that’s f’sure and f’certain

One night Dza Paltrül was lying up in the grassy crags above Dzogchen Gompa—easy and relaxed—practising namkha sum-trug (nam mKha’ sum phrug gi dGongs pa) as was his wont. Namkha sum-trug is ‘the self-realisation of the 3 skies’ – and involves staring into the night.

Nyoshul was lying there with him not too far removed – and, after what seemed like several years, Dza Paltrül addressed him: “Hey, Nyoshul m’lad . . . didn’t you once tell me that you hadn’t recognised the nature of the Mind?” Nyoshul replied “That’s right—I am a dolt—that’s f’sure and f’certain.” Dza Paltrül smiled: “No need to be hard on yourself m’lad – but there’s nothing much between you and recognising that.” A moment of silence followed after which Dza Paltrül said: “D’you see the stars?” and Nyoshul replied: “Yes—I see them.” Another moment of silence: “D’you hear them dogs barking down around Dzogchen Gompa?” to which Nyoshul replied: “Yes—I do believe I hear ’em.” Then suddenly Dza Paltrül snapped his fingers and shouted: “That—is the nature of Mind.” After that Nyoshul knew the nature of Mind – that was f’sure and f’certain.