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Let us continue with “An Illusory Symphony,” by the Venerated Master Mipham Rinpoche, which details a debate between the waking and dreaming states and concludes that both are similar, as we live in an illusory world. An Illusory Symphony A Song of Debate Between Waking and Dream States “Having thus spoken, Supreme Wisdom bound Awake with the rope of mindfulness and handed it to Dreaming, saying, ‘You two should not argue. Coexist harmoniously. If you are in conflict, it will bring the demon of calamity to the three-thousandfold universe; whereas if you are harmonious, you will serve as guides throughout the three times. If you understand this, both of you will reap the benefits.’ From then onward, both Awake and Dreaming understood that there was no difference between them, no one versus another. Treating everything that is seen and everything that is encountered equally, their dispute was resolved, and their perceptions became the same. Together, Awake and Dreaming sang this slightly convoluted and nonsensical, improvised song: To those who say we are dissimilar and different: You are mistaken! We are similar and the same. As few speak of this likeness, even fewer actually understand it. If during the day, you know the waking state to be similar and equal [to a dream], And if during the night, you do not mistake the dream to be a dream, It will serve a very important purpose. Those who are confused about it perceive [waking and dreaming] as distinct and alternating. If one examines this carefully through the oral instructions of the King of Illusions and does not merely pay lip service to the words, Then from the joyful friendship between us, They can taste the sweetness of nectar without eating it, Enjoy intoxicating playfulness without drinking, And watch an amazing performance without preparations. There is no key point of greater significance. So everyone, keep this in your heart. Then, both the waking and dream state became one. This oneness, moreover, merged with space. […]” Next, we would like to present “The Four Dharma Traditions of the Land of Tibet,” which focuses on the beauty and oneness of the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The Four Dharma Traditions of the Land of Tibet
