Nagarjuna Describes Going
Through Bhumis
From Dharmadhātustava by Nagarjuna
Just as a lamp that’s sitting in a vase
Does not illuminate at all,
While dwelling in the vase of the afflictions,
The dharmadhātu is not seen.
From whichever of its sides
You punch some holes into this vase,
From just these various places then,
Its light rays will beam forth.
Once the vajra of samādhi
Has completely smashed this vase,
To the very limits of all space,
It will shine just everywhere.
. . .
Just as when the waxing moon
Is seen more in every moment,
Those who’ve entered on the bhūmis,
See its increase step by step.
On the fifteenth day of waxing,
Eventually, the moon is full.
Just so, when the bhūmis’ end is reached,
The dharmakāya’s full and clear.
