Mahamudra

Mahamudra (Great Seal) is the pinnacle teaching of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It points directly to the nature of mind as empty, luminous awareness—always present, never tainted by whatever appears within it.

The practice involves looking directly at the mind itself. When thoughts arise, instead of following them or suppressing them, you look at their very essence. What is a thought made of? Where does it come from? Where does it go? This investigation reveals that thoughts are empty—transparent appearances in the vast space of awareness.

Mahamudra teaches that ordinary mind (sem) and the nature of mind (semnyi) are not different—like water and its wetness. By recognizing this, the practitioner discovers that enlightenment is not something to attain but the natural state to recognize.

Sit in meditation and let the mind settle. When thoughts arise, look directly at them—not at their content but at their nature. What are they made of? Where do they arise from and dissolve into? Notice that thoughts are transparent, empty, and inseparable from awareness itself. Rest in this recognition.

The main obstacle is looking for something special instead of recognizing what is already present. Another is conceptualizing about emptiness rather than directly seeing it. Mahamudra also traditionally requires empowerment and guidance from a qualified teacher.