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Nine Stages of Mental Development, Vajrayana Buddhism

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the nine stages of mental development are vividly illustrated in a thangka painting that serves as both a teaching tool and a metaphorical map of the meditative journey.

The central figures—a monk, an elephant, a monkey, and occasionally a rabbit—represent different aspects of the mind and its challenges. The monk symbolizes the meditator, the elephant stands for the mind itself, the monkey represents distraction, and the rabbit embodies subtle dullness. At the beginning of the path, the elephant is wild and black, led astray by the monkey, showing how the untamed mind is dominated by sensory distractions and mental agitation.

As the monk progresses along the path, he uses a rope (mindfulness) and a hook (alertness) to gradually gain control over the elephant. The flame that appears along the path represents the effort required to maintain concentration—it diminishes as the meditator becomes more adept. Through each stage, the elephant and monkey begin to lighten in color, symbolizing increasing clarity and control. The rabbit appears briefly to indicate subtle mental fogginess, which is eventually overcome. By the fifth and sixth stages, the monk leads the elephant, and the monkey follows behind, showing that the mind is becoming more obedient and distractions are waning.

In the final stages, the elephant turns completely white and follows the monk without resistance. The monkey disappears, and the meditator achieves single-pointed concentration. At the ninth stage, the monk sits in serene meditation while the elephant rests nearby, indicating that the mind is fully pacified and concentration is effortless.

Above this scene, the monk is often depicted flying or riding the elephant across a rainbow, wielding a flaming sword—symbols of mental bliss and insight. This triumphant image represents the union of calm-abiding (shamatha) and higher insight (vipashyana), which uproots samsaric confusion and leads to awakening.

This symbolic journey isn’t just a pretty picture—it’s a profound roadmap for anyone seeking to tame the mind. The stages emphasize the importance of perseverance, mindfulness, and introspection. And while the elephant may start off unruly, the message is clear: with consistent practice, even the wildest mind can be transformed into a powerful ally on the path to enlightenment.

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  1. Stabilize the mind in the power of listening
  2. Continuous stabilization
  3. Re-stabilization
  4. Maintain stabilization
  5. Discipline
  6. Pacification
  7. Complete pacification
  8. Concentration focused on one point
  9. Mental equanimity
  1. Power of contemplation
  2. Power of attention
  3. Power of vigilance
  4. Power of enthusiasm
  5. Power of familiarity
  1. Attention
  2. Vigilance
  3. Mental laxity (The black color of the elephant)
  4. The mind
  5. The intensity of the fire represents the force necessary to apply vigilance and attention
  6. Dispersal
  7. Agitation (The black color of the monkey)
  8. The six curves of the path represent the six powers
  9. Objects from the world of desire that distract and excite the mind
  10. Development of clarity and stability
  11. Recognition of the slightest presence of subtle and gross mental laxity
  12. Subtle mental laxity
  13. Attention being refocused on the object after the presence of distraction has been detected
  14. The intensity of the agitation decreases
  15. By the power of vigilance, the mind is firmly stabilized in concentration
  16. With minimal attention and vigilance the mind remains in concentration
  17. Physical flexibility
  18. Mental flexibility
  19. Achievement of permanent calm
  20. Attention and vigilance actively seek vision
  21. The union of permanent calm and the special understanding that takes emptiness as its object cuts through the roots of the World

Relief painting depicting the nine stages of mental development at Tharpa Choling Monastery in Kalimpong, West Bengal
The relief painting depicting the nine stages of mental development at Tharpa Choling Monastery in Kalimpong, West Bengal, is a vivid and symbolic representation of the meditative journey in Vajrayana Buddhism.

  • This artwork, often found in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, illustrates a monk pursuing a progressively transforming elephant—initially black, symbolizing the untamed mind, and gradually turning white as it becomes purified through disciplined practice. The monk is accompanied by a monkey and a rabbit, representing distraction and subtle dullness, respectively, which also undergo transformation as the stages progress.
  • Each stage in the painting corresponds to a specific level of mental refinement achieved through shamatha (calm abiding) meditation. The monk’s tools—such as a rope and goad—symbolize mindfulness and introspective awareness, which he uses to guide the elephant. As the monk advances, the path becomes more vibrant and the obstacles fewer, culminating in the final stages where the elephant is fully tamed and the monk rides it with ease. This visual metaphor captures the essence of inner mastery: the gradual but profound transformation of consciousness through sustained effort.
  • The final stage, often referred to as “Returning with the Sword of Wisdom,” is particularly striking. Here, the monk rides the now fully white elephant back along the rainbow path, wielding the sword that cuts through ignorance. This stage signifies the union of shamatha and vipashyana (insight meditation), with emptiness as the object of contemplation. The meditator, having realized the nature of mind and phenomena, returns not to retreat from the world but to engage it with compassion and clarity—embodying the Bodhisattva ideal.
  • Tharpa Choling Monastery, founded in 1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, is a Gelugpa institution known for preserving Tibetan Buddhist art and teachings. While specific details about the relief painting’s origin or artist are scarce, its presence in the monastery underscores its role as a teaching tool and spiritual inspiration. Visitors to the monastery can witness this profound visual narrative and reflect on their own journey toward mental clarity and awakening.

First stage: Stabilize the mind in the power of listening
The first stage of mental development in the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—“Stabilize the mind in the power of listening”—marks the very beginning of the meditator’s path toward taming the mind.

  • This stage is depicted in the iconic thangka as a monk frantically running after a black monkey and a black elephant, wielding a hook in his right hand and a rope in his left. These symbols are far from decorative; they encapsulate the two essential tools for meditation: alertness and mindfulness. At this stage, the mind is untamed, easily distracted, and prone to dullness—the monkey and elephant are both completely black to indicate this lack of mental clarity.
  • The act of chasing highlights the chaotic state of the beginner's mind, which is dominated by constant agitation and confusion. The monkey (distraction) leads the elephant (mental dullness), showing that without discipline, our attention is pulled away by sense objects, impulses, and inner chatter. The monk’s efforts to catch up represent the practitioner’s initial attempts at establishing mindfulness through the practice of listening—often to teachings or the breath. This stage calls for great determination and persistence, as the meditator struggles to engage even briefly with the present moment.
  • The symbolism of color plays a crucial role here. The black elephant implies a total absence of focus, while the black monkey shows overwhelming mental restlessness. Listening becomes a powerful entry point to self-awareness: it's not passive hearing but an active training that roots the meditator’s awareness in the here and now. Listening to Dharma teachings or subtle internal sounds can become a means of redirecting scattered attention, tightening the "rope" of mindfulness and readying the "hook" of alertness.
  • Although the monk is not yet able to control or restrain the elephant and monkey, his resolve sets the stage for progress. The scene reminds us that the journey begins not with mastery but with sincere effort. And in this chase—chaotic, frustrating, and sometimes humbling—the seeds of concentration and wisdom are planted. The mind may be a lumbering beast and distraction a mischievous imp, but with attentive listening, the chase becomes meaningful—and the path to mental transformation begins.

Second stage: Continuous stabilization
In the second stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Continuous Stabilization—the meditator begins to experience a subtle but meaningful shift in mental control.

  • The monk still chases the monkey and elephant, but the symbolism evolves: the hook of vigilance now leads, while the rope of mindfulness trails behind. This reversal suggests that alertness is becoming more proactive, guiding the practice, while mindfulness, though still essential, follows as a stabilizing force. The monk’s pursuit is less frantic than in the first stage, indicating that the mind is beginning to respond to training, even if it remains unruly.
  • The partial fading of black from both the monkey and the elephant is a powerful visual metaphor. The monkey, now black only from the head down, reflects a reduction in distraction—agitation still arises, but it no longer dominates the entire mental field. Similarly, the elephant’s fading blackness from the top of its head down shows that mental dullness is beginning to lift, and clarity is emerging. The meditator is no longer completely at the mercy of wandering thoughts or sluggish awareness. There’s a growing sense of presence, even if it’s fragile and easily disrupted.
  • This stage is marked by the mind’s vulnerability to objects of desire—sensory temptations, emotional triggers, and worldly fascinations that excite and destabilize concentration. Yet, these distractions are no longer overwhelming; the meditator can recognize them and begin to work with them. The flame along the path, symbolizing effort, still burns brightly, but the monk’s posture and tools suggest a more skillful engagement. The practitioner is learning to anticipate mental movement and respond with greater precision.
  • Ultimately, Continuous Stabilization is a stage of cautious optimism. The mind is still wild, but it’s beginning to show signs of cooperation. The monk’s tools—vigilance and mindfulness—are no longer just reactive; they’re becoming instruments of transformation. This phase teaches that progress in meditation isn’t about suppressing the mind, but about learning its rhythms and gently guiding it toward stillness. The chase continues, but now there’s a rhythm to the pursuit—and a glimpse of the calm that lies ahead.

Third stage: Re-stabilization
In the third stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Re-stabilization—the meditator begins to gain a more tangible grip on the mind.

  • The monk now holds the rope tied around the elephant’s neck, symbolizing that mindfulness has established a direct connection with the previously untamed mind. The hook of vigilance rests on his shoulder, indicating that alertness is still present but no longer needs to be actively brandished—it’s becoming second nature. This shift marks a subtle but important evolution: the practitioner is no longer chasing blindly but is beginning to guide the mind with increasing confidence.
  • The elephant and monkey, while still partially black, show signs of transformation. The fading blackness from their heads suggests that mental dullness and distraction are losing their grip on the core of awareness. The monk continues to pursue the monkey, which still represents residual agitation, but the chase is more measured. The appearance of the black rabbit atop the elephant introduces a new challenge: subtle mental laxity. Unlike gross dullness, this is a quiet, almost imperceptible fog that can creep in even when concentration seems stable. It’s the kind of mental drift that feels like clarity but lacks sharpness.
  • This stage is pivotal because the meditator begins to recognize even the faintest signs of distraction or dullness. The ability to detect and respond to these subtle shifts marks a deepening of introspective awareness. When distraction arises, the practitioner doesn’t panic or lose the thread—instead, they gently refocus attention on the object of meditation. This responsiveness reflects a growing maturity in practice: the mind is still imperfect, but the meditator is learning to work with its fluctuations skillfully.
  • Re-stabilization is a dance between vigilance and ease. The monk’s posture and tools suggest that while effort is still required, it’s becoming more refined. The practitioner is no longer just reacting—they’re beginning to anticipate and adjust. This stage teaches that true progress in meditation isn’t about brute force but about cultivating a sensitive, responsive relationship with the mind. The elephant may still lumber and the monkey may still dart, but the monk is no longer chasing blindly—he’s beginning to lead.

Fourth stage: Maintain stabilization
In the fourth stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Maintain Stabilization—the meditator’s progress becomes more evident and steady.

  • The monk no longer runs but walks calmly behind the monkey, elephant, and rabbit, signaling a shift from reactive effort to sustained, deliberate practice. The rope of mindfulness remains securely tied to the elephant’s neck, showing that the mind is now consistently tethered to the object of meditation. The hook of vigilance, held in the left hand, is still present but no longer aggressively wielded—alertness has matured into a quiet, watchful presence.
  • The partial whitening of the monkey, elephant, and rabbit reflects a growing purification of the mind. The monkey’s white head, neck, and arms suggest that distraction is losing its grip on the core faculties of perception and intention, though it still lingers in deeper layers. The elephant’s whitening indicates that gross mental dullness is receding, especially in the areas of awareness and motivation. The rabbit, representing subtle mental laxity, also shows signs of transformation—its front half is white, suggesting that even the most elusive forms of dullness are being recognized and addressed.
  • This stage is characterized by the meditator’s ability to detect distraction and gently refocus attention without losing composure. The flame of effort continues to burn, but it’s smaller now, reflecting a more refined and sustainable energy. The monk’s posture and pace convey a sense of confidence and stability—he’s no longer chasing the mind but walking alongside it, guiding it with skill and patience. The presence of the rabbit atop the elephant reminds the practitioner to remain vigilant for subtle lapses that can masquerade as clarity.
  • Maintain Stabilization is a turning point where the meditator begins to experience the fruits of consistent practice. The mind is no longer a wild beast—it’s becoming a companion. Distractions still arise, but they’re met with awareness rather than frustration. This stage teaches that true mastery isn’t about eliminating mental movement, but about cultivating a relationship with it—one rooted in mindfulness, vigilance, and compassion. The monk walks on, not to conquer the mind, but to walk with it toward awakening.

Fifth stage: Discipline
In the fifth stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Discipline—the meditator reaches a significant milestone in the journey of mental transformation.

  • The monk now walks ahead of the elephant and rabbit, a powerful symbol that mindfulness and alertness are no longer chasing the mind, but leading it. The hook of vigilance is raised above the elephant’s head, ready to intervene if necessary, while the rope of mindfulness remains securely attached to the elephant’s neck, held confidently in the monk’s left hand. This posture reflects a growing mastery: the mind is largely under control, and the meditator is no longer reacting to distraction but proactively guiding awareness.
  • The monkey, now white from the waist up, represents a substantial reduction in agitation and sensory distraction. It follows behind the elephant, indicating that distraction no longer leads the mind—it still exists, but its influence is waning. The elephant, similarly white from the waist up, shows that gross mental dullness has been largely overcome. The rabbit, perched atop the elephant and also half-white, continues to represent subtle mental laxity, which remains but is now clearly recognized and monitored. The monk’s position ahead of these figures suggests that the practitioner is now capable of anticipating and managing even the most nuanced fluctuations in awareness.
  • This stage is defined by the firm stabilization of concentration. The meditator’s vigilance has matured into a steady, watchful presence that doesn’t need to be constantly activated—it hovers above the mind like a guardian. Attention is no longer sporadic or strained; it flows with consistency, tethering the mind to the object of meditation with ease. The flame of effort, often depicted along the path, begins to shrink, reflecting that less exertion is needed to maintain focus. The mind is becoming a disciplined companion rather than a rebellious force.
  • Discipline is a stage of quiet triumph. The monk’s tools are no longer symbols of struggle—they’re instruments of refinement. The mind, once wild and scattered, now moves with the meditator, not against him. This phase teaches that true discipline isn’t rigid control but graceful alignment—a harmony between awareness and intention. The elephant may still carry traces of dullness, and the monkey may still twitch with distraction, but the monk walks ahead, calm and prepared, leading the way toward deeper stillness.

Sixth stage: Pacification
In the sixth stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Pacification—the meditator enters a phase of profound inner quietude.

  • The monk now walks confidently ahead of the elephant, symbolizing that mindfulness and alertness are fully in control, no longer needing to monitor the mind’s behavior moment by moment. The hook of vigilance, still in the monk’s right hand, now points forward toward the path, indicating that the meditator’s awareness is directed toward the future and the unfolding journey, rather than constantly correcting the mind. The rope of attention remains securely fastened to the elephant’s neck, held in the left hand, showing that mindfulness continues to guide the mind with gentle steadiness.
  • The disappearance of the rabbit marks a subtle but important shift: subtle mental laxity has been overcome. The elephant, now black only on its hind legs, reflects that gross mental dullness is nearly extinguished, with only residual traces remaining. Similarly, the monkey—black only on its legs and feet—shows that distraction and sensory agitation have been reduced to a minimal level. These symbolic color changes suggest that the mind is no longer dominated by these forces; they linger only in the background, like faint echoes of past habits.
  • This stage is called Pacification because the mind has become calm, pliable, and responsive. The meditator no longer struggles to maintain focus; instead, concentration arises naturally and effortlessly. The flame of effort, often depicted along the path in traditional illustrations, continues to shrink, signifying that less exertion is needed to sustain meditative absorption. The monk’s posture and tools now represent refinement rather than restraint—he is guiding the mind with foresight and grace, not force.
  • Pacification is a turning point. The meditator has not only subdued the wildness of the mind but has begun to cultivate a deep serenity that permeates the entire practice. The elephant follows willingly, the monkey no longer leads, and the rabbit has vanished. The path ahead is clearer, and the monk walks it with quiet confidence. This stage teaches that true peace is not the absence of thought, but the presence of unwavering awareness.

Seventh stage: Complete pacification
In the seventh stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Complete Pacification—the imagery shifts dramatically to reflect a deep internal transformation.

  • The elephant, once a symbol of the untamed and sluggish mind, now walks the path alone, with only faint traces of black on its hind feet and tail. This indicates that mental laxity has been almost entirely subdued, leaving behind only the most subtle remnants. The monk no longer holds the hook or rope, signifying that vigilance and mindfulness have become intrinsic—no longer tools to control the mind, but qualities that have been fully integrated into the meditator’s being.
  • The monk’s position behind the elephant marks a reversal from earlier stages. Rather than leading or restraining the mind, the meditator now follows it with trust and ease. This reflects a profound shift: the mind has become a reliable companion, capable of maintaining concentration without external intervention. The monkey, representing distraction, kneels with folded hands before the monk, black only on its feet. This posture of reverence and surrender suggests that agitation has been humbled, its influence reduced to a mere whisper at the edges of awareness.
  • This stage is called Complete Pacification because the mind is no longer a battleground—it is a sanctuary. The meditator’s relationship with thought and sensation is no longer adversarial; instead, there is a fluid harmony between awareness and experience. The absence of the hook and rope doesn’t imply neglect—it reveals mastery. The monk’s presence is calm and watchful, not because he must intervene, but because he has cultivated a mind that walks the path with clarity and grace.
  • Complete Pacification is a celebration of inner peace. It teaches that true mastery is not about control, but about liberation through understanding. The elephant walks freely, the monkey bows, and the monk follows—not out of passivity, but out of profound confidence in the mind’s awakened nature. This stage marks the beginning of effortless meditation, where concentration is sustained not by force, but by the natural alignment of intention and awareness.

Eighth stage: Concentration focused on one point
In the eighth stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Concentration Focused on One Point—the meditator reaches a state of profound mental mastery.

  • The monk now walks ahead of the elephant, pointing the way with his right arm, a gesture that signifies confident leadership and unwavering direction. The elephant, now completely white, follows obediently, representing a mind that is fully purified, stable, and responsive. The disappearance of the monkey marks the complete cessation of distraction and agitation. There is no longer a need to chase or restrain the mind—it moves in harmony with the meditator’s intention.
  • This stage is characterized by effortless concentration. Unlike earlier phases where mindfulness and vigilance had to be actively maintained, here they are so deeply internalized that only minimal attention is required to sustain focus. The mind remains naturally and continuously absorbed in the object of meditation. The flame of effort, once prominent in earlier depictions, is now either absent or barely visible, reflecting the ease with which the meditator maintains single-pointed awareness.
  • Symbolically, this stage reveals the culmination of years of disciplined practice. The elephant’s pure white form shows that both gross and subtle mental dullness have been completely eradicated. The monk’s forward-pointing gesture is not just directional—it’s visionary. It suggests that the meditator is no longer bound by reactive patterns but is actively shaping the path ahead with clarity and purpose. The absence of the monkey implies that sensory distractions no longer arise, even subtly.
  • Concentration Focused on One Point is a serene triumph. It teaches that true mental discipline doesn’t end in suppression—it blossoms into freedom through precision. The mind, once a wild force, now moves with grace and intention. The meditator leads not by force, but by presence. This stage is the gateway to the final transformation, where concentration merges with insight, and the path opens into the vast expanse of awakening.

Ninth stage: Mental equanimity
In the ninth stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Mental Equanimity—the meditator enters a state of sublime balance and effortless awareness.

  • The monk is now seated in the lotus posture, hands resting in the dhyana mudra, symbolizing deep meditative absorption. The elephant, once wild and unruly, now lies peacefully beside him, completely white and at rest. This image reflects the culmination of the journey: the mind has been fully tamed, purified, and integrated. No longer needing guidance or restraint, it rests naturally in harmony with the meditator’s intention.
  • This stage is marked by complete freedom from distraction and dullness. The meditator no longer needs to exert effort to maintain focus; concentration arises spontaneously and is sustained without vigilance. The flame of effort, which flickered throughout earlier stages, has vanished entirely. The monkey—symbol of mental agitation—has long disappeared, and even the rope and hook used to control the elephant are gone. These absences signify that the mind no longer requires external tools or internal discipline to remain in meditative equipoise.
  • From the monk’s heart, a radiant rainbow arcs outward, symbolizing the transition into mental bliss and transcendence. This rainbow is not merely decorative—it represents the gateway to three higher, non-conceptual states beyond the traditional nine stages. These are realms of profound joy, clarity, and insight, where the meditator begins to merge with the vast, luminous nature of mind itself. The rainbow’s emergence from the heart suggests that this transcendence is born from compassion and inner purity, not from force or technique.
  • Mental Equanimity is not a static endpoint—it’s a launchpad into awakened awareness. The monk’s serene posture and the elephant’s repose embody the unity of body and mind, while the rainbow hints at the boundless potential that lies beyond. This final stage teaches that true mastery is not control, but release; not effort, but ease. It’s the moment when the meditator becomes the embodiment of the path itself—radiant, balanced, and free.

Tenth stage: Crossing over into mental bliss
In the tenth stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Crossing Over into Mental Bliss—the imagery becomes transcendent and poetic.

  • The monk, no longer earthbound, is depicted flying through the air with a scarf held aloft, a gesture that evokes freedom, joy, and spiritual triumph. This airborne ascent symbolizes the final release from all mental fetters. The elephant, once a symbol of the untamed mind, has long since been pacified and purified. Now, the monk soars beyond the path itself, entering a realm where meditation is no longer a practice but a natural state of being.
  • This stage is deeply connected to the Heart Sutra’s concept of “crossing over,” or prajnaparamita—the perfection of wisdom. In this context, crossing over means transcending the dualistic perceptions that bind us to suffering: self and other, subject and object, samsara and nirvana. The monk’s flight represents the realization of emptiness and non-duality, where wisdom is no longer conceptual but fully embodied. The scarf fluttering above him is more than a visual flourish—it’s a banner of liberation, a signal that the meditator has passed beyond the need for effort, technique, or even form.
  • Unlike the previous stages, which focused on taming and refining the mind, this final phase is about transcendence. The meditator has not only mastered concentration and insight but has dissolved the boundaries between observer and observed. There is no longer a monk chasing an elephant—there is only spacious awareness, radiant and free. The rainbow that emerged from the monk’s heart in the ninth stage now becomes a bridge to this new dimension, where bliss is not a fleeting emotion but a stable, luminous presence.
  • Crossing Over into Mental Bliss is not just the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of awakened life. It teaches that enlightenment is not a distant goal but a shift in perception, a letting go of grasping and resistance. The monk’s flight is a metaphor for what becomes possible when the mind is no longer weighed down by illusion. It’s a reminder that the path, though long and winding, leads to a place where joy is effortless and wisdom flows like wind through a scarf held high.

Eleventh stage: Riding towards the perfection of the transcendent realm
In the eleventh stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Riding Towards the Perfection of the Transcendent Realm—the imagery reaches its most sublime and visionary expression.

  • The monk, now fully united with the once-wild elephant, rides atop it with effortless grace. The elephant, once a symbol of the untamed and distracted mind, is now radiant and white, representing complete mental clarity and mastery. Together, they travel along a rainbow path, a bridge of pure awareness that arcs toward the transcendent realm—a metaphor for the culmination of the spiritual journey.
  • This stage is not merely symbolic of enlightenment but of the perfection of insight and compassion in union. The rainbow path itself evokes the illusory yet luminous nature of reality, a central theme in Vajrayana thought. It is the realization that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence yet vividly present—like a rainbow, beautiful and real in appearance, yet intangible and ungraspable. The monk’s journey along this path signifies the integration of wisdom and method, where the practitioner no longer seeks liberation but embodies it.
  • Unlike earlier stages that emphasized discipline, effort, and gradual refinement, this final phase is marked by spontaneity and naturalness. The meditator no longer struggles with distraction or dullness; those obstacles have been transformed into allies. Riding the elephant is not a display of dominance but of harmony—the mind and the meditator are one, moving together toward the ultimate realization. The rainbow path also suggests the five wisdoms and five Buddha families, each color representing a facet of awakened awareness.
  • Ultimately, Riding Towards the Perfection of the Transcendent Realm is a poetic and profound depiction of the awakened state. It teaches that enlightenment is not a static endpoint but a dynamic unfolding—a journey that continues beyond concepts, beyond form, into the vast openness of pure being. The monk’s serene posture atop the elephant, moving along the rainbow, is a visual mantra: liberation is possible, and it is beautiful.

Twelfth and final stage: Returning with the Sword of Wisdom
In the twelfth and final stage of the Vajrayana Buddhist framework—Returning with the Sword of Wisdom—the monk, now fully awakened, rides the purified white elephant back along the rainbow path.

  • This return is not a regression but a compassionate re-entry into the world of appearances, armed with the Sword of Wisdom. The sword is a potent symbol: it represents the penetrating insight that cuts through delusion, duality, and the root of samsara. The monk’s journey has come full circle—not to escape the world, but to engage it with clarity and purpose.
  • This stage marks the integration of shamatha (calm abiding) and vipashyana (insight meditation), with emptiness as the object of contemplation. The meditator no longer merely observes emptiness intellectually but abides in it directly, recognizing that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence yet luminous and interdependent. This realization severs the root of suffering—not by annihilating experience, but by transforming perception. The elephant, once a symbol of mental dullness, now becomes a vehicle of awakened activity, carrying the monk with grace and power.
  • The monk’s awareness is now described as pure awareness—a state beyond conceptual thought, where wisdom and compassion arise spontaneously. This awareness is not passive; it’s deeply responsive to the suffering of others. The return journey signifies the Bodhisattva ideal: having crossed into liberation, the meditator turns back to guide others. The Sword of Wisdom is not wielded in isolation—it’s tempered by compassion, ensuring that insight is used not to judge or divide, but to liberate and heal.
  • Ultimately, Returning with the Sword of Wisdom is a call to action. It teaches that enlightenment is not the end of the path, but the beginning of service. The monk’s return is a radiant affirmation that the awakened mind does not retreat from the world—it embraces it, transforms it, and leads others toward the same luminous freedom. The elephant walks with steady steps, the sword gleams with clarity, and the monk rides not as a conqueror, but as a guide.

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Location

Location: 3FHJ+GV6, Bapai Road, Tirpai, Kalimpong, West Bengal 734316, India