Tilopa: The Symbolism of the Sesame
The oil, which is the essence of the sesame, although known even by the ignorant to be in the seed, cannot be extracted unless it is learnt how to do so.Likewise, the innate gnosis (sahaja-jnana), though always present in the hearts of beings, is not realized unless a wise Guru explains the way. By pounding the sesame, removing the husks, it is possible to extract the essential oil.
Likewise, when one attends to the Guru’s Instruction, the truth of Absolute (tathata) is revealed. This is the symbolism of the sesame. Indivisible and one is the Innate Essence (sahaja) of all that exists!
Oh! So vast, so deep, the meaning is now perfectly clear. How wonderful!