obvious objection: What reason would there be to purify it? The radi-
ant citta, on the other hand, can be purified because its radiance is
nothing other than the essential, true nature of avijjã. Meditators will
realize this truth clearly for themselves at the moment when the citta
transcends this radiance to reach Absolute Freedom (vimutti). Then,
the radiance will no longer appear in the citta. At this very point, one
realizes the supreme truth about the citta.Once the citta has become so well-cleansed that it is always bright
and clear, then when we are in a quiet place, surrounded by complete
silence – as in the still of the night – even though the citta has not
‘converged’ in samãdhi, the focal point of its awareness is so exceed-
ingly delicate and refined as to be indescribable. This subtle awareness
manifests as a radiance that extends forth in all directions around us.
We are unconscious of sights, sounds, odors, tastes, and tactile sensa-
tions, despite the fact that the citta has not entered samãdhi. Instead,
it is actually experiencing its own firm foundation, the very basis of
the citta that has been well-cleansed to the point where a mesmeriz-
ing, majestic quality of knowing is its most prominent feature.
Seeming to exist independent of the physical body, this kind
of extremely refined awareness stands out exclusively within the citta.
Due to the subtle and pronounced nature of the citta at this stage,
its knowing nature completely predominates. No images or visions
appear there at all. It is an awareness that stands out exclusively on
its own. This is one aspect of the citta.
Another aspect is seen when this well-cleansed citta enters med-
itative calm, not thinking or imagining anything. Ceasing all activ-
ity, all movement, it simply rests for awhile. All thought and imagi-
nation within the citta come to a complete halt. This is called “the
citta entering a state of total calm.” Then, the citta’s essential know-
ing nature is all that remains. Except for this very refined awareness