Look within!
All that you need is within!
When you see the Guru,
See within that you
and the Guru
Are one and the same;
See with mind opening,
mind neither bound
by attraction nor aversion,
nor ignorance;
See with what you already possess,
See with natural awareness,
Within,
See with
enlightenment mind,
Gaze at Mind!
See the inherent reality,
Perfect from the beginning,
Truth beyond words,
See with clarity,
See without fabrication,
See beyond belief,
See with brutal
genuine
honesty.
A poem by Robert Aho © 2025
So, the reason that we really get in trouble is because we think that we are somehow separate. We delude ourselves into thinking that this ineffable bright condition is separate from us. Within this ignorant belief, which is really ego at work, we create something akin to darkness. We create a hard shell for ourselves so that we don’t awaken to reality. We may not say that in such blunt terms; however, that is really why we do this, why we have become trapped in this prison world, which is really just cyclic existence.
If we think that we will be reincarnated, that is, a self transmigrating, it doesn’t matter. We will find that we are not separate and self cannot exist in reality. We will be reborn, not reincarnated, as a different self. The old self will be very quickly deconstructed in the death bardo. A new self cannot happen once again until we create that from our endless stream of delusion and misery, thinking that this will somehow make it better.
We avoid awakening above all else, even though awakening itself is the only thing that can possibly liberate us from this endless pain and suffering. We cling tighter, we close our heart and mind, doing exactly the opposite of what we should be doing if we wish to obtain total complete freedom. We sabotage every opportunity that comes our way. We let stupid things distract us from our own awakening mind. We become embroiled, rather than allowing our lives to remain at ease.
This idea that we must look within for discovering everything is not new. It’s a reminder that has been passed down throughout the ages. This is something found in many great religious and philosophical traditions, some of them very ancient. It’s not just Buddhism that has this message for us to look within and awaken. It is a very natural fundamental wisdom that we keep ignoring.
If we wish to awaken, we must begin by looking within. We can do this in a very natural way, by simply going out into a forest, or sitting by a stream, or by finding some place that is secluded or remote, then just sitting, observing, remaining aware of our own thoughts and emotions, breathing with awareness. It does not need to be something formal or approved by institutions, such as empowerments from great Tibetan Masters or long retreats in a monastery.
We can discover that we have all we need within. When we sense this amazing power within us, then we know we are onto something. We can unlock that inner potentiality with our own very compassionate aspiration to awaken, which is called Bodhicitta. This is how we can begin on the Spiritual Path. Once we begin, we should never give up, because this is the most precious thing that we can discover, and it brings benefit to everyone. We must hold this aspiration to awaken above all else. If we see other things taking priority, then we must meditate even more, bringing our mind back to this most precious aspiration.
If you find that you need some help, genuinely seek out a Teacher, or Guru, or Spiritual Friend who can help. At that point, you simply need to consult with someone who might have a little bit more experience with meditation than you have at the time. Don’t be in a hurry, and don’t give up your own independence, your own ability to question everything. Don’t fall for cultish thinking where you stop examining or questioning everything. That would be a trap; because, by not questioning everything, you would be placing someone else or what they say above this aspiration to awaken.
When we aspire to awaken, investigating all that appears to mind is very important. Questions nurture our aspiration, revealing truths. When you are on the Spiritual Path, you must find gurus who are genuine, in order to benefit. Carefully examine every teacher that you encounter, and don’t be swayed by their popularity or fame. You must examine for yourself. Walk away if they tell you to stop questioning, or if they don’t like your independent streak.
When you have looked within, you must be very careful with removing the clutter. Every obstacle is simply clutter that prevents you from awakening. If it blocks the light of the ineffable, then it is a demon. When we look within, we grow our capacity, the light increases, our heart and mind open in a natural way. This takes courage; however, our courage increases as well. We need to trust our intuition. If we never give up, if we keep our own awakening mind as most precious, we will awaken—and it’s worth it.
You will awaken!
Blessings in Light,
Robert Aho