Soma Clear Light Practice Manual
by Ronin Tsoma
Part 1: The Mirror of Awareness
Awareness:
Awareness is the space within which all phenomena interdependently appear and disappear. Perfectly complete and uncreated, it is not fabricated or maintained. Infinitely free and unconditioned, it is not limited by belief systems or any other form of conceptualisation. Not found through searching, it is the ever-present, all-pervasive, and unchanging true nature of all.
Soma and the Non-dual View of Awareness:
Soma facilitates a process that liberates the mind-body from tensions, revealing the non-dual nature of awareness.
Intellectual understanding of the non-dual view supports this process of revelation by providing a framework that aligns the mind-body into direct recognition of this truth.
"View is the comprehension of the naked awareness, within which everything is contained: sensory perception and phenomenal existence, samsara and nirvana.” - Dudjum Rinpoche
While an intellectual understanding of the non-dual view serves as a valuable map of guidance and orientation, it alone does not bring realisation. Direct recognition of the fundamentally non- dual nature of awareness is non-conceptual—transcending all analysis, description, and reference. The unique gift of Soma lies in its capacity to facilitate this direct recognition, beyond the limits of conceptualisation.
Openness (Essence of Awareness):
The intrinsic openness, receptivity, and potentiality of a mirror symbolise the absolute openness of awareness—the all-encompassing expanse of transparent space from which all phenomena arise. The infinite potential of this openness transcends conceptuality, time, dimensions, and all other limitations. Like a mirror, the boundless openness of awareness indiscriminately hosts all appearances.
Clarity (Nature of Awareness):
The intrinsic clarity of a mirror, effortlessly reflecting phenomena, symbolises the all-pervasive and ever-present clarity that naturally illuminates the openness of awareness. Clarity is the non- conceptual, spontaneous presence that is directly and effortlessly aware of all thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions arising within the space of openness. In this way, clarity recognises its own nature as the transparent luminosity in which all phenomena arise and dissolve.
“Clarity is the phase in which perception is vivid and present, but the mind has not yet entered into action.” - Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
“When the conceptual mind is dropped, there is still a non-conceptual cognisance (clarity), which is without reliance or dependence upon conceptual signs and symbols and is aware of its own nature as emptiness (openness), or inner space.” - Tsoknyi Rinpoche
“Having established that all perceived phenomena arise within consciousness, recognise that emptiness (openness) itself appears as radiant displays of light...beyond all thought and expression, inconceivable and ineffable, naked primordial awareness is clear and bright... uncontrived, spontaneously manifesting, and radiant” - Yuthok Nyingthik
Non-Duality:
There is no division between the open essence of a mirror and its reflective nature; similarly, there is no separation between the openness and clarity of awareness. Though we might conceptualise them as distinct aspects, they form an indivisible unity, like the sun and its light. Just as space cannot exist without being perceived, perception cannot arise without the space in which to perceive.
“Emptiness (openness) and clarity are like the two wings of a bird, inseparable and essential for flight. The unchanging nature of mind soars effortlessly in the expanse of awareness." - Jigme Lingpa
The unity of openness and reflective clarity in a mirror allows reflections to appear. Though the conceptual mind interprets these reflections as separate objects, they remain inseparable from the mirror in which they arise. Together, they form a seamless whole.
Similarly, all phenomena—mental, sensory, or otherwise—arise within the unified openness and clarity of awareness. While the conceptual mind interprets phenomena as distinct and divided, the non-conceptual truth reveals no actual separation between these appearances and the awareness in which they emerge. Together, they form an indivisible whole. Just as reflections cannot arise independently of the mirror, phenomena cannot manifest outside of awareness.
Absolute Truth:
In the same way that reflections do not alter the intrinsic nature of a mirror, phenomena cannot affect the true nature of awareness. Like an immaculate mirror, awareness effortlessly hosts and recognises all appearances without ever being influenced or changed.
Absolute truth is that which is non-conceptual, ever-present, all-pervasive, and unchanging. Awareness is our true nature and ultimate refuge because it is the only constant presence of absolute truth, remaining in perfect unconditioned evenness and equality amidst the endless change of transient phenomena.
“No matter what circumstances or what worlds we find ourselves in, we are without any expectations or changes. We are just what we are, the Natural State which is like a mirror. It is clear and empty (open), and yet it reflects everything, all possible existences and all possible lifetimes. But it never changes and it does not depend on anything else.” - Bon Lopon Tenzin Namdak
“If thoughts (as well as, emotions, sensations and perceptions) arise, or if no thoughts arise, that which remains equally present in either condition, is the pure presence of Rigpa (open clarity).” - Garab Dorje
Illusions:
The illusion of duality arises when awareness is obscured by the veils of conceptual frameworks and belief systems. Through these constructs, the world is divided into distinct entities and opposing forces—self and other, subject and object. This mentally projected conceptual overlay distorts the seamless unity of awareness, creating the appearance of separation and multiplicity, where none truly exist. Ultimately, duality is rooted in the belief that phenomena exist independently of awareness and possess inherent, separate natures.
In truth, all phenomena arise interdependently within the unified field of awareness and do not possess intrinsic individuality. They appear as transient expressions within awareness, without any fundamental separation. Division is fabricated by the mind's tendency to categorise and differentiate, not an intrinsic quality of the phenomena themselves.
Seeing through the illusion of duality involves recognising that distinctions like self and other, subject and object, are merely temporary and conceptual constructs. When the mind is free from these conceptual overlays, it reveals the ever-present true nature of awareness, where all distinctions dissolve into the unity of pure perception.
"Dualism is the real root of our suffering and of all our conflicts. All our concepts and beliefs, no matter how profound they may seem, are like nets which trap us in dualism. When we discover our limits we have to try to overcome them, untying ourselves from whatever type of religious, political or social conviction may condition us. We have to abandon such concepts as 'enlightenment', 'the nature of the mind', and so on, until we are no longer satisfied by a merely intellectual knowledge, and until we no longer neglect to integrate our knowledge with our actual existence.” - Namkai Norbu Rinpoche
Tensions:
The mind-body manifests as a temporary and dynamic expression within awareness, conditioned by past experiences and influenced by the naturally arising and passing away of mental and sensory phenomena. Tension emerges through the mind-body's conceptual fabrication of separation and attachment or resistance to the phenomena that appear within the created illusion of duality.
When gazing into a mirror, the mind-body fixates on the reflected images, overlooking the inherent openness and reflectivity in which they arise. Similarly, conditioned by habit, it fixates on arising phenomena, failing to recognise the space of awareness that unifies all.
All that arises within awareness is temporary—coming and going, growing and decaying, created and destroyed, living and dying—never providing lasting satisfaction. Fixation on these transient experiences entangles the mind-body in tensions of attachment and resistance to thoughts, beliefs, knowledge, concepts, emotions, and sensations. These tensions prevent the mind-body from resting at ease, obscure awareness, fabricate the illusion of duality, and ultimately create suffering. It is akin to believing that a dream is ultimately real and becoming ensnared in its narrative.
“Truly, speaking, from the absolute point of view, there really does not exist any separation between the relative condition and its true nature, in the same way that a mirror and the reflections in it are in fact one indivisible whole. However, our situation is such that it is as if we have come out of the mirror and are now looking at the reflections that are appearing in it. Unaware of our own nature of clarity, purity, and limpidity (openness), we consider the reflections to be real, developing aversion and attachment. Thus instead of these reflections being the means for us to discover our own true nature, they become a factor that conditions us. And we live distracted by the relative condition, attaching great importance to everything.” - Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
Spontaneous Liberation:
Mind-body tensions are like a layer of dust that obscures a mirror. While the dust may temporarily veil the mirror, it does not alter its inherent openness or reflective clarity.
Through Soma practice, the mind-body engages in a process of relaxation that allows tensions— beliefs, concepts, fixations, identity, trauma, and other forms of attachment or resistance—to naturally dissolve, like dust carried away by wind or rain.
In this way, Soma practice becomes a gateway to spontaneous liberation. The mind-body recognises that tensions create suffering and that the antidote is relaxation. The cure for grasping and aversion is simply to rest at ease.
When the mind-body relaxes in openness, phenomena—thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions—arise and dissolve naturally, without becoming entangled in mental tension. These manifestations are recognised as impermanent, self-liberating expressions of awareness, like clouds that appear and vanish in a clear sky, leaving no trace behind.
"Meditation consists of being attentive to such a state of rigpa (open clarity)–free from all mental constructions, whilst remaining fully relaxed, without any distraction or grasping, because it is said that ‘meditation is not striving, but naturally becoming assimilated into it.’ ” - Dudjum Rinpoche
Imagine a crystal clear lake. The water represents awareness—open, transparent, reflective, and all-encompassing. The tensions of the mind-body are like mud stirred into this water. While the mud may obscure the water, its essence remains unchanged. Any attempt to forcibly remove the mud only stirs it further, clouding the water even more.
However, when the mind-body simply relaxes, allowing the water to rest in stillness without interference, the mud naturally begins to settle. Nothing needs to be done for this to occur. The obscurations effortlessly self-liberate, revealing the water’s intrinsic transparency and clarity.
As the tensions of the mind-body dissolve, the boundless openness and luminous clarity of awareness is revealed.
“Rest as transparent awareness—the open clarity through which all is unified.”
Luminosity (Energy):
The clarity of awareness naturally radiates brilliant dynamic expressions of unconditioned energy. These vivid expressions of luminosity are the spontaneously present inner display of non-conceptual wisdom, compassion, bliss, creativity, and skillful means that arises effortlessly in indivisible unity with the boundless spaciousness of awareness. As the mirror becomes clearer, these luminous qualities become more apparent, shining forth like rays of sunlight in the vast clear sky.
“Abiding in spacious consciousness, beyond desire and directed intent, ones condition widens to infinity.” - Garab Dorje
“When you reach the place beyond thoughts, the only thing you find is love and the only purpose of life becomes to ease the suffering of others. Abandon all effort—find the silence beyond thoughts, then simply remain. The rest happens naturally and the body will dissolve into light. That’s the way it is.” - Ani La
Lucid Living:
When dreaming, an entire virtual world of endless potential manifests within awareness. Dreams can be so precise and absolutely convincing that they are often believed to be real, until the mind-body suddenly awakens, the entire world instantly vanishes, and it is recognised that it was all a dream.
In a lucid dream, sensual interaction with dream objects feels hyper-real—more realistic and in higher definition than waking life, yet again, it is all a virtual simulation occurring within the mirror of awareness. If a dream during sleep can feel more vivid and realistic than waking life, then how can it be known that waking life is not some sort of recurrent dream within awareness?
"Once upon a time, I, Zhuangzi, dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly. I was conscious only of my happiness as a butterfly, unaware that I was Zhuangzi. Soon I awakened, and there I was, veritably myself again. Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly, dreaming I am a man.” - Chuang Tzu
Lucidity is realised when the mind-body awakens within the dream and notices the dreaming. It is the direct realisation of all phenomena as temporary illusions spontaneously arising within the field of awareness and thus ultimately empty of inherent existence.
“When you realise that all that appears and exists to be your mind, there is no path of enlightenment apart from that.” - Padmasambhava
Similar to a subconscious dream, phenomena in waking life may initially appear to manifest within subject-object duality, entangling the mind-body in the drama of illusion. However, when the mind becomes lucid in life, all phenomena are clearly recognised as interdependent expressions appearing non-dually within awareness. The moment lucid clarity is recognised, perception becomes wide open, ultra-vivid, super-luminous, and liberated from illusion. Regardless of the extremes that may occur in a dream or waking life, the inherent open clarity of awareness always remains unchanged and unaffected.
“Within a lucid dream, I encountered a wise old man and asked him what the ultimate truth of life was? He responded, ‘Life is a dream. To become lucid in life is exactly the same as becoming lucid in a nights dream.’ ”
“The dream is dreaming itself” - Kalahari Bushmen
Omnipresence:
Contrary to the belief that the mind-body exists in an external world and that awareness arises within the mind, the non-conceptual view suggests that both the mind-body and the entire phenomenal world—thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions—arise within awareness. Completely dependent on this space for their manifestation, these appearances are ultimately empty of inherent individuality or existence. In essence, there is no distinction between the recogniser and the recognised; there is only recognition.
Though mind-bodies appear unique, the non-dual view—free from conceptual overlays— suggests they manifest within shared, omnipresent awareness. Mind-bodies develop distinct characteristics and conditioning through interactions with interdependent phenomena; however, they all appear to be inseparably connected by one universal awareness—like temporary reflections within one vast mirror.
“Dharmakaya (the ultimate nature of awareness) is like space. You cannot say there is any limit to space in any direction. No matter how far you go, you never reach a point where space stops and that is the end of space. Space is infinite in all directions; so is Dharmakaya. Dharmakaya is all-pervasive and totally infinite, beyond any confines or limitations. This is so for the Dharmakaya of all buddhas. There is no individual Dharmakaya for each buddha, as there is no individual space for each country.” - Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
The illusion of separation is based on the degree to which these unique mind-bodies realise non- dual awareness. All beings have the potential to recognise true nature, but due to various tensions, it is often obscured.
Part 2: Soma Clear Light Practice
Relaxation:
The beta-carboline alkaloids—harmaline, harmine, and tetrahydroharmine—in the Peganum harmala aspect of Soma amplify relaxation within the mind-body. This relaxation facilitates the release of physical, cognitive, and emotional tensions. As these tensions dissolve, the open clarity of awareness is revealed.
“When your mind is poised naturally between relaxation and alertness, its innate qualities spontaneously emerge.” - Mingyur Rinpoche
“When awareness is not focussed on something, then it is naturally wide open, undirected...The five senses wide open, awareness undirected. Be like that. Rest in the equanimity of that.” - Chokyi Nima Rinpoche
Spontaneous Liberation (Leaving As It Is):
Liberation is natural and automatic. It is not something fabricated; rather, it arises through the complete relinquishment of knowledge, belief, concept, correction, control, manipulation, or any form of applied tension. This is known as ‘leaving as it is’. In relaxed presence—non-attachment, zero resistance, and letting be—the relative illusions of conceptual duality (self and other) spontaneously dissolve into the absolute union of awareness. Through this process, the mind- body is transformed from a low-conductivity resistor that habitually fabricates altered states into a superconductor of true nature. Resistance is persistence, while openness initiates change. Liberation reveals all phenomena as self-liberating, dream-like displays of awareness, which cannot stain or affect the awareness in which they interdependently arise.
Pure Equanimity:
Regardless of the extremes that may arise during Soma practice, the perfect evenness and equanimity of awareness remain constant. Amid the endless dynamism of relative phenomena, the changeless, ever-present awareness reveals itself as our true nature—the ultimate refuge.
Grounding in Openness:
Stability arises through relaxed openness. As Dru Gyelwa Yungdrung states in the practice manual Chaktri, “If the rigidity (tension) has not been cut, then the crest (dualistic illusion) will not be passed over.” Emphasising the Peganum harmala component in the formulation of Soma medicine and maintaining a sufficient beta-carboline dosage during practice sessions supports deep relaxation within the mind-body, grounding the practitioner in non-conceptual openness. Regular meditation with harmala—without any DMT admixture—and cultivating an ongoing relationship with this plant and its alkaloids, provides an effective method for developing a stable presence in the open essence of awareness.
“You won’t find awareness by searching for it. Awareness has always been empty (open) right from the very beginning. So simply settle into its empty (open) condition. There is no need to search. It is the very one that searches. Simply settle without distraction directly into the searcher. Without altering or manipulating the mind in any way, let it rest by itself and settle in the experience of whatever arises” - Patrul Rinpoche
In the same way that harmala’s MAO-inhibiting properties make DMT orally active, its tension- relaxing effects reveal the full wisdom of the intelligence illuminated by DMT. Harmala’s enhanced relaxation opens an unimpeded space within the mind-body, allowing this non- conceptual intelligence to radiate the unconditioned wisdom of luminosity. Carefully tuned dosages and ratios of harmala and DMT achieve a balanced union of openness and luminosity.
"Look at this window: it is nothing but a hole in the wall, but because of it the whole room is full of light. So when the faculties are empty, the heart is full of light." - Chuang Tzu
From Karmic Visions to Clear Light Visions:
In the initial phases of Soma practice, the field of awareness reflects the tensions of the mind- body, giving rise to Karmic Visions: conditioned expressions arising within subject-object duality, characterised by conceptual rumination, emotional attachment, and resistance. As spontaneous liberation unfolds and the veils of tension dissolve, these manifestations become less influenced by obscurations. Resting as the transparent space of awareness and completely letting be, the sense of self fades, all subject-object divisions collapse, and the all-pervasive luminous clarity of awareness is revealed. From this luminosity emerge Clear Light Visions: brilliant, unconditioned displays of non-conceptual wisdom, compassion, and creativity, spontaneously radiating in indivisible unity with the boundless expanse of awareness.
““Don’t divide appearances as being there and awareness as being here. Let appearance and awareness be indivisible” - Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
Mother Clear Light:
At its maximum dosage, Soma has the capacity to simulate the total dissolution of the mind- body. Regardless of how many times this process has been undergone, it can be completely convincing that death is occurring. This ‘gates of death’ practice provides a rare opportunity to transcend the conditions of the relative mind-body and merge into the Mother Clear Light of absolute awareness.
“The key to smoothly negotiating the difficulties of death is familiarity. If you deal with some of the details now you can relax at the time of death, and relaxation is the best instruction for how to die. Relaxation is born from familiarity.” - Andrew Holecek
The Mother Clear Light, is boundless openness suffused with clarity—completely free from appearances, conceptuality, duality, conditions, time, dimensions, or any other form of limitation. Like an infinite vacuum of emptiness, it feels like a transparent void of openness, stripping the mind bare and vividly exposing all remaining tensions in the light of clarity. In this moment, the mind’s root attachment to awareness must be relaxed and surrendered for all aspects of the relative conceptual mind to be liberated and reveal absolute true nature.
Recognition of the Mother Clear Light is usually missed due to the intensity and raw shock of obscurations that flare up during the simulated process of dying. If the mind-body resists liberation, it will remain tethered to awareness until the potency of the Soma wanes.
However, if the mind-body can fully relax into openness—being completely at ease with non- existence, beyond any trace of self-grasping or resistance to the unknown—then the ultimate veils of mental conditioning are liberated. The vessel of the relative mind-body is shed, and the seamless non-duality of the Mother Clear Light is revealed.
From this totality radiates the brilliant supernova display of superconductive luminosity—the unconditioned, spontaneously present, and spontaneously perfect enlightened expression of awareness.
The illusions of a body-self, mind-self, and personal awareness have completely dissolved, revealing the ever-present, unborn, undying, and omnipresent absolute nature of awareness—the indivisible unity of openness and clarity that encompasses all of Samsara and Nirvana.
“Consider the fact that no matter how many planets and stars are reflected in a lake, these reflections are encompassed within the water itself; that no matter how many universes there are, they are encompassed within a single space; and that no matter how vast and how numerous the sensory appearances of Samsara and Nirvana may be, they are encompassed within the single nature of mind.” - Dudjom Lingpa
It is important to note that the simulation of the gates of death, or any other aspect of Soma, is an experience arising within awareness and interdependent with the distinct conditions of each- mind-body. As a result, experiences unfold uniquely for different practitioners. The intelligence illuminated through Soma uniquely tailors all experiences to the specific needs of each mind- body, depending on the obscurations that require liberation.
Somayana (The Soma Vehicle):
The integration of Soma with the non-dual view creates a practice that liberates the tensions of the mind-body and reveals the open clarity of awareness. When applied proficiently, these tools serve as a powerful vehicle for the realisation of true nature, offering an excellent opportunity to assist in the liberation of sentient beings.
““Take your stand on the ultimate practice of the heart essence — samsara and nirvana are the display of awareness. Without distraction, without meditation, in a state of natural relaxation, constantly remain in the pure, all-penetrating nakedness of ultimate reality.” - Dudjom Rinpoche