The saintly Apags-b'a-Iha said, "If you understand that the myriad manifestations are the Mandala itself, how would it be for your mind to become confused?" This understanding is applicable to both the Arising and the Perfecting Yoga. According to the principle of Vajrayana, all are the Mandala of Heaven; all feelings and experiences are the Great Bliss; all thoughts are the Untreated. To follow and to identify this principle is the main function of the Arising Yogi. In the Arising Yoga, the Great Bliss of Perfecting Yoga--produced by the entering of Life Prana into the Central Channel--is not found. Nevertheless, since the practicer has attained a very stable and clear visualization of Yab-Yum Buddha, he is able to unify wisdom and skill, to stop wavering and fluctuating

[paragraph continues] Bodhi-heart, as symbolized in the Pad word[r_nar:46]; and he will a variety of blisses in Arising Yoga.

In short, the main objective and function of the Arising Yoga--the practice of visualizing the Mandala--is to ripen the yogi, to bring his consciousness forth to the realization of the identity of Buddha and sentient beings.

The instruction of the Practice of Perfecting Yoga is given in three parts: the basic principles, the step-by-step path, and the realization of the fruit or accomplishment.

In the first part there are two divisions:

1. The basic principle or real-nature of the mind.

2. The basic principle or real-nature of the body.

For the sake of exposing the principles behind the complete practices, the first exposition is introduced. For the sake of explaining the points in the body with respect to which the visualization should be carried out, the second exposition is introduced.

1. The basic principle of the mind.

The Tantra of Two Forms says:

"The mind, the perceiver, is formless in its essence.
There is no sound and no hearer, no smell and no smeller,
no taste and no taster, no touch and no feeler.
Likewise there are no mind and mind-functions[r_nar:47]."

"One should understand that the organs, the outer-objects,
and the consciousnesses of the organs
Are all the Goddesses.
Thus, the eighteen dhatus[r_nar:48] are preached.
From the very beginning, their essence is uncreated--never did they come into being.
They are neither false nor real;
Therefore, they are like the moon's reflection in the water.
Thus should you understand the Dakinis."