Five Pure Lights

The Five Pure Lights (Wylie: 'od lnga) is an essential teaching in the Dzogchen tradition of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism which relates to the symbolism of colours and their use in meditation. Each colour of the Five Pure Lights is representative of a state of mind, one of the Five Tathāgatas, a natural element, and a body part. Meditating upon one of the Five Pure Lights works to transform a delusion, or one of the five poisons into one of the five wisdoms.

The colours of the Five Pure Lights are:

  • Blue, which represents Akshobhya and space. When blue is used in meditation, it works to transform anger into wisdom (Ādarśa-jñāna)
  • White, which represents Vairocana and air. When white is used in meditation, it works to transform ignorance into reality (Tathatā-jñāna)
  • Red, which represents Amitābha and fire. When red is used in meditation, it works to transform attachment into discernment (Pratyavekṣaṇa-jñāna)
  • Green, which represents Amoghasiddhi and water. When green is used in meditation, it works to transform jealousy into accomplishment (Kṛty-anuṣṭhāna-jñāna)
  • Yellow, which represents Ratnasambhava and earth. When yellow is used in meditation, it works to transform pride into sameness (Samatā-jñāna)

These colours are often seen on prayer flags and mandalas.

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