Derge Kangyur/Tengyur e-text, Esukhia/Barom edition — public domain (mechanical reproduction)
This fragmentary text, titled Binding the Suchness of the Mind (Cittatattvopadeśa), addresses the ontological status of the mind's reality as both the cause of bondage and the means of liberation. The author posits a non-dual relationship between the nature of the mind and the state of the practitioner, suggesting that the very 'suchness' or reality of the mind is the mechanism through which one is constrained and subsequently freed. By framing the argument around the paradox of binding and liberation, the text commits the reader to a contemplative investigation into the nature of consciousness. The fragment concludes abruptly, but it establishes a philosophical framework where the inherent nature of the mind is the central pivot for spiritual transition.
Provenance
About this text
An instruction on the nature of the mind, the Cittatattvopadeśa belongs to the General Unexcelled Yoga Tantra Works. The work is attributed to the Indian author Kodhali. It survives in the classical Tibetan tradition under the title sems nyid kyi de nyid bcing ba, appearing as a single page within volume ཟི of the Tengyur. The text addresses the ontological status of the mind's reality, presenting it as both the cause of bondage and the means of liberation. It posits a non-dual relationship between the nature of the mind and the state of the practitioner, suggesting that the very reality of the mind is the mechanism through which one is constrained and subsequently freed. By framing the argument around the paradox of binding and liberation, the work commits the reader to a contemplative investigation into the nature of consciousness. A scholar or serious reader consults this fragment today to examine a philosophical framework where the inherent nature of the mind serves as the central pivot for spiritual transition, though the text concludes abruptly.
Cite thisAnuvāda, “[Personal Instructions on] Binding the Suchness of the Mind” (Toh 2408), machine draft, 2026.https://naxiai.com/tibetan/works/toh2408
Summary & commentary
Significance
The work is significant for its focus on the 'suchness' of the mind, a central theme in Mahayana and Vajrayana thought. It illustrates the dialectic between samsara and nirvana as being rooted in the same fundamental reality, a perspective essential for understanding non-dualist soteriology.
Structure
Passages
Section
Description
1
Introduction
Provides the Indian and Tibetan titles, an opening homage, and the central thesis regarding the dual role of the reality of mind in binding and liberation.
Themes
The Nature of Mind (Cittatattva) (1)
Bondage and Liberation (1)
Summary, significance and provenance note generated by gemma4:31b from the translation and the catalogue record.
Anuvāda[Personal Instructions on] Binding the Suchness of the Mind·
In the language of India: Cittatattvopadeśa-nāma. In the language of Tibet: Sems nyid kyi de nyid bcings pa zhes bya ba (The Binding of the Reality of Mind-itself). Homage to the Omniscient One!
It is by that very reality one is bound, and by that very reality one is liberated. Through the word of the Guru, everything is realized. The jackal walking from the left—know it likewise to walk from the right. Kodhali speaks; by that much, the task is accomplished. Through saṃsāra, I realize only that very reality. What is the use of explanations and maṇḍalas? Do you not realize that which binds? The jackal walking from the left—know that very reality to walk from the right. Kodhali speaks; by that much, the task is accomplished. Having cast aside the root, what is the use of searching for the branches? By the instructions of the sublime Guru, even the three worlds are made clear. The jackal walking from the left—know that very reality to walk from the right. By that much, the task is accomplished. However the nature of phenomena (dharmatā) appears, let its nature rest within itself. The jackal walking from the left—know that very reality to walk from the right. Kodhali speaks; by that much, the task is accomplished.
The Binding of the Reality of Mind-itself, composed by the master Kodhali, is complete.
Translation status: Not among 84000's published translations, and not in progress there. Translations published elsewhere have not been searched for, so one may exist. (source: 84000 catalogue + registry; checked 2026-11-10).
Set in Newsreader and EB Garamond; Tibetan in Noto Serif Tibetan; Chinese in Noto Serif SC.