System of teachings central to Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon traditions
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Selected passages from the "The Sutra of Hui-neng, Grand Master of Zen" (Platform Sutra), using an amalgam of translations.Hui-neng (638-713) was a seminal figure in Buddhist history and is one of the most beloved and respected figure in Zen Buddhism. An illiterate woodcutter who attained enlightenment in a flash, he became the Sixth Patriarch of Chinese Zen, and is regarded as the founder of the "Sudden Enlightenment" school. He is the supreme exemplar of the fact that neither education nor social background has any bearing on the attainment of enlightenment. The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch, which is said to be a record of his teachings, is a highly influential text in the East Asian Buddhist tradition.
Join Daniel Aitken and Ācārya Malcolm Smith as they discuss the roots of Dzogchen and the aural lineage in the Great Perfection tradition as described in Malcolm's newest translation Yoga Of The Natural State, releasing in the winter of 2025 and available now for pre-order. In this episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as […] The post Ācārya Malcolm Smith: The Dzogchen Aural Lineage (#205) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
These direct, powerful and humourous verses were spoken by the great Master, Patrul Rinpoche, to wake himself up to the reality of the ever-present Great Perfection.Translation by Constance Wilkinson.The original source can be found here: https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/patrul-rinpoche/advice-from-me-to-myselfDza Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887) — an enlightened master, who, though he lived the life of a vagabond, was one of the most illustrious spiritual teachers of the nineteenth century. Hailing from the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, his principal teacher was Jikmé Gyalwé Nyugu, a great master who was one of the foremost students of Jikmé Lingpa. Music: Malte Marten & Lynxk - 'Whispers from Heaven'(with thanks to Malte for his kind permission to use his music).https://www.youtube.com/@MalteMartenhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6gmfGQKmOr9z7GTYK7ecEj
In this teaching Shunyamurti is reading from The Vajra Essence, Düdjom Lingpa's Visions of The Great Perfection, Volume 3, Foreword by Sogyal Rinpoche, Translated by B. Alan Wallace, Edited by Dion Blundell Description: The final period of every cycle of time is one of spiritual exhaustion, the soul's exile from the Light of God, the ego's nihilistic cynicism combined with narcissistic hubris, and the ominous approach of world destruction. We have arrived at that time. Fortunately, every spiritual tradition declares that such a hell realm is actually the most auspicious moment of all, for that is when the Inner Light returns—first only for a few—but then more and more souls become illumined. This is the true Festival of Lights. It is happening.
The Great Tantra of Vajrasattva is a Root Tantra of the Space Section first translated into Tibetan in the 8th Century by Vairochana Rakshita, a famous translator during the early period of Buddhism in Tibet. This tantra is one of a handful of the earliest translations of Ati Yoga teachings into the Tibetan language, where they were preserved long after the originals disappeared in India, possibly during the Islamic invasions. Vairochana did not attribute these Ati Yoga source texts to himself, but rather to Garab Dorje, who was revered as a full emanation of Vajrasattva in human form. Vairochana's translations stand on their own as jewels of Wisdom, the core teaching being always the same: the luminous, natural, non-dual mind of Great Perfection itself. Compiled by Yeshe Donden (Roger Calverley) integrating various contemporary English translations. With thanks to Roger for permission to read from this newly published work: "The Gospel of Garab Dorje" which can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B3NBFF86?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au Music: Bing Satellites - 'Mirage' - https://bingsatellites.bandcamp.com/ Rahjta Ren - "Pause" - (with thanks to Raj for his gift of music) https://soundcloud.com/rahjta-ren Ambient Pads in E Major - Vishal Bhojane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwyPafq4iwg&t=72s&ab_channel=VishalBhojane
In this episode I am joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl. Joe discusses his impoverished upbringing, recounts unusual childhood resonances with aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, and reveals how his boyish fantasies about meeting a guru were shattered when he met Gelek Rinpoche in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Joe shares his own practice journey, including his dream yoga skills and understanding of the Great Perfection, and recalls a transformative Vajrayogini retreat in which powerful meditation and dream experiences saw him seek the guidance of famous Dzogchen master Namkhai Norbu. Joe also shares his love of books, gives a tour of his library, highlights volumes of particular significance, and discusses the role of study in the path of Dzogchen. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Joe's love of books 02:52 - Tour of Joe's library 06:09 - Showing some favourite books 07:32 - Study vs practice in Dzogchen 10:57 - Higher standards for teachers 12:22 - Learning the Tibetan language 12:55 - Tibetan terms that require better translation 13:22 - Meaning of ‘yeshe', ‘sherab', and ‘dhatu'. 16:30 - Joe's upbringing and early interest in meditation 21:17 - Teenage reading about Buddhism 22:41 - Fantasies about meeting a teacher 23:21 - Meeting Gelek Rinpoche 28:18 - University study of Buddhism and Tibetan language 28:54 - Praise for Professor Luis Gómez 32:22 - Decision not to enter graduate school 34:22 - Director of marketing for Wisdom Publications 37:01 - A life transforming Vajrayogini retreat 37:51 - Inspiration to seek out Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche 39:10 - Mystical experiences and spiritual dreams on retreat 41:18 - Namkhai Norbu's revelatory dreams 44:16 - Joe's talent for dreaming 45:27 - Namkhai Norbu's emphasis on dream yoga 46:10 - Joe's current dream yoga practice 47:29 - Meeting Namkhai Norbu in a dream 50:41 - 24hr Dzogchen practice 56:06 - Founding the Rangröl Foundation … To find out more about Joe Evans, visit: - https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James
These excerpts for meditation have been taken from the text, "Self-Liberation through seeing with Naked Awareness" by Padmasambhava. Translated by John Reynolds. A text belonging to the same cycle as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, this instruction on the method of self-liberation presents the essence of Dzogchen, The Great Perfection, regarded in Tibet as the highest and most esoteric teaching of the Buddha. Teaching the attainment of Buddhahood in a single lifetime, this text was written and concealed by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century and rediscovered six centuries later by Karma Lingpa.
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features a special guest, Malcolm Smith. Malcolm Smith has been a student of the Great Perfection teachings since 1992 and graduated in 2009 from Shang Shung Institute's School of Tibetan Medicine. He is a veteran of the traditional three-year solitary Tibetan Buddhist […] The post Malcolm Smith: Dzogchen: Ten Key Terms (#166) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
The Flight of the Garuda explores the essence of the Buddhist path of Dzogchen or the Great Perfection, revealing insights into the nature of mind, the illusory nature of existence, and the methods for transcending suffering. The teachings are imbued with profound compassion and offer practical guidance for cultivating awareness, developing wisdom, and transforming one's perception of the world. The text weaves together a rich tapestry of allegorical stories, metaphors, and teachings, all centered around the metaphor of the Garuda—a mythological bird known for its ability to soar fearlessly through the sky. Connect with me on instagram @methodsofcontemplation Work with me one-on-one: https://calendly.com/methodsofcontemplation/spiritual-direction --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/methods/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/methods/support
Ep. 84 (Part 2 of 2) | Lama Surya Das, beloved meditation teacher, scholar, pioneer of bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, and author of the bestseller Awakening the Buddha Within among many more, shares bright gems of wisdom from his extensive experience practicing Dzogchen, his long immersion in meditation retreats, and studying in person with the great spiritual teachers of Asia. Lama Surya is dedicated to getting the word out, and to young people especially, that the timeless teachings of the great masters are every bit as important and transformative in today's modern world as they ever were. One doesn't need to go on retreat to come to a place of wonder, understanding, and appreciation for life; Lama Surya assures us that daily practice of attentive awareness on the path of “awakefulness” is doable and effective in today's world. This is the path that leads to self-knowledge, and we just need to explore and investigate to discover for ourselves that realization of the Great Perfection, of oneness, is never far away.Lama Surya embellishes his teachings with humorous tales of his early explorations with psychedelics, his spiritual adventures in India, how he came to undertaking not one but two 3-year silent retreats in the great Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Dzogchen, and coming home afterwards with a mission for transmission. He talks about divine love and how amazing and influential it was to hang out with spiritual teachers who actually practice unconditional love, here and now. Lama Surya Das' own deep caring and compassion shine through his words, and his well-known “jolly lama” humor often elicits laughter from Roger and John. “There are a lot of lanes on the highway of awakening, you just want to watch you don't go off into the ditch.” His authentic, endearing humility shines through as well. He is certain that “if I can do it, you can do it, anyone can do it.” Recorded September 7, 2022.“Spiritual elixir is the greatest panacea for our inner world: mind, body, heart & soul.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Going to India, discovering the practice of of Vipassana and the cave retreat yogi tradition of Tibet (01:31)What timeless teachings did Lama Surya Das discover in his 3-year Dzogchen retreat? Love is not the same thing as light (05:21)Mother Teresa on loneliness and love, and meeting spiritual teachers who really lived the talk (07:44)Living, practicing, surrendering: learning that love is greater than any dichotomy of like or dislike (08:36)Teaching of Pema Wangyal Rinpoche: “Don't expect the struggle to end.” (10:45)Coming back after the long retreat (11:47)We need an applied dharma that works for the postmodern world today (13:08)Continuing the practice with a second 3-year Dzogchen retreat (14:04)How Lama Surya Das became a Dzogchen teacher and started the Dzogchen centers (16:57)The importance of spending more time with daily practice and integrating it into your life: retreats are not for everyone (18:21)How long does it take to awaken? Awakening is very personal (21:08)Pointing towards awakening: absolute truth and relative truth, the middle way (23:44)What's next for Lama Surya Das? The 3 H's: healthy, harmonious & helpful—teaching young people, spiritual activism (26:46)Epistemological
Ep. 83 (Part 1 of 2) | Lama Surya Das, beloved meditation teacher, scholar, pioneer of bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, and author of the bestseller Awakening the Buddha Within among many more, shares bright gems of wisdom from his extensive experience practicing Dzogchen, his long immersion in meditation retreats, and studying in person with the great spiritual teachers of Asia. Lama Surya is dedicated to getting the word out, and to young people especially, that the timeless teachings of the great masters are every bit as important and transformative in today's modern world as they ever were. One doesn't need to go on retreat to come to a place of wonder, understanding, and appreciation for life; Lama Surya assures us that daily practice of attentive awareness on the path of “awakefulness” is doable and effective in today's world. This is the path that leads to self-knowledge, and we just need to explore and investigate to discover for ourselves that realization of the Great Perfection, of oneness, is never far away.Lama Surya embellishes his teachings with humorous tales of his early explorations with psychedelics, his spiritual adventures in India, how he came to undertaking not one but two 3-year silent retreats in the great Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Dzogchen, and coming home afterwards with a mission for transmission. He talks about divine love and how amazing and influential it was to hang out with spiritual teachers who actually practice unconditional love, here and now. Lama Surya Das' own deep caring and compassion shine through his words, and his well-known “jolly lama” humor often elicits laughter from Roger and John. “There are a lot of lanes on the highway of awakening, you just want to watch you don't go off into the ditch.” His authentic, endearing humility shines through as well. He is certain that “if I can do it, you can do it, anyone can do it.” Recorded September 7, 2022.“Timeless wisdom is an endangered natural resource.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing Lama Surya Das, dedicated practitioner, spiritual teacher, pioneer of bringing the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism to the West (01:09)How Lama Surya Das got to where he is now: his humor, his education, going to India and meeting his guru (03:57)Spiritual elixir is the greatest panacea for our mind, body, heart & soul (07:32)A core theme of Buddhist teaching: check it out for yourself (09:16)Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, the height of Tibetan Buddhism: awakefulness is the way (10:32) Mahamudra evergreen teachings of nondual awareness: we're all buddhas by nature (15:52)If everything is perfect as it is, how come we feel like crap? (18:08) Self-knowledge is the way to wisdom: growing up to be a true mensch (18:45)The five wisdoms (gnoses), mirror-like wisdom, discriminating wisdom, and how they apply to now (21:20)Lucid faith, unshakeable realization (22:57)Lama Surya Das' first vision of God, “beyond oneness or noneness” (24:28)Who are we really? Are we consciousness? What about the unconscious, the subconscious? (32:22)Replicating ego death in meditation, sensing Presence, experiencing beingness (33:33)“If I can do it, you can do it, anyone can do it.” (34:49)The middle...
Bright on Buddhism Episode 59 - What is the 3 bodies doctrine in Buddhism? What role does it play in ritual and doctrine? How have understandings of it changed over time? Resources: Radich, Michael (2007). Problems and Opportunities in the Study of the Bodies of the Buddha, New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies 9 (1), 46-69; Xing, Guang (2005). The Concept of the Buddha: Its Evolution from Early Buddhism to the Trikāya Theory. Psychology Press. ISBN 978-0-415-33344-3.; Collins, Steven (15 July 2014), "Reflections on the Dichotomy Rūpakāya/Dhammakāya", Contemporary Buddhism, 15 (2): 261–2, doi:10.1080/14639947.2014.932481, S2CID 143200561.; Thrangu Rinpoche (2003), Pointing Out the Dharmakaya: Teachings on the Ninth Karmapa's Text, Shambhala, ISBN 978-1-55939-857-2.; Williams, Paul (2009), Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (PDF) (2 ed.), Oxford: Routledge.; Namdak, Lopon Tenzin (1991). Vajranatha (ed.). "The Attaining of Buddhahood". Retrieved March 18, 2009.; Yampolski, Philip (tr.) (1967). "The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch" (PDF).; Fiordallis, David (20 September 2008). Miracles and Superhuman Powers in South Asian Buddhist Literature (PDF) (PhD dissertation). University of Michigan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.; Jigme Lingpa; Longchen Yeshe Dorje; Kangyur Rinpoche (2013). Treasury of Precious Qualities: Book Two: Vajrayana and the Great Perfection. Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-0834828575.; Thondup, Tulku (2011). Incarnation: The History and Mysticism of the Tulku Tradition of Tibet. Boston: Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-1590308394 Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism Credits: Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brightonbuddhism/message
His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche was born in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. He was recognized as a holy child and began training as a lama from the age of four. Rinpoche attended the Buddhist university in Sarnath, India, and later received teachings, empowerments, and transmissions from many of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of his time, including H.H. Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche, H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H.H. Penor Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and his root teacher Sangye Dorje Chatral Rinpoche. Rinpoche is a lineage holder of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, with transmissions in the Longchen Nyingthig, Pema Sangthig, and Düdjom Tersar traditions. In Kathmandu, Nepal, His Eminence established Shyalpa Monastery and Nunnery, Mipham Institute, and the Himalayan Children's Fund. In 2009, Rinpoche founded Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation in Hong Kong (and later branches in Taiwan and Malaysia) to support his compassionate activities in Asia. In April 2018, the construction of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace commenced. His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche invites everyone to participate and support this most worthy project. In this way, everyone will have the opportunity to share in the meritorious karma. Bundeep Singh Rangar, CEO of Fineqia, is a recognized London-based tech-oriented entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor. He is the founder and Group CEO of PremFina, a UK financial inclusion firm that enables affordable purchase of insurance premiums. It's been financially backed by Canada's Thomson family of the Thomson Reuters namesake company, Silicon Valley billionaire investor Tim Draper, Japanese e-commerce leader Rakuten as well as financial institutions. Mr Rangar is also the CEO at Fineqia in Canada, which is growing an investment business in digital asset and metaverse related companies. He is a regular commentator in publications such as Bloomberg News, Forbes, The Telegraph and The Times.He's an active investor in a variety of blockchain businesses, including IDEO CoLab, the investment subsidiary of global design company IDEO and Wave Financial, a top five manager of digital assets worldwide. Earlier, Mr Rangar setup IXL Holdings that arranged for more than $1 billion in equity and debt financings for firms in the UK, Europe, India and Canada. Mr Rangar is also a founder of IndusView, a London-based consultancy that has advised the Boards of BT, Bloomberg, Hays, Experian, Sage, Saxo Bank, Skype, Tata Consultancy Services and Volkswagen on innovation and growth strategies. He currently sits on the advisory board of the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association in Canada. James Bowater, in partnership with London's renowned business newspaper City A.M., founded Crypto AM which launched nearly five years ago in June 2018. The plan was to help showcase new frontier technologies like AI, blockchain, crypto, DeFi, distributed ledger technology and tokenization to the traditional finance readership of City A.M. and turned out to be a first for a mainstream publisher to feature these on a regular basis.James has travelled the world meeting the industry at large and has built a global following and community as well as a large number of events, including the highly regarded inaugural Crypto AM Award. Outside of Crypto AM as the Crypto Insider, James is the Founder of Jade Vault & Jade City, the Global Ambassador for World Mobile, Senior Strategic advisor to MELD, an investor & advisor to Acta Finance, an advisor to Coinweb, an advisor to CUDOS, an investor & advisor to Cornucopias, an advisor to DEGA.org, Senior Strategic Advisor to eTukTuk.io, an advisor to Fineqia, an advisor to Q9 Capital, an advisor to Rainfall.one, an advisor to SEKAI and an investor & advisor to Sheesha Finance. The Universal Peace Gala will be held May 13, 2023 at 6pm PST at the Beverly Wilshire. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/crypto-hipster-podcast/support
His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche was born in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. He was recognized as a holy child and began training as a lama from the age of four. Rinpoche attended the Buddhist university in Sarnath, India, and later received teachings, empowerments, and transmissions from many of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of his time, including H.H. Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche, H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H.H. Penor Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and his root teacher Sangye Dorje Chatral Rinpoche. Rinpoche is a lineage holder of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, with transmissions in the Longchen Nyingthig, Pema Sangthig, and Düdjom Tersar traditions. In Kathmandu, Nepal, His Eminence established Shyalpa Monastery and Nunnery, Mipham Institute, and the Himalayan Children's Fund. In 2009, Rinpoche founded Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation in Hong Kong (and later branches in Taiwan and Malaysia) to support his compassionate activities in Asia. In April 2018, the construction of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace commenced. His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche invites everyone to participate and support this most worthy project. In this way, everyone will have the opportunity to share in the meritorious karma. Bundeep Singh Rangar, CEO of Fineqia, is a recognized London-based tech-oriented entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor. He is the founder and Group CEO of PremFina, a UK financial inclusion firm that enables affordable purchase of insurance premiums. It's been financially backed by Canada's Thomson family of the Thomson Reuters namesake company, Silicon Valley billionaire investor Tim Draper, Japanese e-commerce leader Rakuten as well as financial institutions. Mr Rangar is also the CEO at Fineqia in Canada, which is growing an investment business in digital asset and metaverse related companies. He is a regular commentator in publications such as Bloomberg News, Forbes, The Telegraph and The Times.He's an active investor in a variety of blockchain businesses, including IDEO CoLab, the investment subsidiary of global design company IDEO and Wave Financial, a top five manager of digital assets worldwide. Earlier, Mr Rangar setup IXL Holdings that arranged for more than $1 billion in equity and debt financings for firms in the UK, Europe, India and Canada. Mr Rangar is also a founder of IndusView, a London-based consultancy that has advised the Boards of BT, Bloomberg, Hays, Experian, Sage, Saxo Bank, Skype, Tata Consultancy Services and Volkswagen on innovation and growth strategies. He currently sits on the advisory board of the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association in Canada. James Bowater, in partnership with London's renowned business newspaper City A.M., founded Crypto AM which launched nearly five years ago in June 2018. The plan was to help showcase new frontier technologies like AI, blockchain, crypto, DeFi, distributed ledger technology and tokenization to the traditional finance readership of City A.M. and turned out to be a first for a mainstream publisher to feature these on a regular basis.James has travelled the world meeting the industry at large and has built a global following and community as well as a large number of events, including the highly regarded inaugural Crypto AM Award. Outside of Crypto AM as the Crypto Insider, James is the Founder of Jade Vault & Jade City, the Global Ambassador for World Mobile, Senior Strategic advisor to MELD, an investor & advisor to Acta Finance, an advisor to Coinweb, an advisor to CUDOS, an investor & advisor to Cornucopias, an advisor to DEGA.org, Senior Strategic Advisor to eTukTuk.io, an advisor to Fineqia, an advisor to Q9 Capital, an advisor to Rainfall.one, an advisor to SEKAI and an investor & advisor to Sheesha Finance. The Universal Peace Gala will be held May 13, 2023 at 6pm PST at the Beverly Wilshire. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/crypto-hipster-podcast/support
A reading for meditation of Garab Dorje's primary teaching, "The Spaciousness of Vajrasattva" (Dorje Sempa Namkha Che) - translated by Yeshe Donden (Roger Calverley). With thanks to Roger for permission to read from this newly published work: "The Gospel of Garab Dorje." Garab Dorje (c. 665) was the first human to receive the complete direct transmission teachings of Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen from Vajrasattva. Garab Dorje then became the teacher of Dzogchen ("Great Perfection", also called Ati Yoga) teachings according to Tibetan Buddhist and Nyingma school traditions. According to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, Garab Dorje transmitted the complete empowerments of Dzogchen to Manjushrimitra, who was regarded as his chief disciple. Padmasambhava is also known to have received the transmission of the Dzogchen tantras directly from Garab Dorje.
"...Mankind shall awaken from the sleep of the senses, from the denial of the Great Perfection of Life, and be compelled to be purified and give obedience, and then compelled to make restitution to the Life that it has defied. Don't think for one minute the sinister force, or the benighted human beings who are the slaves to its lies and its destruction, are masters of either the planet nor infinite space around the planet. They're not masters of the Ascended Host! And it isn't a matter of faith to draw the Power or acknowledge the Ascended Host. It just happens to be the Law of Electronics - the Law of Creation, the Law of Perfection, the Law of Manifestation." Music: The Truth (Anno Domini Beats) Tropic Fuse (French Fuse) This episode is also available as a blog post: http://winruffin.com/2023/01/25/blessed-night-family-of-light-%f0%9f%98%8a-70/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/win-ruffin/message
In this episode, Mila Khyentse Rinpoche and Gregoire Langouet discuss the evolution of the forms and framework of the Dzogchen tradition.
Mila Khyentse and Grégoire Langouet expose the fundamental bases of the tradition of the Great Perfection.
The Prayer of Kuntuzangpo is a famous Dzogchen aspiration prayer from the Gongpa Zangthal. It is the prayer of the Primordial Buddha and also a prayer of aspiration on the path of awakening to our true Buddha Nature. This powerful prayer helps us to understand that it is only our deluded thinking and lack of understanding that makes things appear as other than they really are. This aspiration prayer comes from the Dzogchen tantra called the Tantra of the Great Perfection which Shows the Penetrating Wisdom of Samantabhadra. It is to be recited especially during a solar or lunar eclipse, an earthquake or at the solstices.
This is a teaching from “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-scharpenburg/support
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features host Daniel Aitken joined by Malcolm Smith—translator in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and long-time practitioner of Dzogchen. Malcolm Smith has been a student of the Great Perfection teachings since 1992, his main Dzogchen teachers being Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and the late Kunzang […] The post Malcolm Smith: Dzogchen, Sakya, and Translation (#148) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
In this episode, Rev. Kōkyō Henkel and I discuss how he and his wife Rev. Shōhō Kuebast’s became “cloud and water” priests—traveling to Zen centers to offer the Dharma, meditating amid the mountains, camping in off-the-grid places in their Prius, and being in the boundlessness of now. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Rev. Kōkyō Henkel has long been interested in exploring how the classic teachings of Buddha-Dharma from ancient India, China, and Japan can still be very much alive and useful here and now, to bring peace and openness to the minds and hearts of this troubled world. Kōkyō has been practicing Zen Buddhism since 1990 in residence at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, and No Abode Hermitage—all in the Sōtō Zen lineage of Shunryū Suzuki Rōshi—and a year at Bukkokuji Monastery in Japan (with Harada Tangen Rōshi). After living in these monastic communities for almost two decades, Kōkyō was then teacher at Santa Cruz Zen Center from 2010-2020, and has been studying and practicing with no fixed abode along with his wife, Rev. Shōhō Kuebast, since 2020.Kōkyō was ordained as a Zen priest in 1994 by Tenshin Reb Anderson Rōshi, receiving the Dharma name Kōkyō Yakai (Luminous Owl, Midnight Liberation 光梟夜解). He received Dharma Transmission from Tenshin Rōshi in 2010, becoming a 92nd generation lineage-holder authorized to guide others on the path. Kōkyō has also been practicing with the Tibetan Dzogchen (“Great Perfection”) Teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche since 2003, in California, Colorado, and Kathmandu. SparkZen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this endeavor, please consider becoming a subscriber. Thank you! Get full access to SparkZen at sparkzen.substack.com/subscribe
This is a guided visualization meditation from the text “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-scharpenburg/support
This is a guided visualization meditation from the text “Steps to the Great Perfection” by Jigme Lingpa --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-scharpenburg/support
On this episode, Laura Chandler interviews Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, the founder of Kungsong Gar Meditation Center in Santa Cruz, and author of the book, Holy Women of Great Perfection: Thirty Signs and Meanings of Ultimate Nature in the Ancient Tibetan Tradition. And she is joined by a special guest co-host, Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D., author of The New Return to the Great Mother and Founding Director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream. In this conversation, we talk with Geshe Namgyal about his book, teachings, and the practice of Pure Dzogen. He explains why he chose to highlight the wisdom and teaching of female deities in his book, particularly in light of the changing, but still strongly patriarchal tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He also talks about the pan-Buddhist practice of Rime, a movement in Tibetan Buddhism that is non-sectarian, as well as the practice of Pure Dzogchen. He offers that no matter what one's background—country, gender, age, race, beliefs or history of painful experiences and emotions, the study and practice of the Pure Dzogchen teachings can help people discover true peace, strength, and fearlessness in life; and confidence in an eventual, positive death and rebirth experience. To learn more about Geshe Namgyal and Kungsong Gar Meditation Center, visit kunsanggarcenter.org.
Opening with a question by Traditional Tibetan medicine pioneer, author and fellow popularizer of the Buddhist inner and outer sciences, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Professor Thurman explores the delicate translation of mind science terminology and details the Five Aggregates as taught by the historical Buddha. This podcast includes a recommendation of the work and teachings of Dr. Nida, personal reflections on translating and practicing Dzogchen and Vajrayana, and concludes with an in-depth explanation of the Five Aggregates. Dr. Nida Chenagtsang is a traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthog Nyingthig, the unique Vajrayana Buddhist spiritual healing tradition of Tibetan Medicine. He has published several books and articles on Tibetan medicine, meditation, and yoga, and his extensive research and revival of ancient Tibetan healing methods has earned him great acclaim in both East and West. Founder and Medical Director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute: School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine; Co-Founder of the International Ngakmang Institute, established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong ngakpa non-monastic yogi/ini culture within modern Tibetan society; and Co-Founder of Pure Land Farms: Center for Tibetan Medicine, Meditation and Rejuvenation in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his work as a physician, he trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthog Nyingthig tradition in over forty countries around the world. Dzogchen's Great Perfection & The Five Aggregates - Episode 284 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during Tibet House US | Menla's "The Great Connection: The Mahāsandhi Supreme Yoga of Dzogchen's Great Perfection" online course with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and Robert A.F. Thurman, available via www.thusmenla.org.
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The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment says:At each moment, don't raise delusive thoughts.And don't suppress your delusive states of mind.When you find yourself in a realm of delusive thought, don't add knowledge.When you don't know, don't think that's the truth.Book of Serenity, Case 45Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/apalmr)
Dzogchen means "the great perfection." What is perfection for reals? A podcast from Satsang with Shambhavi Curious to find out more about spiritual life, Trika Shaivism, and Shambhavi? Want to know how you can attend live and livestreamed teachings or get started practicing? Visit jayakula.org for lots more media, instruction in mantra and meditation, and a full calendar of IRL teachings with Shambhavi. You can also find us on FB and instagram @jayakula. Ask to join the private Jaya Kula News FB group to get access to the zoom link for satsang. And if you'd like to support these teachings, please rate and review this podcast as it helps others find us. You can also make a donation at jayakula.org/giving Thanks for listening! And much love to you, wherever and however you are.
Dzogchen, or the "Great Perfection," is considered by many to be the apex of Tibetan Buddhism, and Longchen Rabjam is the most celebrated of all the saints of this remarkable tradition. Natural Perfection presents the radical precepts of Dzogchen, pointing the way to absolute liberation from conceptual fetters and leading the practitioner to a state of pure, natural integration into one's true being. Reading taken by the text translated by Keith Dowman. Music credits: Tonepoet, Mirada, Wings of an Angel - www.bandcamp.com
B. Alan Wallace joins Raghu to reconcile science and spirituality within the context of Tibetan Buddhism's Great Perfection.B. Alan Wallace PhD is a frequent translator and contributor to meetings between the Dalai Lama and prominent scientists and philosophers, and he has written and translated more than 40 books, including Minding Closely: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. He is the founder and director of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies and of the Centers for Contemplative Research in Castellina Marittima in Tuscany and in Crestone, Colorado. For more info, please visit AlanWallace.orgPrivacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.
This teaching is taken from the text "The Treasury of Natural Perfection" - translated by Keith Dowman. Dzogchen, or the "Great Perfection," is considered by many to be the apex of Tibetan Buddhism, and Longchen Rabjam is the most celebrated of all the saints of this remarkable tradition. Natural Perfection presents the radical precepts of Dzogchen, pointing the way to absolute liberation from conceptual fetters and leading the practitioner to a state of pure, natural integration into one's true being. The beautiful music is by Hotel Neon. https://hotelneon.bandcamp.com/
A text belonging to the same cycle as The Tibetan Book of the Dead, this instruction on the method of self-liberation presents the essence of Dzogchen, The Great Perfection, regarded in Tibet as the highest and most esoteric teaching of the Buddha. Teaching the attainment of Buddhahood in a single lifetime, this text was written and concealed by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century and rediscovered six centuries later by Karma Lingpa. Translated by John Reynolds.
Buddhist Teacher and author Lopön Chandra Easton talks with Michael Taft about Vajrayana, her own pilgrimage and experiences in India, the struggle to bring motherhood, sexuality, the feminine, and the female voice into spiritual life, the power of yidam or deity yoga, how Westerners relate to deity yoga, and a look into the practice of the 21 Taras.Chandra Easton is a teacher and translator of Tibetan Buddhism who focuses on the lineage of the 11th-century yogini Maching Labdrön and Lama Tsultrim Allione, founder of Tara Mandala retreat center. She has taught Buddhism and yoga since 2001 and cotranslated the book Sublime Dharma: A Compilation of Two Texts on the Great Perfection. http://www.shunyatayoga.com/https://www.taramandala.org/ You can support the creation of future episodes of this podcast by contributing through Patreon.
For this episode of the Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken speaks with Wisdom author and renowned Tibetan Buddhist translator, Malcolm Smith. Malcolm has been a student of the Great Perfection teachings since 1992 and studied under Dzogchen masters Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and the late Kunzang Dechen Lingpa. His translations include Buddhahood in this Life: The […] The post Malcolm Smith: Translating The Tantra Without Syllables and The Blazing Lamp Tantra appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
The Practice of Dzogchen at Amazon Show notes at PointingTexts.org My other podcast at Immediatism.com Email Cory@Immediatism.com
Show notes at PointingTexts.org My other podcast at Immediatism.com Email Cory@Immediatism.com
A complete cycle of dzogchen teaching by Longchenpa. This is Chapter 1, the first of three chapters and episodes. Also go back and see episode 4 for another of Longchenpa’s teachings on how to practice dzogchen. The Practice of Dzogchen at Shambhala.com The Practice of Dzogchen at Amazon Show notes at PointingTexts.org My other podcast at Immediatism.com Email Cory@Immediatism.com
Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, professor of Tibetan Buddhism, offers teachings on the foundations of rigpa. Rigpa is a Tibetan word that means an awareness that transcends the ordinary, dualistic mind. In this retreat, Khenpo Sherab Sangpo instructs his students on how to recognize the difference between dualistic mind (sem) and the nature of mind (rigpa) according to the view of Dzogpachenpo (Dzogchen, Great Perfection). He also emphasizes the importance of meeting with a genuine teacher (guru), developing faith and devotion to receive the blessings of the teacher's lineage, and the foundational meditation instructions and practices that enable one to recognize the nature of mind and stabilize that recognition so that it is not a fleeting or temporary experience. Please visit our website to learn more about Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, his teachings and for practice texts. This episode can be seen on Youtube.
Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, professor of Tibetan Buddhism, offers teachings on the foundations of rigpa. Rigpa is a Tibetan word that means an awareness that transcends the ordinary, dualistic mind. In this retreat, Khenpo Sherab Sangpo instructs his students on how to recognize the difference between dualistic mind (sem) and the nature of mind (rigpa) according to the view of Dzogpachenpo (Dzogchen, Great Perfection). He also emphasizes the importance of meeting with a genuine teacher (guru), developing faith and devotion to receive the blessings of the teacher's lineage, and the foundational meditation instructions and practices that enable one to recognize the nature of mind and stabilize that recognition so that it is not a fleeting or temporary experience. Please visit our website to learn more about Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, his teachings and for practice texts. This episode can be seen on Youtube.
Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, professor of Tibetan Buddhism, offers teachings on the foundations of rigpa. Rigpa is a Tibetan word that means an awareness that transcends the ordinary, dualistic mind. In this retreat, Khenpo Sherab Sangpo instructs his students on how to recognize the difference between dualistic mind (sem) and the nature of mind (rigpa) according to the view of Dzogpachenpo (Dzogchen, Great Perfection). He also emphasizes the importance of meeting with a genuine teacher (guru), developing faith and devotion to receive the blessings of the teacher's lineage, and the foundational meditation instructions and practices that enable one to recognize the nature of mind and stabilize that recognition so that it is not a fleeting or temporary experience. Please visit our website to learn more about Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, his teachings and for practice texts. This episode can be seen on Youtube.
Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, professor of Tibetan Buddhism, offers teachings on the foundations of rigpa. Rigpa is a Tibetan word that means an awareness that transcends the ordinary, dualistic mind. In this retreat, Khenpo Sherab Sangpo instructs his students on how to recognize the difference between dualistic mind (sem) and the nature of mind (rigpa) according to the view of Dzogpachenpo (Dzogchen, Great Perfection). He also emphasizes the importance of meeting with a genuine teacher (guru), developing faith and devotion to receive the blessings of the teacher's lineage, and the foundational meditation instructions and practices that enable one to recognize the nature of mind and stabilize that recognition so that it is not a fleeting or temporary experience. Please visit our website to learn more about Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, his teachings and for practice texts. This episode can be seen on Youtube.
Like a doctor, the Buddha approached the problem of human suffering by naming it, identifying it's cause and sharing his insights on how to be free of suffering and the path to take to do this. Host Marlena Willis talks with retired public health physician and Buddhist teacher, Margarita Loinaz, about how her work as a doctor influenced her spirituality and how she sees spirituality can influence our work to create a healthier world for all. Margarita Loinaz is a retired public health physician and Buddhist teacher with the East Bay Meditation Center . She has trained in both the Theravadan and Tibetan traditions. Her current teachings center on the integration of the Great Perfection teachings with social and environmental awareness. The post The Spiritual Dimension of Public Health appeared first on KPFA.
In this episode, host Daniel Aitken speaks with Malcolm Smith, translator in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and long-time practitioner of Dzogchen. In this rich conversation, Malcolm discusses one of the most influential texts in all of Tibetan Buddhism, the Seventeen Tantras of the Great Perfection. Malcolm shares the fascinating history of these eleventh-century teachings, and reads […] The post Malcolm Smith: The Seventeen Tantras of the Great Perfection appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
A wonderful conversation with author Lama Surya Das on Dzogchen Tradition/Lineage and The Great Perfection.
On this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das explores the threefold path of Natural Great Perfection in Dzogchen practice.
B. Alan Wallace Today, I talk with B. Alan Wallace about his multiple careers as Buddhist contemplative and teacher, physicist and cognitive scientist, writer and translator. We discuss his road to becoming a monk and returning to laity, the meditative practices of Dzogchen, how to tell a good teacher (by the quality of their students), the remarkable career of Dudjom Lingpa, and how Buddhist contemplatives and neuroscientists can collaborate to effect a revolution in our understanding of the mind. Bio Dynamic lecturer, progressive scholar, and one of the most prolific writers and translators of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, B. Alan Wallace, Ph.D., continually seeks innovative ways to integrate Buddhist contemplative practices with Western science to advance the study of the mind. Dr. Wallace, a scholar and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970, has taught Buddhist theory and meditation worldwide since 1976. Having devoted fourteen years to training as a Tibetan Buddhist monk, ordained by H. H. the Dalai Lama, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College and a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford. With his unique background, Alan brings deep experience and applied skills to the challenge of integrating traditional Indo-Tibetan Buddhism with the modern world. Show Notes Alan Wallace's website Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Dudjom Rinpoche Gyatrul Rinpoche Dudjom Lingpa A Clear Mirror: The Visionary Biography of Dudjom Lingpa Neurophilosophy The "hard problem of consciousness"
The Great Perfection of Silent Awareness
Surya Das reflects on the bigger picture of the Great Perfection, as it relates to the art of acceptance within our practice. A little acceptance goes a long way as we continue to work on ourselves, moving toward the middle path of choiceless awareness. Question and answer topics center around meditation techniques and the evolution of practice.
Surya Das describes the direct access we have to the Great Perfection that embodies all that is, just as it is. This innate wakefulness is a practice of refining our inner gold by looking deeper to discover the light within everything and everyone. Question and answer topics include discriminating between resting in the moment and laziness, and working with fear and anxiety.
Seeing through the illusion and simply enjoying the view is the work we have set out to do. In practice we assume our Buddha seat, allowing awareness to proceed unhindered, in observance of our pure and natural state. We are the flow, and can come to rest in the clear vision of what is.
Whereas the Four Immeasurables are the best friends of Vipashyana in weakening the mental afflictions before wisdom finally gives them the rest, the Four Greats go much deeper, lifting the last veils to become a fully awakened buddha. In this meditation of Great Compassion we attend to the different layers pertaining to the question why all sentient beings couldn’t become free from suffering. We should take this question really serious, it is not meant to be a philosophical question. Alan gives the parallel to medicine, where a resolve was made to free all human beings from the suffering of Ebola or other diseases, and with intelligence and effort it is made a reality. First we have the blatant suffering that is caused by hatred, which means caused by views i.e. of racism, and these views could be eradicated - not the people that hold these views, they are equally worthy of our compassion. This type of suffering pertains to specific problems that we encounter, and each of them could be addressed, one by one. For those of us who cannot become full-time yogis because of responsibilities for their families etc., we can alleviate this type of suffering by acting as bodhisattvas in our daily lives. The next layer is the suffering of change, which is related to craving and attachment. It could be solved by being content, by valuing eudaimonia over hedonic pleasures, and the way that leads out of that suffering could be taught to children from kindergarten on. And finally, we have the deepest level of suffering, the all-pervasive, existential suffering related to delusion. This depth of suffering can only be addressed by wisdom, and we find the wisdom capable of this in every religion, in true science and philosophy. If we look deep enough, we find the Great Perfection in all of them. Alan ends with a great appeal to all of us. Since scientific materialism with its consumer-driven way of life, its worldview and its hedonic values is dragging human civilization down into an abyss, the primary responsibility for each of us is to save this planet. Guided meditation starts at 36:30 min
Whereas the Four Immeasurables are the best friends of Vipashyana in weakening the mental afflictions before wisdom finally gives them the rest, the Four Greats go much deeper, lifting the last veils to become a fully awakened buddha. In this meditation of Great Compassion we attend to the different layers pertaining to the question why all sentient beings couldn’t become free from suffering. We should take this question really serious, it is not meant to be a philosophical question. Alan gives the parallel to medicine, where a resolve was made to free all human beings from the suffering of Ebola or other diseases, and with intelligence and effort it is made a reality. First we have the blatant suffering that is caused by hatred, which means caused by views i.e. of racism, and these views could be eradicated - not the people that hold these views, they are equally worthy of our compassion. This type of suffering pertains to specific problems that we encounter, and each of them could be addressed, one by one. For those of us who cannot become full-time yogis because of responsibilities for their families etc., we can alleviate this type of suffering by acting as bodhisattvas in our daily lives. The next layer is the suffering of change, which is related to craving and attachment. It could be solved by being content, by valuing eudaimonia over hedonic pleasures, and the way that leads out of that suffering could be taught to children from kindergarten on. And finally, we have the deepest level of suffering, the all-pervasive, existential suffering related to delusion. This depth of suffering can only be addressed by wisdom, and we find the wisdom capable of this in every religion, in true science and philosophy. If we look deep enough, we find the Great Perfection in all of them. Alan ends with a great appeal to all of us. Since scientific materialism with its consumer-driven way of life, its worldview and its hedonic values is dragging human civilization down into an abyss, the primary responsibility for each of us is to save this planet. Guided meditation starts at 36:30 min
In this session we are finishing off the instructions of Padmasambhava. Alan goes right into meditation and the central theme is releasing the mind into space. After the meditation session Alan finishes reading and explaining the section on shamatha from Natural Liberation. He continues giving advice on how to practice in between sessions by way of maintaining awareness of space. Alan quotes Shantideva and illustrates how his thoughts resonate with dzogchen. In this practice we are giving up everything for the sake of nirvana. We are giving up everything we are attached to and everything that we identify with. We surrender all at once by releasing the mind into space! Alan goes back to the book Vajra Essence and explains the procedure to be followed by the three types of beings according to their capacities: great, middling and inferior with regards the practices of the Great Perfection. To conclude the session Alan comments on what Dudjom Lingpa said regarding people encountering these profound teachings. He said that these people had already a vast contact and engaging with Buddha-Dharma in past lives. These teachings only come with a lot of previous momentum. Therefore, do not let yourself be intimidated by these profound teachings. If inspiration arises while listening the teachings, that’s all you need to have in order to be ready for these practices. Meditation starts at 00:50
In this session we are finishing off the instructions of Padmasambhava. Alan goes right into meditation and the central theme is releasing the mind into space. After the meditation session Alan finishes reading and explaining the section on shamatha from Natural Liberation. He continues giving advice on how to practice in between sessions by way of maintaining awareness of space. Alan quotes Shantideva and illustrates how his thoughts resonate with dzogchen. In this practice we are giving up everything for the sake of nirvana. We are giving up everything we are attached to and everything that we identify with. We surrender all at once by releasing the mind into space! Alan goes back to the book Vajra Essence and explains the procedure to be followed by the three types of beings according to their capacities: great, middling and inferior with regards the practices of the Great Perfection. To conclude the session Alan comments on what Dudjom Lingpa said regarding people encountering these profound teachings. He said that these people had already a vast contact and engaging with Buddha-Dharma in past lives. These teachings only come with a lot of previous momentum. Therefore, do not let yourself be intimidated by these profound teachings. If inspiration arises while listening the teachings, that’s all you need to have in order to be ready for these practices. Meditation starts at 00:50
So what is it that gets in the way of Awakening? If we are already Awake, why don't we feel it? According to Michael, wisdom traditions seem to offer up some suggestions. Among the most important pointer is stillness itself. Without stillness there can be no authentic awakening. Period. This simple fact, according to Michael, points us, at least in Buddhist terms, toward the 4th Turning of the Wheel. In his talk he references Ken Wilber's recording titled, The Five Reasons You're Not Enlightened, where the the simple question, "If it's all Spirit then why am I not Awake", is addressed. Each of the turnings of the Wheel of Dharma is briefly addressed in Michael's talk. Put simply, we miss the Great Perfection because we're so busy clinging.
So what is it that gets in the way of Awakening? If we are already Awake, why don't we feel it? According to Michael, wisdom traditions seem to offer up some suggestions. Among the most important pointer is stillness itself. Without stillness there can be no authentic awakening. Period. This simple fact, according to Michael, points us, at least in Buddhist terms, toward the 4th Turning of the Wheel. In his talk he references Ken Wilber's recording titled, The Five Reasons You're Not Enlightened, where the the simple question, "If it's all Spirit then why am I not Awake", is addressed. Each of the turnings of the Wheel of Dharma is briefly addressed in Michael's talk. Put simply, we miss the Great Perfection because we're so busy clinging.
A Retreat Teaching by Joel Morwood
In this morning session, Alan really woke us up (interpret that as you will) by making an addendum to this Sunday's bonus episode where we had a "speed drive" through different ways of viewing reality from the Buddhist point of view. Alan only had two minutes left for Dzogchen, so this morning he went deeper into an explanation of this culminating Great Perfection. This episode is crucial to understanding the Dzogchen view.Alan first briefly recapitulates on the path to Arhathood from the point of view of the coarse and subtle mind, and then using a strong metaphor from dreaming he explains what Dzogchen has to add to that view. I would feel dirty trying to summarize the beauty of this explanation because I really don't want to mess with Dzogchen teachings.You will notice that I edited the meditation on Compassion out of the podcast and skipped straight to Alan's words after the meditation. This is because he picks off right where he left off, talking about the dangers of taking Dzogchen practice (and any other practice such as Vipassana) and how this is sadly becoming more and more common. Alan uses an analogy from his days in Dharamsala to ilustrate the futility of Dzogchen without context, so please share this episode with anybody you might know is attempting this. We don't want them to waste their time.If you are keen-eyed you will recognize the palms in the photo from many other photos in this podcast. This was a nighttime still provided by David Cherniack, slightly modified by me to make it more relevant :)To see David's original footage wait for more details on his movie!
Yes, this is an ambitious title but as always the podcast episode does not fail to deliver the goods. However, I really won't even try to summarize all of Buddhist Philosophy in two paragraphs. I know I always say that but really, this time there is just no point and not enough space for me to do that. However, I will give you a few things :) The lecture started with what to do when we encounter strong negative emotions, attitudes, and mental states after the retreat, and this was weaved with a question about the relationship of Chitamattra and Dzogchen. Instead of giving a brief conceptual comparison, Alan rolls back and looks at a sequence of ways of viewing reality, fully engaged with a way of practice. He works with Sanskrit-language based schools: Vaibhashika, Sautrantika, Chittamatra, and Madhyamaka, and ends with a brief overview of The Great Perfection (Dzogchen).Alan makes this very relevant regardless of personal interest in Buddhism, and clearly explains the ways of viewing the physical, appearances, systems of measurement, qualia, references, perception, the mind, awareness, "what do you really know," and just all of reality from evolving points of view. Somewhere in the middle, there is a brief detour into the "lack of competition" that resulted in materialism taking over the mind sciences. I will honestly say that I do not consider myself well-versed in Buddhist philosophy, and this episode was extremely enlightening and helped me clearly understand the different views of the Indian Buddhist schools, culminating in the beauty of the Dzogchen view.So that's all you'll get from me! I very highly recommend this episode.