This post is an exploration of Natural Perfection or Lhungrub in Tibetan (ཀ་དག་) – the third of a series of posts on Dzogchen key terms. Natural Perfection is pointing to the natural, effortless manifestation of phenomena from the ground of being (Gzhi). It is the dynamic aspect of the mind that allows for the continuous arising of experiences and appearances without any deliberate effort or construction.
With Lhungrub / Natural Perfection, we can see that all phenomena, regardless of whether they belong to Samsara (the cycle of birth and death) or Nirvana (liberation), arise spontaneously from the same primordial ground. And that those phenomena are not inherently separate from this ground, much like clouds in the sky, which appear and disappear without affecting the sky’s nature itself.
What are the key characteristics of Natural Perfection in Dzogchen?
In the Dzogchen teachings, Lhungrub has several key characteristics:
Spontaneous Presence
Natural Perfection refers to the spontaneous presence or inherent completeness of our true nature. It is one of the three main qualities of the Ground or Buddha-nature in Dzogchen, along with essence (ngo bo) and compassionate energy (thugs rje). You will see the term Dzogchen translated in various ways, in particular as ‘Great Completion’ or ‘Great Perfection’. Spontaneous Presence is what is pointing to this completion or perfection in our minds nature.
Source of Phenomena
Natural Perfection is described as the nature out of which all phenomena of Samsara and Nirvana arise and into which they return. It serves as the basis for both pure and impure phenomena, though the teachings point to a difference here:
- For Nirvanic phenomena, it is inseparably connected, like the sun and its rays. I find this teaching matches my experience whereby compassion, kindness, generosity, patience have this deep quality to them which seems to come from the groundless ground. You could equally say are this groundless ground.
- For Samsaric phenomena, it provides a basis but is not entirely dependent on them, similar to how clouds depend on the sky but never become part of its nature. The metaphor shows very clearly this relationship. There’d be no clouds without the sky, but clouds are not of the nature of sky. In my experience the unskillful thoughts and emotions do not seem to have the same relationship with the ground – although so much of psychology and theories of human nature, and even at times religious teachings seem to point to our nature being intimately tied to sin or evil!
Inherent Completeness
A key aspect of Natural Perfection is that all the qualities of enlightenment are already spontaneously present within our true nature. This means that:
- Enlightened qualities do not need to be created or developed.
- The basic nature is already complete and perfect, requiring no addition or modification.
What an extraordinary thing this is. The path is not one of aeons of cultivating qualities and building up merit so that eventually in a particular lifetime you reach a point where it will all flower in Awakening.
Here we already have all these qualities in our primordial nature. We simply need to recognise that nature, rest in it and stabilise that resting.
The Lotsawa House website has a beautiful piece by Dongak Chokyi Gyatso which provides a commentary on some Dzogchen terms, in this case on Llungrub. It points clearly to how what we already are will give rise to the kayas and wisdom. It also clearly points to the importance of Togal to this end:
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) refers to the fact that when we apply the path to aspects of our energy-mind, the kāyas and wisdoms arise merely through applying the key points, as these qualities, which have the character of fruitional enlightenment, have always been present intrinsically. Settling with this as the ground, and understanding the gateways for applying the key points of the profound secret path of the Crossover of spontaneous presence, which is a cause resembling all the features of the buddhas’ rūpakāya, and actually applying those key points to energy and mind, without making any separation, causes the coarse physical body to be liberated into subtle space, and brings us to the citadel of great transference.
Commentary on Some Terms from the Great Perfection
Dongak Chökyi Gyatso
Luminous Clarity
Natural Perfection represents the luminous clarity or lucidity aspect of our fundamental nature. This quality is intimately associated with Rigpa (pure awareness) in Dzogchen practice.
In Mahamudra this nature aspect of the view is very much this luminous clarity.
Effortless Manifestation
In Dzogchen practice, realizing Natural Perfection does not involve creating something new, but rather recognizing what has always been present. We aim to allow this naturally perfect state to manifest effortlessly, rather than trying to construct or achieve it through effort.
What an extraordinary relief this effortlessness is! Both a relief from the arduousness of so many spiritual paths. But also a relief from the lived experience of Samsara, battered as we are by what we want and don’t want. By grasping and rejecting.
By understanding and experiencing these characteristics of Natural Perfection, Dzogchen practitioners aim to recognize and rest in their true nature, allowing the spontaneous manifestation of enlightened qualities.
The Dzogchen ten key terms series of posts
This post is the third of a series of posts inspired by Malcolm Smith’s Wisdom Academy course: Dzogchen: Ten Key Terms. I am sharing my favourite quotes from the Dzogchen source texts so they can speak for themselves on what each of these key terms points to. If moved to please use them as a reference source for reflection and meditation. See:
- What is the Primordial Ground, or Basis (Gzhi)? where I gathered over 100 quotations from the Dzogchen source texts.
- What is Primordial Purity (Kadag)?, again with a wealth of quotations.
The practice of Tögal to realise Lhungrub
The realization of Spontaneous Presence involves specific meditative techniques and approaches.
Spontaneous presence is realized through the practice of Tögal (or Thögal), which means “direct crossing” or “leap-over.” Tögal practices involve more advanced techniques that build on the foundation established by Trekchö. Trekchö is more focussed on realising Primordial Purity (Kadag)
Here are the key elements:
- Visualizations and Light Practices: Tögal involves specific visualizations and practices related to the perception of light and subtle energy fields. Practitioners often engage in gazing at the sky or using a dark retreat to facilitate the arising of spontaneous visions.
- Four Visions: The practice of Tögal leads to the unfolding of the famous “four visions,” which are progressive stages of visionary experiences. These include:
- The Vision of Direct Perception of Reality (དོན་སྤྱོད་ཀྱི་རྣམ་མཐའ་, dönchö kyi namtha) – the appearance of luminous forms which spontaneously arise, such as light and color (dots and rays of light), spheres and rainbows. These are not ordinary visual phenomena but are the natural radiance of awareness itself. It is said that this vision establishes a direct connection to the self-arising nature of phenomena.
- The Vision of Increasing Experiences (ཡིད་ཆེས་ཀྱི་རྣམ་མཐའ་, yiché kyi namtha) – the development of more complex forms such as deities and mandalas. As the clarity and vividness of luminous appearances increases then the variety and intensity of the displays increase. They arise spontaneously without effort, and reflect the infinite potentiality of the Primordial Ground. They are the natural radiance of Rigpa.
- The Vision of Awareness Reaching Its Full Measure (ཡིད་རྟོགས་ཀྱི་རྣམ་མཐའ་, yitok kyi namtha) – the full manifestation of the Sambhogakaya (enlightened forms and pure realms). The visionary experiences have reached their peak. You realise vast, stable and highly detailed displays of light and form, including rainbows, Buddha fields and the entire universe as the display or expression of this luminous awareness. You develop unshakable confidence in the Natural Perfection of Rigpa. From here you need to integrate this realisation into all aspects of experience. All appearances are the self-arising radiance of awareness.
- The Vision of Exhaustion of Phenomena in Dharmata (ཆོས་ཉིད་སྣང་བའི་རྣམ་མཐའ་, chönyi nangwé namtha) – the ultimate dissolution of these visions back into the ground of being, the Primordial Ground. There are no longer distinctions between observer, what is observed or even the experience itself. All displays, however visionary are exhausted in the Dharmata. You rest in nondual Rigpa. Awareness and emptiness are inseparable at this culmination of Togal and full integration of Rigpa.
- Integration with Daily Life: Practitioners learn to integrate these experiences with their daily life, recognizing the spontaneous presence of all phenomena as expressions of the same primordial purity.
Tögal practices are typically undertaken only after a practitioner has achieved stability in Trekchö, as they require a deep understanding and direct experience of the mind’s nature. Without that you’d get lost in grasping at appearances and experiences.
I will now let the Dzogchen source texts speak for themselves on this Natural Perfection / Spontaneous Presence, this Lhungrub. Once again I’ve chosen my favourite quotations from Dzogchen Tantras, from key historical Dzogchen masters, as well as from more recent masters. And as in the earlier posts in this series I’ve thrown in some quotes from Bon Dzogchen teachings, which help to shed an interesting light from a parallel perspective.
I pray that reading, reflecting and meditating on these quotations leads you to full awakening!
Quotes from Dzogchen original sources on Natural Perfection / Spontaneous Presence (Lhungrub)
Since everything is complete in the state of Natural Perfection, nothing needs to be rejected or altered, and nothing needs to be added or removed.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol)
The essence of all phenomena is the self-arising and spontaneously present nature of reality. It is not something fabricated or created by effort, nor is it improved by meditation or diminished by distraction. Like the sun shining in the sky, its presence is constant, unobstructed, and complete from the beginning. Whatever arises—whether it is perceived as pure or impure, samsaric or nirvanic—arises within the expanse of spontaneous presence. This is the display of the ground, the primordial state, where nothing needs to be added or taken away. To rest in this state is to abide in the Great Perfection, free from duality and elaboration.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
All phenomena, uncontrived and spontaneous, arise from the Natural State. Rest in this perfection without striving.
Flight of the Garuda
Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
Natural Perfection is the essence of the three realms, arising spontaneously as the uncontrived display of the ground. It is not something created through meditation or diminished by distraction, for it is the primordial state that transcends all effort. Like a mirror reflecting all forms without bias or alteration, spontaneous presence is the radiant expression of the ground, complete and unchanging. To recognize this is to rest in the self-liberating nature of all appearances, where samsara and nirvana are seen as inseparable. In this state, all striving ceases, and the luminous clarity of awareness reveals itself as the ultimate reality.
The Lamp of the Three Realms (Trikaya Dronma)
I am the primordial ground of being, self-perfected; I have never been stained by samsara, nor can I ever be purified by nirvana.
The All-Creating King (Kunjed Gyalpo)
The nature of phenomena is non-arising, spontaneously perfected, beyond the grasp of the intellect.
The Six Vajra Verses (Rigpa’i Küjüg)
attributed to Garab Dorje
The all-encompassing ground is pure from the beginning, free from contamination by concepts and dualistic grasping. Its essence is emptiness; its nature is luminous clarity. From this ground arises the spontaneous presence of all appearances, unimpeded and self-perfected. Like reflections in a mirror, phenomena appear without effort, yet the mirror remains unchanged. In the state of Natural Perfection, there is nothing to purify or transform, for everything is complete in its own nature. Recognizing this, one transcends the limitations of effort and abides in the natural, uncontrived state.
The Tantra of the All-Creating King (Kunbyed Gyälpo Tantras)
In the spontaneous presence of the dharmadhatu, all appearances and existences are perfectly complete, without needing to rely on effort or causes.
Treasury of the Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzö)
Longchen Rabjam
The natural perfection of everything is present from the very beginning. The Great Perfection is the realization that there is nothing to change or fabricate.
The Treasury of Natural Perfection (Ngöndzö)
Natural perfection means realizing the innate wisdom of the mind, which neither arises nor ceases, remaining timelessly pure and present.
Words of My Perfect Teacher
Patrul Rinpoche
Spontaneous perfection is the recognition that all phenomena, without exception, are the play of intrinsic awareness, free of effort and contrivance.
The Mirror of Mindfulness
Nyoshul Khenpo
Spontaneous Presence is the innate perfection of the ground, arising without cause or condition. It is not produced by effort, nor can it be diminished by distraction. Like the expanse of the sky, it is vast, open, and unchanging, allowing all things to appear and dissolve without resistance. To rest in this awareness is to see the natural purity and perfection of all phenomena, free from grasping, rejecting, or altering. This is the essence of Dzogchen—the realization that the ground and its manifestations are one.
The Secret Essence Tantra (Guhyagarbha Tantra)
In the great expanse of spontaneous perfection, all manifestations arise naturally and dissolve effortlessly. There is nothing to purify, refine, or perfect—it is complete from the very beginning.
The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding (Dzodön)
Longchenpa
All phenomena abide in their natural state of spontaneous perfection, free from effort and fabrication. This is the ultimate nature of existence, uncreated and complete in itself.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The All-Creating King)
The spontaneous presence of all appearances and possibilities arises naturally from the ground of being. It neither depends on causes nor ceases through conditions.
Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle (Thegchö Dzö)
Longchenpa
The ground of being is primordially pure and spontaneously present. This Natural Perfection is not something we create; it has always been complete. Like the sky, which allows the sun, moon, and stars to arise within it, the ground is the source from which all appearances arise and into which they dissolve. When this is realized, all effort ceases, for there is no longer any need to manipulate or fabricate experience. Rest in this effortless state, and everything reveals its natural clarity and purity, free from the stains of conceptual elaboration.
The Longchen Nyingtik (Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse)
Longchenpa
In spontaneous presence, there is no need for contrived effort. The ground itself is self-perfected, primordially free from flaws and limitations.
The Tantra of the Great Perfection That Reveals the All-Penetrating Wisdom (Kunjed Yeshe Nyamkyong)
The expanse of natural perfection is neither created nor dependent upon anything. All phenomena are spontaneously present, timelessly free and without inherent limitation.
Precious Treasury of Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzö)
Longchenpa
Spontaneous presence is the effortless perfection of the ground, arising naturally and unimpeded. It is not something cultivated or attained, for it has always been complete. All phenomena, whether appearing as samsaric or nirvanic, are the luminous play of this perfection, free from duality and elaboration. Like clouds forming and dissolving in the sky, all appearances arise and return to their source without altering the nature of the ground. To rest in this recognition is to transcend all effort and concepts, abiding in the vast openness of the Great Perfection, where all things are self-liberated in their arising.
The Tantra of Self-Arising Awareness (Rangjung Rigpa’i Gyü)
The natural state, which is free of arising and ceasing, is spontaneously present and fully perfect. All phenomena arise within it like reflections in a mirror.
The Six Vajra Verses
Attributed to Garab Dorje
The ground of all is self-perfected from the very beginning. This natural state is spontaneously present, free from effort and concept.
Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness
Padmasambhava
Natural Perfection, or Spontaneous Presence, is the innate clarity of awareness. It is neither created nor destroyed, for it is timeless and ever-present. All phenomena—whether seen as samsaric or nirvanic—are nothing other than the self-arising play of this awareness. Like the waves that arise naturally in the ocean and subside without effort, all appearances are liberated as they arise. There is no need for striving, no need for rejecting or accepting, for the essence of all is already pure and complete. This is the great spaciousness of Dzogchen, where everything is embraced as it is.
The Treasury of the Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzöd)
Longchenpa
Since the nature of mind is spontaneous perfection, it requires no transformation or modification. Rest in this natural state and recognize that there is nothing to do.
Treasury of Natural Perfection (Ngöndzö)
Longchenpa
In the expanse of Natural Perfection, all phenomena are equal in their spontaneous presence. There is no distinction of samsara or nirvana in this ultimate state.
Seventeen Tantras of Dzogchen, The Tantra of the Blazing Lamp
In spontaneous presence, the natural perfection of all appearances and awareness arises effortlessly. There is no need for striving or alteration.
The Flight of the Garuda
Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
The spontaneous presence of the ground manifests as the unceasing display of phenomena. Like a crystal radiating light, it is the natural radiance of awareness itself. No effort is required to produce this perfection; it is complete in its own nature, free from duality and fabrication. To recognize this is to abide in the state of Natural Perfection, where all distinctions between samsara and nirvana dissolve. Rest in this luminous and spacious awareness, and the great liberation unfolds naturally.
The Vima Nyingtik (Heart Essence of Vimalamitra)
Natural perfection is like space: it encompasses everything without attachment or limitation. Its spontaneous presence is the very essence of liberation.
The Jewel Ship (Norbu Zhönu)
Longchenpa
The basis of all is unchanging and spontaneously present, like the sky. It is neither created nor destroyed, and it cannot be corrupted by concepts or effort.
The Six Vajra Verses
Garab Dorje
The self-arising wisdom of spontaneous presence is beyond words, thoughts, and expression. It is the radiant clarity of the natural state, complete in itself.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The All-Creating King)
Spontaneous Presence is the radiance of the unchanging ground. It is neither fabricated by effort nor dependent on conditions. All phenomena arise naturally within this ground, like clouds in the sky, and dissolve without leaving a trace. The perfection of this state lies in its simplicity and openness. When one recognizes this, there is no longer a need for striving or attachment, for everything is already self-perfected in its nature.
The Tantra of Self-Arisen Awareness (Rangjung Rigpa’i Gyü)
In the natural perfection of spontaneous presence, all phenomena are free from birth and cessation. They appear effortlessly, without obstruction, like the reflections in a crystal sphere.
Treasury of the Natural State (Rangdzin Dzö)
Longchenpa
In the vast expanse of spontaneous presence, nothing exists to be purified, nothing exists to be transformed. It is complete from the beginning, without flaw or imperfection.
The Tantra of the Great Perfection of Wisdom
The natural state is spontaneous and complete, free from effort and striving. To recognize this is to awaken to the essence of the Great Perfection.
The Root Tantra of the Dzogchen Semde Series
The spontaneous presence of all appearances arises from the uncontrived ground. Resting in this, without clinging or rejection, is the realization of natural perfection.
Natural Liberation
Padmasambhava
In the state of spontaneous presence, there is no division into samsara and nirvana, for these distinctions are creations of a dualistic mind. The ground is primordially pure, free from flaws, and its natural radiance arises as the infinite display of phenomena. Like a vast ocean whose waves arise without effort, the manifestations of the ground appear and dissolve naturally, without hindrance. The clarity of awareness shines unobstructed, unaltered by appearance or disappearance. To abide in this recognition is to rest in the Great Perfection, where there is neither seeking nor rejecting, neither grasping nor letting go. This state transcends effort, transcends practice, and is self-perfected from the very beginning.
The Tantra of the All-Creating King (Kunbyed Gyälpo Tantras)
In the spontaneous perfection of the ground, all distinctions of good and bad, pure and impure, dissolve into their natural state. There is nothing to alter, for all is already perfect.
The Tantra of the Expanse of Vajra Essence
The nature of reality is naturally present as the spontaneous ground of all phenomena. It neither arises from conditions nor depends on effort to reveal its perfection.
Treasury of the Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzö)
Longchenpa
Everything is perfect in its natural state. By resting in this innate spontaneity, all illusions are self-liberated, and nothing needs to be done.
The Song of the Vajra (A Dzogchen Prayer)
The expanse of spontaneous presence is free of mental constructs, beyond meditation and non-meditation. It is naturally free, open, and complete in its own essence.
Flight of the Garuda
Lama Shabkar
All phenomena arise as the display of the self-existing ground, which is spontaneously perfected. This perfection is not something that can be created or destroyed. It is the intrinsic nature of the base, beyond effort, beyond concepts, and beyond change. Just as space allows all forms to arise without itself being altered, the nature of reality is unchanging and infinite. The essence of Natural Perfection lies in recognizing this luminous clarity, free from the stains of ignorance or fabrication. To rest in this state is to be free from striving, to be free from the need for transformation, for all things are already as they should be. The profound nature of spontaneous presence is such that it is neither born nor dies; it is eternal and self-arising.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
The nature of all phenomena is spontaneously perfected in the primordial ground. Since nothing is missing, no effort or addition is needed. This is the all-encompassing state of Natural Perfection.
The Tantra of the All-Creating King (Kunjed Gyalpo)
In spontaneous presence, everything arises effortlessly from the ground. Samsara and nirvana are equal, inseparable in the expanse of natural perfection.
The Tantra of the Supreme Source (Kunzhab Gyalpo)
The essence of reality is primordially perfected, like the sky. It does not arise, cease, or abide; it is self-luminous and spontaneously present as the ground of all.
The Tantra of the Expanse of Vajra Essence
All manifestations are the radiance of the spontaneously perfected ground. They arise effortlessly and dissolve naturally, without alteration or correction.
The Tantra of the Blazing Lamp (Sgron ma ‘bar ba’i rgyud)
Spontaneous Presence is the radiance of the pure ground, inseparable from its essence of emptiness and clarity. It is not dependent on causes or conditions, nor is it altered by the appearances of samsara or nirvana. Like a mirror that reflects everything without itself being affected, the ground effortlessly manifests all phenomena, which dissolve naturally into their source. There is nothing to accept or reject, for everything arises in its own completeness and perfection. By recognizing this, one realizes the Great Perfection, free from dualistic elaboration. This state is not created through meditation or effort, but is revealed through the direct experience of resting in awareness as it is.
The Treasury of the Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzöd)
Longchenpa
Spontaneous presence is the natural radiance of awareness, free from duality and effort. It is beyond concepts and completely pure from the very beginning.
he Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva
The nature of all appearances and awareness is spontaneously perfected. Resting in this, all effort ceases, and the ground is revealed as it is.
The Tantra of the Great Perfection (Dzogchen Gyu)
In the vast expanse of natural perfection, all phenomena are equal. There is no flaw, no impurity, and no division between subject and object.
The Secret Essence Tantra (Guhyagarbha Tantra)
The ground of all phenomena is naturally pure and spontaneously perfected. It is not something that is cultivated or constructed, for it has always existed in this state of completion. Within this ground, all phenomena arise like rainbows in the sky—vivid and clear, yet without substance. To recognize this is to see that there is no separation between the essence of the ground and the manifestations that appear. This is the nature of spontaneous presence: the inseparability of awareness and emptiness, where all experiences are liberated in their arising. There is no need for effort or striving, for the essence of all is already complete.
The Essence of the Secret (Guhyagarbha Tantra)
The primordial ground is spontaneously present, beyond arising and ceasing. It is not dependent on causes or conditions, yet all arises from it naturally.
The Tantra of the Bindu of Vajra (Rdo rje thig le’i rgyud)
The natural perfection of the ground is like a wish-fulfilling jewel. Without needing effort, all is spontaneously present and complete.
The Pearl Garland Tantra
The natural state is spontaneously perfected from the very beginning. It does not require meditation or action, for it is the ground of all that is.
The Tantra of the Self-Arising Awareness (Rang byung rig pa’i rgyud)
Natural Perfection is the state where all dualistic distinctions collapse, revealing the innate unity of the ground and its manifestations. The luminous clarity of awareness is spontaneously present, arising as the unimpeded play of phenomena. Like the sun shining in a cloudless sky, its radiance is not obscured or altered by appearances. To abide in this state is to see the perfection of all that is, without falling into grasping or aversion. The nature of this perfection is beyond the limits of thought and expression, yet it is directly experienced when one rests in the natural, uncontrived state of being.
The Treasury of Words and Meaning (Tsik Dön Dzöd)
Longchenpa
Spontaneous presence means that everything arises from the primordial state as a perfect expression of its potentiality. There is no need to correct, reject, or improve anything—it is complete as it is.
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
The Crystal and the Way of Light
The Natural State is primordially pure and spontaneously present, beyond effort or contrivance. Recognizing this is the key to liberation.
Dudjom Rinpoche
The Dzogchen View of the Great Perfection
Spontaneous presence is the ground of all experience. It is the radiant clarity of awareness in which all appearances arise and dissolve without leaving a trace.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
The Heart of Compassion
Spontaneous presence is the natural radiance of the ground, beyond effort and elaboration. It manifests as the clarity of awareness, which pervades all phenomena without attachment or obstruction. All appearances arise and dissolve within this vast expanse, just as clouds form and disperse in the sky. To recognize this is to awaken to the Great Perfection, where nothing is accepted or rejected, for everything is already complete and pure in its essence. The freedom of this state lies in its simplicity and immediacy, free from striving or searching.
The Vima Nyingtik (Heart Essence of Vimalamitra)
Natural perfection means that the essence, nature, and energy of all phenomena are already pure and complete. There is no need to fabricate or transform; simply let be.
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
Rainbow Painting
Spontaneous presence is like space: vast, open, and untouched by the movements of the mind. Recognize this and rest in the great simplicity of being.
Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche
Natural Great Perfection
In spontaneous presence, there is no need for effort or struggle. All is self-liberated, arising and dissolving naturally within the ground of being.
Tsoknyi Rinpoche
Carefree Dignity
Natural perfection is not something to achieve but something to uncover. It is the innate freedom and completeness that has always been present within us.
Lama Surya Das
Awakening the Buddha Within
Natural Perfection is the ground from which all arises, spontaneous and unimpeded. It requires no practice, no creation, for it is already perfect in its essence. The manifestations of this ground are like reflections on water—vivid, clear, and without substance. To realize this is to rest in the natural state, where all efforts and concepts dissolve. This is the great spaciousness of awareness, free from duality and elaboration. In this state, all things are seen as the play of luminous clarity, complete in their arising and their ceasing.
The Tantra of Self-Arisen Awareness (Rangjung Rigpa’i Gyü)
Spontaneous presence is not a product of practice or learning. It is the unconditioned state that we discover when we let go of all striving and rest in awareness.
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Rebel Buddha
The heart of Dzogchen is recognizing that everything is already perfect and complete. This is spontaneous presence, the ground of all experience and the source of liberation.
Anam Thubten
No Self, No Problem
The nature of mind is spontaneously present, like a mirror reflecting everything yet remaining unchanged. Recognizing this is to enter the state of Natural Perfection.
Sogyal Rinpoche
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
The nature of the ground is timeless and unchanging, the essence of all phenomena, pure from the very beginning. It is beyond cause and condition, and its spontaneous presence arises naturally as the radiance of awareness. This is the Great Perfection, where nothing needs to be done, no effort is required, and no modifications are necessary. Like a clear crystal that reflects all colors without bias, the ground manifests all phenomena as its self-arising display, free from dualistic grasping. Spontaneous presence is complete in itself, not something fabricated or dependent on practice. Resting in this recognition, one sees that samsara and nirvana are but the play of luminous awareness, inseparable from the ground. To abide in this realization is to transcend all effort, all striving, and all conceptual elaboration, for the nature of reality is already perfect.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
Lhun grub means that the primordial state has never been separate from its own perfection. Everything that manifests arises as the display of this inherent completeness.
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State
Natural Perfection is beyond effort, beyond concepts. It is the uncontrived openness and clarity that is always present, like the sun behind the clouds.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
The Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Natural Perfection is simply the way things are. It’s not something to strive for or construct—it’s recognizing the luminous clarity and openness of your mind as it already is.
Mingyur Rinpoche
The Joy of Living
The vast expanse of the ground is naturally pure, free from flaws and duality. From this essence arises the unceasing play of spontaneous presence, where all appearances manifest without obstruction or effort. Like the open sky, the ground is spacious and unchanging, allowing all things to arise and dissolve without altering its nature. This Natural Perfection is beyond acceptance or rejection, for all phenomena are already complete and self-liberated in their own essence. To recognize this is to see that there is no path to traverse, no goal to attain, and no imperfections to correct. Resting in the luminous clarity of awareness, all concepts dissolve, revealing the great spaciousness of lhun grub, which embraces all that arises without distinction. This is the effortless state of the Great Perfection.
The Treasury of Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzöd)
Longchenpa
Lhun grub is the effortless perfection of the present moment. It is not something you achieve through effort, but something you relax into by letting go of all striving.
Tulku Thondup Rinpoche
The Practice of Dzogchen
Natural Perfection means there is nothing to add and nothing to take away. It is the realization that all phenomena are expressions of the infinite ground of being.
Lama Yeshe
Introduction to Tantra
Spontaneous Presence is the effortless unfolding of reality as it is. It is the dance of appearances within the ground of being, untainted by dualistic concepts.
Nyoshul Khenpo
A Marvelous Garland of Rare Gems
Spontaneous presence is the natural radiance of the ground, arising effortlessly and unimpeded. It is not created by causes, nor can it be destroyed by conditions, for it is the innate expression of the primordial state. Just as the sun illuminates all without preference or effort, the ground radiates the luminous display of awareness, which manifests as all appearances. In this state of Natural Perfection, there is no distinction between samsara and nirvana, for all is already complete in its essence. To abide in this recognition is to rest in the profound peace of the uncontrived state, where all striving ceases, and all things reveal their true nature as spontaneous and self-perfected.
The Secret Essence Tantra (Guhyagarbha Tantra)
The perfection we seek is already here, shining in its natural state. To realize this, we simply need to stop searching and rest in the luminous presence of awareness.
Anam Thubten
The Magic of Awareness
Spontaneous presence is the natural state of clarity and awareness, free from fabrication and effort. It is the true nature of mind, unchanging and ever-present.
Matthieu Ricard
Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill
The ground of being is spontaneously perfect, free from the stains of dualistic thought and conceptual elaboration. Its nature is luminous clarity, self-arising and self-liberating. Like the reflection of the moon on water, phenomena arise vividly yet leave no trace, for they are inseparable from the essence of the ground. To recognize this is to see that all effort is unnecessary, for the nature of reality is already complete, free from imperfection or need for refinement. Spontaneous presence is the great spaciousness of awareness, where all distinctions dissolve, and everything is embraced in its natural state. Resting in this realization, one transcends all notions of practice and goal, abiding effortlessly in the Great Perfection.
The Vima Nyingtik (Heart Essence of Vimalamitra)
Bon Dzogchen quotations on the Natural Perfection / Spontaneous Presence (Lhungrub)
The natural perfection of spontaneous presence is like the sun shining in a clear sky—always present, illuminating everything effortlessly, yet unchanged by what appears.
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep
Spontaneous Presence is the inseparable union of the unchanging base and the dynamic display of phenomena. It is the natural perfection where samsara and nirvana are nondual.
The Twenty-One Nails (Zerbu Nyishu Rtsa)
Spontaneous presence is the source from which all phenomena arise. It is complete in itself, free from grasping, effort, or dualistic distinctions.
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Healing with Form, Energy, and Light
In the expanse of Natural Perfection, there is no need for effort or striving. All phenomena arise and dissolve within the luminous space of spontaneous presence, free from duality.
The Six Lamps (Drangme Nyi Tsé)
The ground of all is pure from the beginning and spontaneously perfect. All experiences and phenomena are the play of this natural perfection, arising effortlessly and ceasing without residue.
The Zhang Zhung Nyengyü (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung)
The spontaneous presence of all phenomena is not something created or attained; it is the timeless perfection of the base, naturally arising and self-sustaining.
The Tantra of the Self-Arisen Awareness (Rangjung Rigpa’i Gyü)
Natural Perfection is the unchanging state of the base, where all manifestations arise spontaneously without cause or effort. Rest in this perfection, and all illusions are self-liberated.
The Fivefold Essential Instructions (Nyingpo Nga)
The natural state is a spontaneous presence beyond duality, beyond concepts, and beyond effort. It is the all-encompassing expanse of clarity and emptiness.
The Golden Letters (Sertreng)
Spontaneous Presence is the radiant display of the base, inseparable from pure awareness. There is no need to fabricate or transform, for everything is already complete in itself.
The Four Lamps of the Heart Essence (Nyingpo Zhi Nyi)
In the state of spontaneous perfection, there is no creation, no cessation, no effort, and no duality. All phenomena are the unimpeded display of the self-arising ground.
The Heart Essence of Samantabhadra (Kuntu Zangpo Nyingtik)
The natural perfection of the base is free from elaboration, free from effort, and free from change. All that appears is the spontaneous expression of this primordial state.
The Oral Transmission of the A Tri Lineage
The vast expanse of spontaneous presence encompasses all without bias or limitation. In recognizing this, one awakens to the Great Perfection, where nothing needs to be added or removed.
The Secret Instructions of the Bön Mother Tantra
The spontaneous presence of all phenomena is like reflections in a mirror: they arise effortlessly without altering the mirror itself. This is the unchanging perfection of the ground.
The Zhang Zhung Nyengyü (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung)
The expanse of spontaneous presence is not made by causes or conditions. It is the naturally perfect state, always present, free from birth, cessation, or transformation.
The Six Lamps (Drangme Nyi Tsé)
In the state of Natural Perfection, there is no effort, no striving, no concepts, and no duality. The luminous clarity of spontaneous presence is self-arising and self-liberating.
The Golden Letters (Sertreng)
Natural Perfection is not created, fabricated, or improved by practice. It is the innate nature of the base, complete in itself, like the sun shining in an open sky.
The Self-Arisen Awareness Tantra (Rangjung Rigpa’i Gyü)
Spontaneous presence is the natural radiance of the primordial state. Like the reflection of the moon in water, it appears without effort yet is untouched by concepts or actions.
The Twenty-One Nails (Zerbu Nyishu Rtsa)
Spontaneous presence is free of extremes and elaborations. It is the vast, open ground in which all phenomena arise naturally and dissolve effortlessly.
The Bön Mother Tantra (Ma Gyud)
The natural perfection of the base is like an endless ocean. Waves arise and subside, but the ocean itself remains unchanged and unmoving.
The Tantra of the Self-Arising Awareness (Rangjung Rigpa’i Gyü)
In the state of spontaneous presence, all appearances and experiences arise as the self-display of the ground. They are neither accepted nor rejected, for they are naturally perfect.
The Essence of the Ultimate (Nyingpo Nyingtik)
The uncontrived nature of reality is spontaneously perfected. It is luminous, without obstructions, like space that cannot be stained or destroyed.
The Lamp of Clear Light (Salwa’i Sgronma)
Spontaneous presence is the effortless unfolding of all that is. It is beyond effort and practice, for it is the very essence of reality, complete from the beginning.
The Great Speech Tantra (Klab Gyal Rgyud)
Natural Perfection is not something to be sought or attained. It is the radiant, self-existing nature of awareness, always present, inseparable from the ground.
The Three Proclamations of the Precious Treasury (Yungdrung Dzö)
Like the unchanging reflection of stars in a calm lake, spontaneous presence reveals the nature of phenomena as they are, without need for alteration or improvement.
The Mirror of Clear Light (Salwa Melong)
Natural Perfection, the essence of the base, is free from fabrication and effort. It has never been tainted by samsara nor purified by nirvana. Its nature is like space—unchanging, vast, and ungraspable. Yet within this expanse, everything arises effortlessly. All phenomena, whether perceived as pure or impure, are none other than the radiant display of the ground. To recognize this is to see that there is nothing to accept or reject, nothing to gain or lose, for all is already complete. Spontaneous Presence is the inseparable expression of the base, manifesting as clarity, awareness, and unimpeded openness.
The Six Lamps (Drangme Nyi Tsé)
Aspiration Prayer
May all those who have the great good karma to encounter these Dzogchen teachings and quotations recognise their true nature, and Natural Perfection.
And may they rest in that groundless ground, and stabilise that resting, until they are fully Liberated!
The Dzogchen ten key terms series
This is a series of posts inspired by Malcolm Smith’s Wisdom Academy course: Dzogchen: Ten Key Terms. I am sharing my favourite quotes from the Dzogchen source texts so they can speak for themselves on what each of these key terms points to. If moved to please use them as a reference source for reflection and meditation.
- The first post – What is the Primordial Ground, or Basis (Gzhi)?
- The second post – What is the Primordial Purity (Kadag)?
- The third post – What is Natural Perfection (Lhungrub)?
