From Fantasy to Wisdom: Dissolving Samsara with the Light of Insight
Teaching by The Venerable Wangchen Rinpoche – May 22, 2025 | 25 Nyungne Retreat – Ser Cho Ling
www.sercholing.org
As the 25 Nyungne retreat deepens at Ser Cho Ling, The Venerable Wangchen Rinpoche offered a luminous discourse on the nature of reality, the necessity of wisdom, and the subtle depths of visualization and aspiration. With characteristic humor, compassion, and clarity, Rinpoche guided retreatants through the layers of appearance, delusion, and the liberating power of correct understanding.
Seeing Samsara for What It Is: A Fantasy Truth
Rinpoche began by reflecting on the end of a daily session, reminding us that what arises—sound, form, sensation—also dissolves. In the Resolve to Practice Excellence, we are urged to view all appearances as a “fantasy matrix.” This isn’t mere poetry—it’s a direct pointer to the nature of relative truth.
“Correct terminology,” Rinpoche said, “is not ‘relative truth’ or ‘conventional truth.’ It’s fantasy truth.”
He explained that what we take to be solid and real is, from the ultimate perspective, an appearance with no inherent substance. Even miracles—like those performed by Milarepa—only appear miraculous to those who are still caught in fantasy. For realized beings, such manifestations are natural expressions of truth.
The Rope and the Snake: The Power of Wisdom
Rinpoche then returned to the classic Buddhist analogy: mistaking a rope for a snake in the dark. No amount of belief, blind hope, or prayer removes the fear—only wisdom, the light of clear seeing, does that.
“You must bring light into the cave. Only then does the fear dissolve.”
This, he said, is why we need wisdom—not just faith. Wisdom is the light that reveals things as they are. Without it, we remain trapped in insecurity and fundamental ignorance, mistaking what is empty for something dangerous and real.
Opening the Third Eye: The Role of Discipline and Preparation
Rinpoche touched on the third eye, equating it with the awakening of wisdom vision. He acknowledged modern interpretations of the pineal gland and shared insights from Vajrayana yoga practices like Tummo. While such practices can open deep channels and energies, he cautioned that they must be approached with proper preparation—grounded in refuge, bodhicitta, and stable ethical discipline.
“Without the proper foundation,” he warned, “you risk opening spirit channels or even mental imbalance.”
Correctly done, these yogic techniques awaken extraordinary clarity. But the safest and most reliable path, he emphasized, is steady Dharma practice supported by qualified instruction.
Understanding Fantasy as Fantasy
In a moment of exchange, a student asked whether recognizing fantasy as fantasy is part of realizing ultimate reality. Rinpoche confirmed:
“Yes. You must see things exactly as they are—no exaggeration, no minimization. Just as it is.”
To label what is not fantasy as fantasy would be incorrect. But to see samsara as a constructed, interdependent illusion is a vital stage in transcending it.
Wrathful Compassion and the 11 Faces of Chenrezig
A question arose about the visual symbolism of Chenrezig’s eleven faces, particularly the wrathful form. Rinpoche explained that wrathful compassion arises when peaceful means no longer suffice.
“Chenrezig’s wrath is born from deep compassion—like a mother grabbing her child from the edge of a cliff. Sometimes, strong action is needed to prevent harm.”
These wrathful forms are not anger as we know it, but fierce love manifesting as protectiveness and urgency.
Bodhisattvas and the Frustration of Samsara
Rinpoche shared stories of bodhisattvas almost losing heart—feeling overwhelmed by the endless suffering and ingratitude of sentient beings. But, again and again, through the appearance of a teacher or sudden insight, they regain their vow.
“You cannot satisfy all beings. But with perseverance, you rise stronger.”
He emphasized that even great bodhisattvas face discouragement—and that aspiring to be like them is itself a powerful practice.
The Three Wisdoms
Rinpoche reminded us of the traditional threefold approach to Dharma understanding:
Wisdom from Listening (śrutamayī-prajñā)
Wisdom from Contemplation (cintāmayī-prajñā)
Wisdom from Meditation (bhāvanāmayī-prajñā)
These must develop progressively, each one refining and deepening the last, eventually leading to unshakable clarity.
Visualization Practice and Devotion
In closing, Rinpoche addressed questions about visualization—particularly in palace practice. While creativity and imagination have their place, he emphasized the importance of following the text and lineage instructions precisely during formal practice. Visualization, he said, should be clear, luminous, and structured, like a glass mandala filled with the light of realization.
As always, The Venerable Wangchen Rinpoche offered more than just information—he offered a living transmission of Dharma wisdom. His teachings, filled with insight and warmth, serve as both a guide and a mirror, helping us see the dream for what it is, and gently nudging us toward the light of awakening.
May we all, through wisdom, see clearly—and through compassion, act courageously.
🙏
For more teachings and retreat opportunities, visit www.sercholing.org
