2. Regard all dharmas as dreams.

This slogan, the first of the five absolute bodhicitta slogans, invites us to begin to experience the open, spacious quality of the mind. The word “dharmas” means our mental and physical experiences. We are encouraged to notice this paradox: despite being vivid and clear and seemingly solid, when we begin to investigate our experiences they develop a dreamlike quality.

I have noticed this phenomenon more and more often in recent years. Sometimes when I’m experiencing something unpleasant I remember, “aha, before long this too will seem like a dream.” This can help me recognize when I’m taking myself too seriously and to let go of the sense of “big deal.”

Original Presentation || Commentary References

Point II | Slogan 2 || CTR 17 | PC 12