Text 17.2 (Commentary)

[Guhyagarbha-Tantra, Text section 17.2]

The blazing maṇḍala with its four spokes
Is adorned with four corners,
Endowed with quadrangular shape and four embrasured gates.
It is beautified by two blazing courtyards, [2]

[Tibetan]

'bar-ba'i dkyil-'khor rtsibs bzhi-pa /
gru-chad bzhi-yis rnam-par brgyan /
gru-bzhi sgo-khyud bzhi-dang ldan /
'bar-ba'i bar-'khyams gnyis-kyis mdzes / [2]

Commentary:

[The second subdivision comprises both the supporting celestial palace and the supported maṇḍala of deities.]

[The former has three aspects:]

[i. As for the actual celestial palace (which comments on Ch. 17.2):]

As a symbol of the nature of the five enlightened families, the ground below the palace comprises a circular maṇḍala with its four spokes (dkyil-'khor rtsibs-bzhi-pa) in the form of a central axis and perimeter. The palace Itself is an expanse of blazing ('bar-ba'i) fire, (confined) neither inside nor outside, which is indicative of the five pristine cognitions. It is adorned with four corners (gru-chad bzhi-yis rnam-par brgyan) to symbolise the four immeasurables and the four truths. in addition, the celestial palace of pristine cognition is endowed with (dang-ldan) quadrangular shape (gru-bzhi) to indicate that it is extensive in enlightened attributes, and four embrasured gates (sgo-khyud bzhi) to symbolise the four approaches to liberation. In its centre, to Indicate the five Buddha-bodies, it is beautified by a four-spoked circle and four rightangles. As such, it is beautified (mdzes) by tiered pediments representing the eight approaches to liberation, and by two (gnyis-kyis) courtyards (bar-'khyams) of blazing ('bar-ba'i) pristine cognition, outer and inner, to symbolise the meaning of the two truths; and it is raised high upon great walls of skulls.

[ii. As for the ornaments with which it is adorned (commenting on Ch. 17.3):]

[Read next page]