The third volume of Longchenpa's Trilogy shows the practitioner how to transcend ordinary limited perspectives
using eight classic and evocative images that reveal the open nature of reality: dreams, wizardry, illusion, mirage,
reflections, echoes, cloud lands, and phantoms. A chapter on each image gives clear instructions for meditation and post-
meditation practice to awaken us to the magic of Being in its two forms – the enchantment of samsara and the wonderment of
nirvana, where the mind finds comfort and ease. Can be read independently of Parts One and Two. Priceless practice
instructions for serious Dharma students. Translated by H.V. Guenther with extensive notes. From the chapter "The Reflection of the Moon in Water,": Again I shall explicate the Victorious One's statement that (all
that is) is like the reflection of the moon in water in order that this might be experienced. In the center of the deep and
glistening ocean of Mind-as-such there resides (its) spontaneity (that is) the images that have displayed themselves since
(their) very beginning; but it is owing to contamination by the turbid waves of subject and object that it does not shine
brightly and is lashed by the wind of divisive concepts. Since the delusion of the world has sprung from the belief in (it
as) a Self, pristine cognitiveness has lost its shining quality, has become non-cognitive and has turned into emotionality,
and (so) has submerged in Samsara, that has neither beginning nor end. In the same way as the reflection of the stars in
clear water glistens steadily (as the paradox of) there being nothing and yet there being a presence, so also the images of
the mistaken presence (of the world), arising in the water of the mind (in this paradox of) there being nothing and yet
there being a presence, wear out sentient beings. Since this (presence) is nothing substantial, it cannot be grasped. Since
this (presence) is nothing qualitative, it cannot be characterized. (Since) it is neither something existent nor non-
existent, it is beyond the limits of true and false; this is what is meant by speaking of 'images'.
