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)
The essence of all phenomena is the spontaneously perfected state (lhun grub).
Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
It is not created by causes, nor is it subject to conditions.
It is beyond effort, beyond striving, and free from dualistic elaboration.
All appearances arise naturally, like reflections in a mirror or rainbows in the sky,
And yet the ground remains unchanging, vast, and luminous.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
Everything arises as spontaneous presence (lhun grub) within the all-encompassing basis.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
It is not something to be cultivated or fabricated.
The nature of all phenomena is already perfected and complete,
Just as the sky remains unaffected by clouds or storms,
The ground of being remains pure and unchanging.
(Translation by John Reynolds)
In the vast expanse of the natural state, all phenomena are spontaneously perfected.
The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding (Ngalso Korsum)
They are not created or altered, nor do they depend upon causes and conditions.
The natural perfection (lhun grub) of the ground is uncontrived and timeless,
Like space, it neither improves nor declines.
To recognize this is to rest effortlessly in the nature of mind.
Longchenpa
(Translation by Richard Barron)
The ground of all arises as spontaneous presence.
The Tantra of the Blazing Lamp of the Sun (Nyima Özer)
It is not an object to be cultivated, nor is it a state to be contrived.
Without effort, the clear light of awareness illuminates all phenomena,
And all appearances manifest naturally, like rainbows in the sky.
The one who abides in this recognition dwells in the natural perfection of the Great Perfection.
(Translation by John Myrdhin Reynolds)
The nature of reality is spontaneous presence (lhun grub)—
The Treasury of Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzöd)
A state that is uncreated, unchanging, and free from effort.
Like reflections appearing in a mirror without intention,
All phenomena arise naturally within the ground of being.
The one who recognizes this abides in a state of great freedom,
Beyond duality and beyond conceptual elaboration.
Longchenpa
(Translation by Richard Barron, The Treasury of Dharmadhatu)
The nature of mind is spontaneously perfected and complete.
Guhyagarbha Tantra (The Secret Essence Tantra)
There is nothing to add, nor anything to remove.
Like the sun shining in the sky,
The natural radiance of awareness illuminates all phenomena,
Yet nothing arising in this display affects the ground itself.
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is the natural state of the ground,
The Self-Arisen Vidyā Tantra (Rigpa Rangshar)
Effortlessly arising as the display of awareness itself.
All appearances, whether pure or impure, are its self-radiant play,
Unimpeded and free from dualistic grasping.
To rest in this recognition is to realize the Great Perfection
The spontaneous presence of awareness is the essence of all phenomena.
Natural Liberation through Naked Awareness
It is free from effort, free from fabrication, and free from conceptual elaboration.
Like the vast sky, it is unchanging and all-encompassing.
To recognize this natural state is to realize the ultimate nature of mind—
Uncontrived, timeless, and perfectly complete.
Padmasambhava
(Translation by Alan Wallace, Natural Liberation: Padmasambhava’s Teachings on the Six Bardos)
In the natural state, everything is already perfect, completely perfect.
Precious Treasury of the Natural State
Phenomena, spontaneously present, are perfectly pure and free right where they are.
In this there is nothing to abandon and nothing to establish,
Nothing to purify and nothing to transform.
Longchenpa
This spontaneous presence is not something that needs to be achieved through effort—
Patrul Rinpoche
It has been present from the very beginning.
It is not something that needs to be sought elsewhere—
It is present right here in your own mind.
The ground’s spontaneous presence is beyond coming and going
The Aspiration Prayer of the Ground, Path and Fruition of Great Perfection
Unchanging throughout the three times
This itself is the great primordial purity.
attributed to Jigme Lingpa
Direct recognition is immediate presence
Three Words That Strike the Vital Point
No searching, no achieving, no goal, no path
Everything already perfect in spontaneous presence
Garab Dorje
All phenomena are spontaneously present
The tantra All-Creating Sovereign
In the state of great equality.
There is nothing to reject or accept,
Nothing to purify or transform.
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
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
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.
Longchenpa
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.
Precious Treasury of Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzö)
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
Precious Treasury of Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzö)
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
The ground of being is spontaneously present (lhun grub) and perfect from the beginning.
The Tantra of the All-Creating King (Kunjed Gyalpo)
There is nothing to alter or improve, for it is beyond causes and conditions.
All phenomena, appearing and arising as the display of awareness,
Are like reflections in a mirror, without inherent existence.
To recognize this is to abide in the nature of the Great Perfection.
(Translation: John Myrdhin Reynolds, The Supreme Source)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is the nature of the basic space of phenomena.
The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena (Chöying Dzöd)
It does not arise from causes, nor is it produced through effort.
The ground is primordially perfect, free from limitation and elaboration.
Whatever arises—thoughts, appearances, or experiences—
Is the self-radiance of awareness, naturally present and complete.
Longchenpa
(Translation: Richard Barron)
The ground of all is spontaneous presence (lhun grub),
The Self-Arisen Vidyā Tantra (Rigpa Rangshar)
Free from effort, uncreated, and beyond fabrication.
The appearances of samsara and nirvana are its self-arising radiance,
Manifesting unimpeded like reflections in a clear lake.
To recognize this is to rest in the natural state,
Where all phenomena are liberated as they arise.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
Since the ground of all is naturally perfected (lhun grub),
Longchenpa’s The Treasury of Words and Meaning (Tsik Dzöd)
There is nothing to cultivate or abandon.
All appearances arise within the scope of awareness
And are liberated without effort or grasping.
Resting in this recognition is the essence of the Great Perfection.
(Translation: Richard Barron)
The spontaneous presence (lhun grub) of the ground arises naturally,
The Dra Talgyur Tantra (Root Tantra of the Upadesha Instruction)
Effortless, uncontrived, and beyond conditions.
It is like the sky, where clouds arise and dissolve
Without ever altering its vast, luminous expanse.
All appearances are the self-display of awareness—
Recognize this, and there is no need for striving or fabrication.
(Translation: Based on commentaries by Vimalamitra and Longchenpa)
Spontaneous presence is the timeless radiance of awareness itself.
The Six Experiences of Natural Liberation (from the Bardo Thödöl)
It arises without effort, like light from the sun.
All appearances—whether pure or impure—are its natural display,
Liberated as they arise, like a drawing dissolving in water.
To recognize this is to abide in the nature of the Great Perfection,
Where all phenomena are free from grasping and elaboration.
Padmasambhava
(Translation: Francesca Fremantle and Chögyam Trungpa)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is not a state to be sought or attained.
The Yeshe Lama
It is the natural condition of the ground—perfect and complete from the very beginning.
The appearances of form, sound, and thought are its self-arising display,
Like waves on the ocean, inseparable from the water itself.
Rest in this recognition, free from striving or grasping,
And the timeless awareness of the Great Perfection will reveal itself.
Jigme Lingpa
(Translation: Tulku Thondup)
The spontaneous presence of awareness is uncreated and complete,
The Natural Liberation of the Nature of Mind
Arising naturally, without dependence on causes or conditions.
All phenomena—forms, sounds, and thoughts—are its self-manifest display,
Like reflections appearing in a mirror, inseparable from the mirror itself.
Recognize this, and you will rest in the natural state of the Great Perfection,
Free from effort, elaboration, or conceptualization.
Padmasambhava
(Translation: Alan Wallace, Natural Liberation)
In the natural state of spontaneous presence (lhun grub),
The Treasury of the Natural State (Ngalso Korsum)
There is no need for effort, cultivation, or striving.
Everything is already perfected within the ground,
And all appearances are its luminous, self-arising display.
To realize this is to dwell in the effortless expanse of awareness,
Where samsara and nirvana are inseparably one.
Longchenpa
(Translation: Richard Barron)
Within the expanse where the ground of being is spontaneously perfect,
Precious Treasury of Dharmadhatu
The dynamic energy of pure awareness arises as anything whatsoever.
Although arising occurs, there has never been any transition or change,
For everything is complete in the supreme state of spontaneous presence.
Longchenpa
In the realm of spontaneous presence,
Kunzang Nyingthig
The three kayas are naturally perfect without having to be manufactured.
The five wisdoms are spontaneously present without having to be developed.
The qualities of abandonment and realization are naturally complete without having to be cultivated.
Within this natural perfection which is like the sky,
The Flight of the Garuda
Everything that appears and exists is the play of rigpa.
Without having to seek it, it is spontaneously present;
Without having to accomplish it, it is naturally perfect.
Shabkar
In the state of natural perfection,
Treasury of Precious Qualities
Samsara and nirvana are neither to be rejected nor attained.
Everything manifests as the display of wisdom,
Spontaneously present from the very beginning.
Jigme Lingpa
Although apparent phenomena manifest as diversity
The Six Vajra Verses
Yet all are equal in the state of pure and total presence
And perfected just as they are, there is neither rejection nor acceptance.
The nature of phenomena, which transcends the limitations of permanence and nothingness,
Is spontaneously present.
Within the essence of totally pure awakened mind, there is no object to view or anything that constitutes a view – nor the slightest sense of anything to look at or anyone looking. There is no ordinary consciousness meditating or anything to meditate on. Due to spontaneous presence, without any duality of goal and conduct, there is not the slightest sense of any fruition to achieve.
Chöying Dzod (Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena)
Longchenpa
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.
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
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)
Spontaneous presence refers to the fact that when we apply the path to aspects of our energy-mind, the kāyas and wisdoms arise merely through recognizing what has always been present.
Dongak Chökyi Gyatso
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 nature of all phenomena is the naturally perfect state (lhun grub).
The Kunjed Gyalpo (The Supreme Source)
Since it is free from cause and effect, it cannot be cultivated or destroyed.
The nature of the ground is unchanging and timeless,
And all appearances arise as its spontaneous display.
Recognize this, and rest in the state of uncontrived awareness.
(Translation: John Myrdhin Reynolds)
In the expanse of spontaneous presence (lhun grub),
The Precious Treasury of the Natural State (Ngalso Korsum)
There is nothing to strive for, nothing to abandon.
The nature of mind is naturally perfect—
Free from causes, conditions, and conceptual elaboration.
All phenomena arise effortlessly as its radiant display,
Like reflections appearing in a clear, unclouded mirror.
Longchenpa
(Translation: Richard Barron)
The ground of all is spontaneously present (lhun grub),
The Tantra of the Blazing Lamp of the Sun (Nyima Özer)
Arising effortlessly, like sunlight spreading across the sky.
It is uncreated, beyond fabrication,
And free from striving or conceptual elaboration.
All appearances, pure or impure, are its natural display,
Dissolving back into the ground without altering its essence.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
The natural perfection (lhun grub) of the ground is complete from the very beginning.
Yeshe Lama
It is not something to be created, achieved, or developed through effort.
All thoughts, emotions, and perceptions arise as its spontaneous radiance,
Like clouds forming and dissolving in the vast, unchanging sky.
Recognizing this nature liberates all appearances as they arise,
And one rests effortlessly in the state of primordial awareness.
Jigme Lingpa
(Translation: Tulku Thondup)
The spontaneous presence (lhun grub) of the ground is the nature of all phenomena.
The Treasury of the Dharmadhatu (Chöying Dzöd)
It is not created or dependent on causes and conditions.
Like space, it is unchanging and boundless,
And like the sun, it radiates its natural light without effort.
All appearances arise as its self-display,
Dissolving naturally, without leaving a trace.
Longchenpa
(Translation: Richard Barron)
Awareness arises spontaneously, like the sun shining in an open sky.
The Natural Liberation through Naked Awareness (Rigpa Rangdrol)
It is free from effort, unchanging, and naturally perfected (lhun grub).
All phenomena, whether pleasant or unpleasant,
Are the display of this awareness, inseparable from the ground.
Recognizing this is liberation,
Where everything arises and dissolves without obstruction.
Padmasambhava
(Translation: Alan Wallace)
The ground is naturally perfect (lhun grub), unchanging and self-arising.
Guhyagarbha Tantra (The Secret Essence)
All phenomena are its spontaneous play, free from effort or intention.
Like reflections in a mirror, they arise without altering the mirror itself.
To rest in this understanding is to transcend duality
And abide in the effortless expanse of the Great Perfection.
(Translation: Based on Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary)
All appearances arise as spontaneous presence,
The Self-Arisen Vidyā Tantra (Rigpa Rangshar)
Effortlessly manifesting as the display of the ground.
They are not created, nor are they dependent upon causes and conditions.
Like rainbows appearing in the sky,
They neither come nor go, but are naturally perfected.
To rest in this state is to realize the essence of the Great Perfection.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
Natural perfection (lhun grub) is beyond effort and striving.
The Lamp That Reveals the Key Points
It is uncreated, timeless, and free from conceptual elaboration.
All thoughts, emotions, and perceptions arise naturally as its display,
Like waves on the ocean, inseparable from the water itself.
To recognize this is to abide in the natural state of spontaneous presence,
Where all phenomena are liberated as they arise.
Düdjom Lingpa
(Translation: Alan Wallace)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is the primordial nature of the ground.
Dra Talgyur Tantra (Root Dzogchen Tantra)
It arises effortlessly, without reliance on causes or conditions.
All phenomena, whether pure or impure,
Are the natural radiance of the ground’s self-arising awareness.
To recognize this is to rest in the expanse of the Great Perfection,
Where nothing needs to be cultivated, rejected, or transformed.
(Translation: Based on commentaries of Vimalamitra and Longchenpa)
Natural perfection (lhun grub) is the inherent nature of your mind—
The Heart of Compassion
Uncreated, unchanging, and beyond all effort or striving.
Everything that arises—thoughts, emotions, perceptions—
Is the spontaneous play of this perfection,
Like waves on the surface of a vast, still ocean.
To recognize this is to realize the ground of being itself,
Where all phenomena are self-liberated as they arise.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
(translated by Matthieu Ricard)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is not something you create through practice.
The Crystal and the Way of Light
It is the natural condition of the base,
Present from the very beginning, perfect and complete.
When you relax completely without effort or modification,
You realize the self-arising state where everything manifests effortlessly,
Like reflections in a mirror or rainbows in the sky,
Without altering the base or creating separation.
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
(translated by John Shane)
The natural state is spontaneously perfect (lhun grub),
Natural Great Perfection
Timeless and beyond all effort or striving.
It is not something you attain; it is your original condition,
Where all appearances are the radiant play of awareness itself.
Like clouds in the vast expanse of sky,
Thoughts and perceptions arise and dissolve without altering this state.
Rest in this recognition, and you will find nothing to abandon or cultivate.
Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche
(translated by Lama Surya Das)
The natural perfection of mind (lhun grub) is like the sky—
As It Is
Unchanging, unconditioned, and free from effort.
All phenomena arise within this space as spontaneous appearances,
Like rainbows in the sky or reflections in a mirror.
To recognize this nature is to rest in the state of self-liberation,
Where everything arises and dissolves effortlessly.
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
(translated by Erik Pema Kunsang)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is the natural perfection of the base—
The Heart Essence of Dzogchen
Unfabricated, unchanging, and free from causes and conditions.
All appearances arise as its self-display,
Like the play of light on a vast, open sky.
To recognize this state is to rest in the effortless expanse of awareness,
Where everything is already complete, perfect, and self-liberated
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche
The nature of mind is spontaneously perfect (lhun grub)—
In Love with the World
Beyond effort, beyond striving, beyond conceptualization.
Thoughts, emotions, and perceptions are not obstacles;
They are natural expressions of this perfection.
By resting in this nature without grasping or rejecting,
You discover the ground of being itself—
The vast, luminous expanse of awareness
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is not a state you create.
Open Heart, Open Mind
It is your fundamental nature, naturally complete and perfect.
All experiences—pleasant or painful, thoughts or perceptions—
Arise and dissolve as the play of this natural perfection,
Like clouds appearing and disappearing in the sky.
To recognize this is to rest in the effortless clarity of the natural state
Tsoknyi Rinpoche
The nature of mind is naturally perfected (lhun grub),
Gates to Buddhist Practice
Complete and unchanging from the very beginning.
All appearances are its spontaneous expression,
Arising effortlessly like ripples on the surface of a pond.
Recognizing this, we see that there is nothing to improve or reject,
For the natural state is already free and complete.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
Bon Dzogchen quotations on the Natural Perfection / Spontaneous Presence (Lhungrub)
Natural perfection (lhun grub) is the self-arising state of the base,
Heart Drops of Dharmakaya
Effortless and free from dualistic elaboration.
All phenomena—forms, thoughts, perceptions—
Are its spontaneous display, inseparable from the base itself.
To recognize this is to abide in the unchanging nature of mind,
Where everything arises and dissolves in its natural state.
Lopön Tenzin Namdak
(translated by Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The state of natural perfection (lhun grub) is not something to be attained—
The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep
It is already complete, unchanging, and timeless.
All thoughts, emotions, and perceptions are its spontaneous expression,
Arising and dissolving without effort, like waves on the ocean.
By recognizing this, you remain in the state of the natural mind,
Where there is no need to reject or alter anything.
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
The natural state (lhun grub) is uncreated, beyond causes and conditions.
The Zhang Zhung Nyen Gyü (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung)
It is naturally perfect, free from striving or effort.
All thoughts, emotions, and perceptions arise as the display of this state,
Like clouds forming in the vast, unchanging sky.
To recognize this is to rest in the nature of mind,
Where all appearances are self-liberated as they arise.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is the nature of the base itself,
The Six Lamps (Drakpa Rangdrol)
Timeless and complete, without reliance on causes or effort.
It is not attained through meditation or practice,
But is already perfect and unchanging from the very beginning.
All appearances arise effortlessly as its display,
Dissolving back into their source without altering the nature of the base.
The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep
(Translation: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The natural perfection of the base is spontaneously present (lhun grub).
The Bon Mother Tantra (Ma Gyü)
Like the vastness of space, it is free from fabrication and effort.
All phenomena, whether pure or impure, arise as its radiant display,
Like reflections in a clear mirror.
By recognizing this nature, all appearances are self-liberated,
And there is no need for striving, rejecting, or cultivating.
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The spontaneous presence (lhun grub) of the base is complete from the very beginning,
The Treasury of the Natural State
Uncreated, unchanging, and free from dualistic extremes.
All thoughts, emotions, and forms arise effortlessly,
Like waves arising on the surface of a boundless ocean.
Resting in this state, there is no need to fabricate or reject anything,
For everything is perfect and complete as it is.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
The natural state of mind (lhun grub) is already perfect and complete.
Heart Drops of Dharmakaya
It does not arise from causes, nor is it created by effort.
Like the sky, it is vast, clear, and unchanging,
And like sunlight, it radiates spontaneously,
Manifesting all experiences without obstruction or alteration.
To recognize this is to realize the self-liberating nature of all appearances.
Lopön Tenzin Namdak
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The natural perfection (lhun grub) of the ground is like an unclouded sky—
The Self-Arising Awareness Tantra
Boundless, clear, and free from conceptual limits.
All appearances, pure or impure, are its spontaneous display,
Arising and dissolving like dreams or rainbows in space.
To recognize this nature is to rest in the state of self-arising awareness,
Free from effort, striving, or modification.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
The nature of mind is spontaneously perfect (lhun grub)—
The Great Bonpo Treasury
Without creation, effort, or reliance on causes.
It is naturally radiant, like the light of the sun,
And unchanging, like the vast expanse of the sky.
All experiences arise effortlessly as its display,
Dissolving back into their source without leaving a trace
(Translation: based on Lopön Tenzin Namdak’s oral commentary)
The nature of the base is spontaneously present (lhun grub),
The Natural State of the Base (The Zhang Zhung Dzogchen instructions)
Complete, unchanging, and uncreated.
It does not arise, nor does it cease; it is beyond effort or striving.
All appearances are its natural expression,
Like reflections in a mirror or waves on the ocean.
Resting in this recognition, one transcends all grasping and fixation.
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The natural perfection of mind (lhun grub) is complete from the very beginning.
The Practice of Dzogchen
It is not something to be cultivated or fabricated,
But is already perfect and timeless, like the vastness of space.
All phenomena arise as its radiant display,
Self-liberating as they arise, like clouds dissolving in the sky.
Recognize this nature, and rest in the uncontrived state of awareness.
Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen
(Translation: John Myrdhin Reynolds)
The natural state (lhun grub) is spontaneously perfected and complete.
The Fourfold Teachings of Bon Dzogchen
It does not depend on effort, practice, or causes and conditions.
All experiences arise as the natural radiance of the base,
Free from duality and conceptual fabrication.
To abide in this state is to rest in the spontaneous presence of awareness itself,
Where nothing is accepted or rejected
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The natural state (lhun grub) is uncreated, beyond causes and conditions.
The Zhang Zhung Nyengyü (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung)
It is naturally perfect, free from striving or effort.
All thoughts, emotions, and perceptions arise as the display of this state,
Like clouds forming in the vast, unchanging sky.
To recognize this is to rest in the nature of mind,
Where all appearances are self-liberated as they arise.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
Spontaneous presence (lhun grub) is the nature of the base itself,
The Six Lamps (Drakpa Rangdrol)
Timeless and complete, without reliance on causes or effort.
It is not attained through meditation or practice,
But is already perfect and unchanging from the very beginning.
All appearances arise effortlessly as its display,
Dissolving back into their source without altering the nature of the base.
(Translation: Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep)
The natural perfection of the base is spontaneously present (lhun grub).
The Bon Mother Tantra (Ma Gyü)
Like the vastness of space, it is free from fabrication and effort.
All phenomena, whether pure or impure, arise as its radiant display,
Like reflections in a clear mirror.
By recognizing this nature, all appearances are self-liberated,
And there is no need for striving, rejecting, or cultivating
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The spontaneous presence (lhun grub) of the base is complete from the very beginning,
The Treasury of the Natural State
Uncreated, unchanging, and free from dualistic extremes.
All thoughts, emotions, and forms arise effortlessly,
Like waves arising on the surface of a boundless ocean.
Resting in this state, there is no need to fabricate or reject anything,
For everything is perfect and complete as it is.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
The natural state of mind (lhun grub) is already perfect and complete.
Heart Drops of Dharmakaya
It does not arise from causes, nor is it created by effort.
Like the sky, it is vast, clear, and unchanging,
And like sunlight, it radiates spontaneously,
Manifesting all experiences without obstruction or alteration.
To recognize this is to realize the self-liberating nature of all appearances.
Lopön Tenzin Namdak
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The natural perfection (lhun grub) of the ground is like an unclouded sky—
The Self-Arising Awareness Tantra
Boundless, clear, and free from conceptual limits.
All appearances, pure or impure, are its spontaneous display,
Arising and dissolving like dreams or rainbows in space.
To recognize this nature is to rest in the state of self-arising awareness,
Free from effort, striving, or modification.
(Translation: John Reynolds)
The nature of mind is spontaneously perfect (lhun grub)—
The Great Bonpo Treasury
Without creation, effort, or reliance on causes.
It is naturally radiant, like the light of the sun,
And unchanging, like the vast expanse of the sky.
All experiences arise effortlessly as its display,
Dissolving back into their source without leaving a trace.
(Translation: based on Lopön Tenzin Namdak’s oral commentary)
The nature of the base is spontaneously present (lhun grub),
The Natural State of the Base (The Zhang Zhung Dzogchen instructions)
Complete, unchanging, and uncreated.
It does not arise, nor does it cease; it is beyond effort or striving.
All appearances are its natural expression,
Like reflections in a mirror or waves on the ocean.
Resting in this recognition, one transcends all grasping and fixation.
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
The natural perfection of mind (lhun grub) is complete from the very beginning.
The Practice of Dzogchen
It is not something to be cultivated or fabricated,
But is already perfect and timeless, like the vastness of space.
All phenomena arise as its radiant display,
Self-liberating as they arise, like clouds dissolving in the sky.
Recognize this nature, and rest in the uncontrived state of awareness.
Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen
(Translation: John Myrdhin Reynolds)
The natural state (lhun grub) is spontaneously perfected and complete.
The Fourfold Teachings of Bon Dzogchen
It does not depend on effort, practice, or causes and conditions.
All experiences arise as the natural radiance of the base,
Free from duality and conceptual fabrication.
To abide in this state is to rest in the spontaneous presence of awareness itself,
Where nothing is accepted or rejected.
(Translation: Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche)
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)?
