9.1 Semde (First Series of Ati Yoga Teachings)

Tib., sems-sde; Mind Series, Nature of the Mind Class

Somewhat similar to the gradual method of many other Buddhist schools, these rather intellectual teachings lead the student to knowledge by way of consecutive, step by step instructions on how to enter the state of mind that is know as contemplation.

An important Tantra of this class, written by Longchenpa, is known as the "The King Who Creates Everything" (Tib., kun-byed rGyal-po), a title that refers to the human mind. The text has been translated into English and published as "You Are the Eyes of the World" (Lotsawa, 1987).

Also the so-called Six Vajra Verses, originally written in the language of Uddiyana, belong to this class of teachings (see Norbu. Dzogchen, and Shane, Crystal).