlightenment. We start to Awaken.
We don’t need to accumulate a zillion empowerments from Tibetan Lamas, accumulating Spiritual Practices that we rarely ever do. We don’t need to meet famous Buddhist teachers. We don’t need to belong to this or that religion or sect. What we need to do is to get real, utilizing whatever means possible to discover Ultimate Reality for ourselves. In my mind, this means that we need to know where we are and where we are going. We need to know the point of meditation, as well as Spiritual Practice in general.
It seems logical to me that I point out that we are not even on the Spiritual Path, if we do not Aspire to Awaken. It seems logical that I point out that the first step, which is Aspiring to Awaken, ignites a spark within us. It seems logical to me that I point out that this spark is the same as full Enlightenment. It seems logical to me that I point out that your job as a Spiritual Practitioner is to clear away the clutter, all these things which are preventing you from truly understanding just what that spark is all about. This means increasing your own capacity through an ongoing Spiritual Practice, taking advantage of each and every moment in your rather limited human lifetime, both during the day and at night while you dream. This is a big task, and you are completely capable of mastering this task.
Our Natural Condition is here, now. You have only this simple task of paying attention, then cleaning up your mess. These many obstructions are not something to fear. They’re more irritating than anything, once you have determined what they really are.
Your life as a Spiritual Practitioner is one that makes no sense to those who are deluded. Don’t look for approval from any of them. They won’t really notice when you become enlightened, and you shouldn’t care about that. This world rewards those who perpetuate this world. It rewards those who are delusional and distracted, creating turmoil, rather than peace. Don’t look outside yourself for answers or rewards. This is an inner journey, one you must take all by yourself. Even great Spiritual Masters will tell you to investigate mind for yourself, not to rely upon their word for anything at all. Teachers are there only for a word of advice now and again. You must investigate mind. You must clean up your own mess.
When we discover our Natural Condition, that is the beginning of a much vaster endeavor. You begin to practice with Awakening itself. As difficult as it is to reach that point, it is well worth it. You will certainly Awaken.
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.