Purification, perfection, and maturation

Purification, perfection and maturation (Tib. དག་རྫོགས་སྨིན་གསུམ་, dak dzok min sum, Wyl. dag rdzogs smin gsum) –

As taught in the inner tantras, it is generally considered essential to have all three of these factors present when engaging in the tantric practice of the development stage. By meditating in accordance with the processes of the birth, death, and the intermediate state (which comprise cyclic existence)—the four types of birth and so on—all clinging and appearances related to the three levels of existence are refined away and purified.

By meditating on the pure realms, deities, and so forth (which accord with nirvana), the qualities of the fruition, such as the three kayas are perfected in the ground, and the unique potential that allows for these qualities to be actualized comes into existence.

In the same manner, penetrating the vital point of both purity and perfection (or, said differently, of the channels, energies, and essences in the vajra body), one is matured for the symbolic wisdom and true luminosity of the completion stage.

In terms of the Mahayana, by adopting the attitude of bodhichitta, which is the cause, one develops to the full, on the path of the ten paramitas, the three qualities of purification, perfection, and maturing activity. By this means, the fruit is gained, the union of the two kayas, namely Buddhahood. Purification consists in the ability to perceive the purity of everything (the impure world as a buddha field), perfection means to bring to perfection one’s aspirations, and maturing activity refers to the ability to bring one’s disciples to realisation.