Distinguishing Dharma from Dharmata (Book)

Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata, A Commentary on The Treatise of Maitreya

Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata is a text that is very brief and direct in its presentation and is included within the class of oral instructions. It is a work which clearly portrays the character of nothing less than non-conceptual original wisdom, the point of utmost profundity within the Mahayana.
    With regard to meditation, there are the particular traditions, views and practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, the basis of which are the teachings of the Buddha and the commentaries or shastras on those by the great masters. In order to achieve the high view of Mahamudra or Dzogchen we need to cut our doubts, hinderances and aberrations, which is accomplished by listening to and contemplating the Mahayana Dharma.
       Realizing dharmata or the nature of mind is what is to be known and we understand this through hearing and thinking about the true nature of phenomena. Nevertheless, due to the obstruction of conventional appearances we are not able to realize this. If we can realize this profound nature of dharmata then we will naturally separate from confusion and conventional appearances. In this text, Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata is devoted to identifying exactly what is true on the conventional level (dharma)and what is ultimately true of phenomena (dharmata). So this text is extremely important for all those who wish to practice the meditations of Mahamudra and Dzogchen.