Difference between revisions of "Pointing-out instruction"
m (Text replacement - "]]]" to "]])") |
|||
(3 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Images_21.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Images_21.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | |||
− | The [[tradition]] of conferring such instructions outside of the context of formal [[abhiṣeka]] ([[empowerment]]) is unique to the [[Kagyu]] and [[Nyingma lineages]]. Whether or not such instructions are valid without the formal [[abhiṣeka]] has historically been a point of contention with the more conservative [[Gelug]] and [[Sakya lineages]]. The [[pointing-out instruction]] is often equated with the "fourth" or [[ghanta | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The '''[[pointing-out instruction]]''' is said to be the direct introduction to the [[nature of mind]] in the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[lineages of Mahāmudrā]] and [[Dzogchen]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In these [[traditions]], a "[[root guru]]" (S. [[mūlaguru]], [[Wylie]]: [[rtsa-ba'i bla-ma]], pronounced "tsawey [[lama]]") is the [[master]] who gives the "[[pointing-out instruction]]" in such a way that the [[disciple]] successfully [[recognizes]] the "[[nature of mind]]." | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[tradition]] of conferring such instructions outside of the context of formal [[abhiṣeka]] ([[empowerment]]) is unique to the [[Kagyu]] and [[Nyingma lineages]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Whether or not such instructions are valid without the formal [[abhiṣeka]] has historically been a point of contention with the more conservative [[Gelug]] and [[Sakya lineages]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[pointing-out instruction]] is often equated with the "fourth" or [[ghanta abhiṣeka]] of more formal [[vajrayana empowerment]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
=={{Wiki|Terminology}}== | =={{Wiki|Terminology}}== | ||
− | |||
− | In the [[Mahāmudrā]] [[tradition]], the [[mind]] pointed out is called "[[ordinary mind]]" (thamal gyi shepa, [[Wylie]]: [[tha mal gyi shes pa]], [[Sanskrit]]: *prākṛita-jñana). As the [[Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche]] explains, "From the [[Mahamudra]] point of view, the [[nature]] of our [[mind]] is [[completely enlightened]] right from the beginning, and it is known as [[ordinary mind]]. In this context, 'ordinary' does not refer to [[mundane]] consciousness—a [[mind]] that is totally caught up in this [[world]] of [[Samsara]]. [[Ordinary mind]] refers to [[mind]] that is not [[fabricated]] in any way. It is the natural or fundamental [[state]] of our [[mind]], totally free from all {{Wiki|conceptual}} elaborations. It is the best part of [[mind]]. When we [[experience]] this [[ordinary mind]], we [[experience]] [[buddha mind]]. It does not [[matter]] how our [[mind]] is [[manifesting]]. Whether our [[thoughts]] and [[emotions]] are positive, negative, or neutral—that [[mind]], in its [[essence]], is totally free from all [[dualistic]] fixations." | + | |
+ | In the [[Mahāmudrā]] [[tradition]], [[pointing-out instruction]] ([[ngo sprod kyi gdams pa]], pronounced "[[notro ki dampa]]") is also referred to as "[[pointing out the nature of mind]]" ([[sems kyi ngo sprod]], pronounced "[[semki notro]]"), "pointing out [[transmission]]", or "introduction to the [[nature of mind]]". | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the [[Dzogchen tradition]], the pointing out instructions are often called the “[[introduction to awareness]]” ([[rig pa'i ngo sprod]], pronounced "[[rigpay notro]]") or "[[sems khrid]]," pronounced "[[sem tri]]"). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Senior [[Shambhala]] [[Buddhist]] [[teacher]] Jeremy Hayward describes this as "a direct pointing out of the [[nature of mind]], that is [[mind's]] [[simplicity]] and universality—all [[appearances]] arise within the [[mind]] and in that [[sense]] there is [[nothing]] other than [[mind]], yet [[mind]] itself is [[emptiness]], [[openness]] [[beyond]] {{Wiki|concept}}." | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | In the [[Mahāmudrā tradition]], the [[mind]] pointed out is called "[[ordinary mind]]" ([[thamal gyi shepa]], [[Wylie]]: [[tha mal gyi shes pa]], [[Sanskrit]]: *[[prākṛita-jñana)]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | As the [[Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche]] explains, "From the [[Mahamudra]] point of view, the [[nature]] of our [[mind]] is [[completely enlightened]] right from the beginning, and it is known as [[ordinary mind]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In this context, 'ordinary' does not refer to [[mundane]] consciousness—a [[mind]] that is totally caught up in this [[world]] of [[Samsara]]. [[Ordinary mind]] refers to [[mind]] that is not [[fabricated]] in any way. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is the natural or fundamental [[state]] of our [[mind]], totally free from all {{Wiki|conceptual}} elaborations. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | It is the best part of [[mind]]. When we [[experience]] this [[ordinary mind]], we [[experience]] [[buddha mind]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It does not [[matter]] how our [[mind]] is [[manifesting]]. Whether our [[thoughts]] and [[emotions]] are positive, negative, or neutral—that [[mind]], in its [[essence]], is totally free from all [[dualistic]] fixations." | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
In the [[Dzogchen tradition]], the [[mind]] pointed out is called [[rigpa]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rig pa]], [[Sanskrit]]: *[[vidya]]). | In the [[Dzogchen tradition]], the [[mind]] pointed out is called [[rigpa]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rig pa]], [[Sanskrit]]: *[[vidya]]). | ||
− | Sometimes the [[pointing-out instruction]] is referred to as "the [[empowerment]] of [[vajra wisdom]]," "[[vajrayana | + | Sometimes the [[pointing-out instruction]] is referred to as "the [[empowerment]] of [[vajra wisdom]]," "[[vajrayana transmission]]" or "[[esoteric transmission]]," although these terms can also be applied to formal [[abhiṣeka]] as well. |
+ | |||
==[[Traditions]]== | ==[[Traditions]]== | ||
+ | |||
==== [[Mahāmudrā]] ==== | ==== [[Mahāmudrā]] ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
As [[scholar]] David Jackson describes, the particular [[Kagyu tradition]] of [[pointing-out instruction]] outside of the [[tantras]] was popularized, if not originated, by [[Gampopa]]. | As [[scholar]] David Jackson describes, the particular [[Kagyu tradition]] of [[pointing-out instruction]] outside of the [[tantras]] was popularized, if not originated, by [[Gampopa]]. | ||
− | ::One of the special [[Great Seal]] ([[phyag rgya chen po]]: [[mahāmudrā]]) teachings for which [[sGam-po-pa]] was best known was his so-called "introduction to the | + | ::One of the special [[Great Seal]] ([[phyag rgya chen po]]: [[mahāmudrā]]) teachings for which [[sGam-po-pa]] was best known was his so-called "introduction to the ([[nature]] of] [[mind]]" ([[sems]] kyi ngo sprod), by which the [[disciple]] was led to confront and directly [[recognize]] the [[nature]] of his or her [[mind]]. |
+ | |||
+ | [[sGam-po-pa]] is said to have given such [[Great Seal]] instructions sometimes not as secret [[Vajrayana]] [[precepts]] in connection with [[initiation]] and special [[yogic]] practices, but rather as a [[Sūtra]]-based [[Great Seal]] [[instruction]], or even as a [[doctrine]] going [[beyond]] both [[Sūtra]] and [[Tantra]]. | ||
− | Jackson reports that, according to a number of [[Kagyu]] {{Wiki|historians}}, [[Gampopa]] put particular {{Wiki|emphasis}} on pointing out the [[nature of mind]]. Jackson writes " | + | Later critics such as [[Sa-skya Paṇḍita]] (or [[Sa-paṇ]], as he was known for short) maintained, however, that all true [[Great Seal]] instructions were [[Mantrayana]] teachings that necessitated full, formal [[Tantric initiation]] into a [[maṇḍala]]. |
+ | |||
+ | These [[masters]] denied in general the [[existence]] of any Sūtra-based or non-Tantric [[Great Seal]], and in particular they considered the [[existence]] of any [[Mahāyāna]] [[doctrine]] outside of the classes of [[Pāramitāyāna]] and [[Mantrayāna]] to be impossible. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Jackson reports that, according to a number of [[Kagyu]] {{Wiki|historians}}, [[Gampopa]] put particular {{Wiki|emphasis}} on pointing out the [[nature of mind]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Jackson writes "[[rJe sGam-po-pa]] had discovered within himself the [[treasure]] of innate [[wisdom]], and for him it was also [[essential]] to try to convey it to others. | ||
+ | |||
+ | And convey it he did, on a scale never before attempted within his [[lineage]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To do so, he bent the [[traditional]] {{Wiki|rules}} restricting how certain [[Vajrayana teachings]] could be transmitted. He did this out of [[compassion]] for his students, in [[order]] to establish them in what was most important: profound [[meditative practice]] and [[insight]]." | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | There is {{Wiki|evidence}} that this [[practice]] derived from (unacknowledged) [[Chan]] [[influence]], a controversial issue in [[Tibet]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | As [[scholar]] {{Wiki|Matthew Kapstein}} writes, the "much contested [[doctrine]] sometimes called the '[[mahamudra of the sutra radition]]' ([[mdo-lugs phyag-chen]]). . . | ||
+ | |||
+ | was said to bring about direct [[insight]] into the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature of mind]], owing to the impact of an 'introduction' ([[ngo-sprod]]; see [[chapter]] 10) conferred by one's [[teacher]], without the disciple's having first traversed the entire sequence of [[tantric initiation]] and [[yogic practice]]. . . . | ||
+ | |||
+ | ([[Gampopa]] and other [[Kagyüpa]] [[teachers]]) certainly wished to avoid suggesting that what they were [[teaching]] was a rehashing of the [[Chinese Chan]] [[doctrine]], which after all had been condemned in the | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Kadampa tradition]] of the eleventh-century [[teacher]] [[Potowa]] (1027 or 1031–1105), a [[tradition]] with which [[Gampopa]] was himself closely affiliated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | This ploy, however, was not fully successful. [[Sakya Paṇḍita]] (1182–1251), for one, [[recognized]] very clearly that the [[Kagyüpa]] [[teaching]] drew some of its inspiration from such sources, and so he castigated its '[[sutra]] [[tradition]] of the [[mahamudra]]' as what he termed, with apparent derision, '{{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Great Perfection]]' ([[Rgya-nag rdzogs-chen]])." | ||
− | |||
How much of a departure this in fact represented from the [[Indian]] model has been a [[subject]] of ongoing research. As [[scholar]] [[Klaus-Dieter Mathes]] has found: | How much of a departure this in fact represented from the [[Indian]] model has been a [[subject]] of ongoing research. As [[scholar]] [[Klaus-Dieter Mathes]] has found: | ||
− | ::Certain aspects of the [[Bka´ brgyud]] teachings on [[mahāmudrā]], such as the possibility of a sudden liberating [[realization]] or the possibility that a beginner may attain [[mahāmudrā]] even without [[Tantric initiation]], became a highly controversial issue in the 13th century. For [[Sa skya Paṇḍita]] (1182–1251), such teachings represented a new [[development]] stemming from a [[Sino-Tibetan]] [[influence]] on [[Sgam po pa Bsod nams rin chen]] (1079–1153). Later [[Bka´ brgyud]] pas defended their not specifically [[Tantric]] or [[sūtra]] [[mahāmudrā tradition]] by adducing [[Indian]] sources such as the [[Tattvadaśakaṭīkā]] or the [[Tattvāvatāra]]. These belong to a genre of {{Wiki|literature}} which the [[Seventh Karmapa]] [[Chos grags rgya mtsho]] (1454–1506) called “[[Indian | + | ::Certain aspects of the [[Bka´ brgyud]] teachings on [[mahāmudrā]], such as the possibility of a sudden liberating [[realization]] or the possibility that a beginner may attain [[mahāmudrā]] even without [[Tantric initiation]], became a highly controversial issue in the 13th century. |
+ | |||
+ | For [[Sa skya Paṇḍita]] (1182–1251), such teachings represented a new [[development]] stemming from a [[Sino-Tibetan]] [[influence]] on [[Sgam po pa Bsod nams rin chen]] (1079–1153). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Later [[Bka´ brgyud]] pas defended their not specifically [[Tantric]] or [[sūtra]] [[mahāmudrā tradition]] by adducing [[Indian]] sources such as the [[Tattvadaśakaṭīkā]] or the [[Tattvāvatāra]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | These belong to a genre of {{Wiki|literature}} which the [[Seventh Karmapa]] [[Chos grags rgya mtsho]] (1454–1506) called “[[Indian mahāmudrā-Works]]” ([[phyag chen rgya gzhung]]). . . . | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dr. Mathes investigated the [[practice]] described in these [[mahāmudrā]] works and found that it is not necessarily [[Tantric]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In [[Saraha´s]] dohās it is simply the [[realization]] of [[mind´s]] co-emergent [[nature]] with the help of a genuine [[guru]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Maitrīpa]] (ca. 1007– ca. 1085) uses the term [[mahāmudrā]] for precisely such an approach, thus employing an originally [[Tantric]] term for something that is not a specifically [[Tantric practice]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is thus legitimate for later [[Bka´ brgyud]] pas to speak of [[Saraha´smahāmudrā]] [[tradition]] as [[being]] originally {{Wiki|independent}} of the [[Sūtras]] and the [[Tantras]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | For [[Maitrīpa]], the [[direct realization]] of [[emptiness]] (or the co-emergent) is the bridging link between the [[Sūtras]] and the [[Tantras]], and it is thanks to this bridge that [[mahāmudrā]] can be linked to the [[Sūtras]] and the [[Tantras]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the [[Sūtras]] it takes the [[form]] of the [[practice]] of [[non-abiding]] and becoming [[mentally]] disengaged, while in the [[Tantras]] it occupies a special position among the four [[mudrās]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | According to [[scholar]] [[Trungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche]] {{Wiki|Sherpa}}, introduction ([[ngo sprod]]) "is explained by [[Gampopa]] as [[being]] of five types: | ||
+ | |||
+ | 1) introduction of [[appearance]] as [[mind]] through the analogy of [[sleep]] and [[dream]], | ||
+ | 2) introduction of the {{Wiki|inseparability}} of [[appearance]] and [[emptiness]] through the analogy of [[water]] and ice, | ||
+ | 3) introduction of mind-as-such as [[empty]] through the analogy of [[empty]] sky, | ||
+ | 4) introduction of multiplicity as [[being]] one {{Wiki|taste}} through the analogy of the {{Wiki|taste}} of a cake of raw sugar." | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Trungram]] notes that [[Gampopa]] uses "terms we find in the [[mahāmudrā]] [[instruction]] of [[Saraha]], [[Maitrīpa]], and sometimes [[Tillipa]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | But his actual [[instruction]] is marked by one major difference: [[Gampopa]] ignores the methodical [[mantric]] [[path]] we find in his predecessors" and "[[taught]] openly in public, without testing the [[spiritual]] capacity of his students . . . . the permissibility of [[teaching]] [[Gampopa's]] [[Mahāmudrā]] to the masses . . . lead us to view his publicly [[taught]] [[Mahāmudrā]] as a [[sutra]] [[teaching]]." | ||
+ | |||
− | |||
The [[mahāmudrā tradition]] also includes a "fourfold pointing-out instructions" (pointing out the [[nature of mind]] on the basis of [[appearances]]) presented by [[Karmapa]] [[Wangchuk Dorje]] in his three texts on [[mahāmudrā]]. | The [[mahāmudrā tradition]] also includes a "fourfold pointing-out instructions" (pointing out the [[nature of mind]] on the basis of [[appearances]]) presented by [[Karmapa]] [[Wangchuk Dorje]] in his three texts on [[mahāmudrā]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
=== [[Dzogchen]] === | === [[Dzogchen]] === | ||
− | |||
− | As one [[scholar]] notes, "students of [[rDzogs chen]] are repeatedly reminded of the [[inherent]] [[perfection]] of the [[beginningless]] beginning. The [[primary]] {{Wiki|purpose}} of the [[guru's]] pointing out instructions--be they [[verbal]] or [[symbolic]] or telepathic--is to provide a {{Wiki|taste}} of this, to introduce the [[student]] to his or her [[own]] [[natural awareness]]. From there, one needs only to sustain that way of [[being]] ([[gnas lugs]]), deepening the [[experience]] until all things have that unitary {{Wiki|taste}} ([[ro gcig]])." | + | |
+ | In the [[Dzogchen tradition]], the pointing out instructions are more often called the “[[introduction to awareness]]” ([[rig pa'i ngo sprod]], pronounced "[[rigpay notro]]"). | ||
+ | |||
+ | The "[[Empowerment of Awareness]]" ([[Wylie]]: [[rig pa'i rtsal dbang]], pronounced "[[rigpay sall wahng]]") is a technical term employed within the [[Dzogchen lineages]] for a particular [[lineage]] of [[empowerment]] propagated by [[Jigme Lingpa]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | This [[empowerment]] consists of the direct introduction of the [[student]] to the [[intrinsic nature]] of their [[own]] [[mind-essence]], [[rigpa]], by their [[empowering]] [[master]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | As one [[scholar]] notes, "students of [[rDzogs chen]] are repeatedly reminded of the [[inherent]] [[perfection]] of the [[beginningless]] beginning. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[primary]] {{Wiki|purpose}} of the [[guru's]] pointing out instructions--be they [[verbal]] or [[symbolic]] or telepathic--is to provide a {{Wiki|taste}} of this, to introduce the [[student]] to his or her [[own]] [[natural awareness]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | From there, one needs only to sustain that way of [[being]] ([[gnas lugs]]), deepening the [[experience]] until all things have that unitary {{Wiki|taste}} ([[ro gcig]])." | ||
+ | |||
[[The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying]] author [[Sogyal Rinpoche]] describes the pointing out instructions given to one [[student]]: | [[The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying]] author [[Sogyal Rinpoche]] describes the pointing out instructions given to one [[student]]: | ||
− | ::[[Nyoshul Lungtok]], who later became one of the greatest [[Dzogchen masters]] of recent times, followed his [[teacher]] [[Patrul Rinpoche]] for about eighteen years. During all that [[time]], they were almost [[inseparable]]. [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] studied and practiced extremely diligently, and [[accumulated]] a [[wealth]] of [[purification]], [[merit]], and [[practice]]; he was ready to [[recognize]] the [[Rigpa]], but had not yet had the final introduction. Then, one famous evening, [[Patrul Rinpoche]] gave him the introduction. It happened when they were staying together in one of the hermitages high up in the [[mountains]] above [[Dzogchen Monastery]]. It was a very [[beautiful]] night. The dark blue sky was clear and the {{Wiki|stars}} shone brilliantly. The [[sound]] of their [[solitude]] was heightened by the distant barking of a {{Wiki|dog}} from the [[monastery]] below. [[Patrul Rinpoche]] was {{Wiki|lying}} stretched out on the ground, doing a special [[Dzogchen practice]]. He called [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] over to him, saying: "Did you say you do not know the [[essence]] of the [[mind]]?" [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] guessed from his tone that this was a special [[moment]] and nodded expectantly. | + | ::[[Nyoshul Lungtok]], who later became one of the greatest [[Dzogchen masters]] of recent times, followed his [[teacher]] [[Patrul Rinpoche]] for about eighteen years. During all that [[time]], they were almost [[inseparable]]. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] studied and practiced extremely diligently, and [[accumulated]] a [[wealth]] of [[purification]], [[merit]], and [[practice]]; | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | he was ready to [[recognize]] the [[Rigpa]], but had not yet had the final introduction. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Then, one famous evening, [[Patrul Rinpoche]] gave him the introduction. It happened when they were staying together in one of the hermitages high up in the [[mountains]] above [[Dzogchen Monastery]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It was a very [[beautiful]] night. The dark blue sky was clear and the {{Wiki|stars}} shone brilliantly. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[sound]] of their [[solitude]] was heightened by the distant barking of a {{Wiki|dog}} from the [[monastery]] below. [[Patrul Rinpoche]] was {{Wiki|lying}} stretched out on the ground, doing a special [[Dzogchen practice]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | He called [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] over to him, saying: "Did you say you do not know the [[essence]] of the [[mind]]?" [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] guessed from his tone that this was a special [[moment]] and nodded expectantly. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ::"There's [[nothing]] to it really," [[Patrul Rinpoche]] said casually, and added, "My son, come and lie down over here: be like your old father." [[Nyoshul Lungtok]] stretched out by his side. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Then [[Patrul Rinpoche]] asked him, "Do you see the {{Wiki|stars}} up there in the sky?" | ||
− | |||
::"Yes." | ::"Yes." | ||
::"Do you hear the [[dogs]] barking in [[Dzogchen Monastery]]?" | ::"Do you hear the [[dogs]] barking in [[Dzogchen Monastery]]?" | ||
Line 51: | Line 180: | ||
::"Yes." | ::"Yes." | ||
::"Well, the [[nature]] of [[Dzogchen]] is this: simply this." | ::"Well, the [[nature]] of [[Dzogchen]] is this: simply this." | ||
− | ::[[Nyoshul Lungtok]] tells us what happened then: "At that instant, I arrived at a {{Wiki|certainty}} of [[realization]] from within. I had been {{Wiki|liberated}} from the [[fetters]] of 'it is' and 'it is not.' I had [[realized]] the [[primordial wisdom]], the naked union of [[emptiness]] and [[intrinsic awareness]]. I was introduced to this [[realization]] by his [[blessing]], as the great [[Indian master]] [[Saraha]] said: He in whose [[heart]] the words of the [[master]] have entered, Sees the [[truth]] like a [[treasure]] in his [[own]] palm." | + | |
+ | ::[[Nyoshul Lungtok]] tells us what happened then: "At that instant, I arrived at a {{Wiki|certainty}} of [[realization]] from within. I had been {{Wiki|liberated}} from the [[fetters]] of 'it is' and 'it is not.' | ||
+ | |||
+ | I had [[realized]] the [[primordial wisdom]], the naked union of [[emptiness]] and [[intrinsic awareness]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I was introduced to this [[realization]] by his [[blessing]], as the great [[Indian master]] [[Saraha]] said: He in whose [[heart]] the words of the [[master]] have entered, Sees the [[truth]] like a [[treasure]] in his [[own]] palm." | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
=={{Wiki|Recognition}}== | =={{Wiki|Recognition}}== | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | ::If you had some [[experience]], report back for confirmation. Don't assume you've understood. There are countless ways to get it wrong, and if you do, it will make the rest of your [[practice]] wobbly, since it will based on a [[wrong view]]. It would be like building a house on a rotten foundation. | + | According to [[Dzogchen master]] [[Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche]], "Once one has received the [[pointing-out instruction]] there is the chance of either [[recognizing]] it or not." |
+ | |||
+ | Bruce Newman, a long-time [[student]] of [[Tulku Urgyen's]] son, [[Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche]], describes the possible responses of the [[student]] to the pointing out [[instruction]]: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ::So at this point one of two things may have happened: You've had some [[experience]] that you think or {{Wiki|hope}} is the [[experience]], or you haven't. If you haven't, you can report, "[[Rinpoche]], I've been trying to [[meditate]] on what you said when you said, '[[Mind]] is [[empty]].' | ||
+ | |||
+ | But [[nothing]] has happened. I don't understand-I have no [[idea]] what you're talking about! Can you give me one [[word]] of advice on how to proceed?" Then you take that advice and start all over. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | A [[word]] of caution: he may not answer you straight away. | ||
+ | |||
+ | He might say that you have to do some other [[practice]], such as the [[preliminary practices]], to clear away [[obstacles]] to your [[understanding]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Complete these practices to his [[satisfaction]] then report back for further clarification and [[instruction]], for however long it takes. At this point you'll know that your [[practice]] is proceeding in the right [[direction]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ::If you had some [[experience]], report back for confirmation. Don't assume you've understood. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There are countless ways to get it wrong, and if you do, it will make the rest of your [[practice]] wobbly, since it will based on a [[wrong view]]. It would be like building a house on a rotten foundation. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ::When you report back, you can say, "[[Rinpoche]], in your [[teaching]] you said that [[mind]] was [[empty]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Since then I've been trying to [[meditate]] on your words and I've had the following [[experience]]..." | ||
+ | |||
+ | It's very difficult to put these kinds of [[experiences]] into words, but please try; it's really worth the [[effort]]. Study helps here-it provides you with the vocabulary to explain yourself. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | So you might ask, "Is this really it?" He might ask you several questions, often to discern whether you're talking about a real [[experience]] or mostly mixing it up with what you've read or heard. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If he says "no," "not quite," etc., then you go back to the beginning. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If it's a definite "yes," then ask for further clarification, some [[instruction]] on how to proceed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Even if you have [[recognized]] and your [[teacher]] has unequivocally confirmed your {{Wiki|recognition}}, there's still much more to learn. First are the techniques for repeating and stabilizing the {{Wiki|recognition}}. | ||
+ | |||
+ | (This is, of course, many lifetimes of work!) Second, there will be [[doubts]], and you'll have [[experiences]] you're not sure how to categorize. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "Was that last [[experience]] really [[rigpa]]? Perhaps it wasn't [[empty]] enough." This can go on for a long [[time]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The doubting and questioning can start to become problematic after a while, but it's very necessary in the beginning to make sure you have it right. | ||
+ | |||
− | |||
According to [[Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche]], few contemporary [[disciples]] are capable of {{Wiki|recognition}}, even when receiving pointing out instructions from {{Wiki|superior}} [[masters]]: | According to [[Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche]], few contemporary [[disciples]] are capable of {{Wiki|recognition}}, even when receiving pointing out instructions from {{Wiki|superior}} [[masters]]: | ||
− | ::Once I witnessed [[Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche]] give the pointing out [[instruction]] to a [[gathering]] of more than one thousand [[people]] in [[Taiwan]]. He still gave the real thing nakedly and directly, leaving [[nothing]] out. This must exemplify what they call the 'expression of [[compassionate]] capacity,' for he rose to the [[occasion]] out of the [[power]] of his [[realization]]. He said, 'The [[oral instruction]] is like a candle: you can see while you hold it, and when you give it away you have no more [[light]]. But since all of you have taken the trouble to come here, expecting to hear me speak, I [[feel]] that I cannot refuse [[giving]] you the [[pointing-out instruction]].' Then he gave the [[instruction]] in coming face to face with your [[own]] [[nature]]. Even if the great Khyentse, [[Kongtrül]] or [[Longchenpa]] were doing so, it wouldn't surpass his [[instruction]]. Yet I later met only a few there who truly [[recognized]] their [[own]] [[nature]]. Even among [[Rinpoche's]] [[Western]] students there were some very close [[disciples]] who definitely should have [[recognized]] their [[buddha nature]]. They probably had some vague glimpse of {{Wiki|recognition}}; yet they use [[empty]] words, and ignore the {{Wiki|consequences}} of their [[actions]]. I have yet to meet one who has fully [[realized]] his teachings. | + | |
+ | ::Once I witnessed [[Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche]] give the pointing out [[instruction]] to a [[gathering]] of more than one thousand [[people]] in [[Taiwan]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | He still gave the real thing nakedly and directly, leaving [[nothing]] out. | ||
+ | |||
+ | This must exemplify what they call the 'expression of [[compassionate]] capacity,' for he rose to the [[occasion]] out of the [[power]] of his [[realization]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | He said, 'The [[oral instruction]] is like a candle: you can see while you hold it, and when you give it away you have no more [[light]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | But since all of you have taken the trouble to come here, expecting to hear me speak, I [[feel]] that I cannot refuse [[giving]] you the [[pointing-out instruction]].' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Then he gave the [[instruction]] in coming face to face with your [[own]] [[nature]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Even if the great [[Khyentse]], [[Kongtrül]] or [[Longchenpa]] were doing so, it wouldn't surpass his [[instruction]]. Yet I later met only a few there who truly [[recognized]] their [[own]] [[nature]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Even among [[Rinpoche's]] [[Western]] students there were some very close [[disciples]] who definitely should have [[recognized]] their [[buddha nature]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | They probably had some vague glimpse of {{Wiki|recognition}}; yet they use [[empty]] words, and ignore the {{Wiki|consequences}} of their [[actions]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I have yet to meet one who has fully [[realized]] his teachings. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
The [[Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche]] characterizes {{Wiki|recognition}} as follows: | The [[Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche]] characterizes {{Wiki|recognition}} as follows: | ||
− | |||
− | ::Similarly, we get a preview of the [[Mahamudra]] [[experience]] when we receive the pointing-out instructions from our [[guru]]. They give us a glimpse or flash [[experience]] of [[Mahamudra]]. They give us a [[sense]] of [[direction]] and motivate us to go further; however, it is up to us to extend our exploration so that we eventually come to a genuine [[realization]] of [[Mahamudra]]. Without this flash [[experience]], we would have no way to be exposed to the [[nature of mind]] so directly, so nakedly. That flash is a [[transmission]] of the [[lineage]], a wonderful [[blessing]] through which we are introduced to the deeper [[experience]] and [[realization]] of the [[Mahamudra]] [[path]]. This shows how necessary it is to rely on the [[lineage transmission]] and to be connected to a genuine [[lineage master]]. Without the [[pure]] and genuine [[lineage]], without a qualified [[lineage master]], we would have no way to [[experience]] such a preview, such a flash [[experience]]. | + | ::Receiving pointing-out instructions is similar to watching a movie preview. Unless we see the preview, we have no [[idea]] what the movie will be about. So a preview is an {{Wiki|excellent}} way to be introduced to what a particular movie might be like. |
+ | |||
+ | We might see the preview and then decide to skip the film—that is up to us. No one is going to force us to sit through the whole movie. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ::Similarly, we get a preview of the [[Mahamudra]] [[experience]] when we receive the pointing-out instructions from our [[guru]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | They give us a glimpse or flash [[experience]] of [[Mahamudra]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | They give us a [[sense]] of [[direction]] and motivate us to go further; however, it is up to us to extend our exploration so that we eventually come to a genuine [[realization]] of [[Mahamudra]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Without this flash [[experience]], we would have no way to be exposed to the [[nature of mind]] so directly, so nakedly. | ||
+ | |||
+ | That flash is a [[transmission]] of the [[lineage]], a wonderful [[blessing]] through which we are introduced to the deeper [[experience]] and [[realization]] of the [[Mahamudra]] [[path]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | This shows how necessary it is to rely on the [[lineage transmission]] and to be connected to a genuine [[lineage master]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Without the [[pure]] and genuine [[lineage]], without a qualified [[lineage master]], we would have no way to [[experience]] such a preview, such a flash [[experience]]. | ||
+ | |||
==Secrecy== | ==Secrecy== | ||
− | |||
− | Many techniques are also commonly said to be secret, but some [[Vajrayana]] [[teachers]] have responded that the secrecy itself is not important but only a side-effect of the [[reality]] that the techniques have no validity outside the teacher-student [[lineage]]. As these techniques are said to be highly effective, when not practiced properly, the [[practitioner]] can be harmed {{Wiki|physically}} and [[mentally]]. In [[order]] to avoid these kind of dangers, the [[practice]] is kept secret.[citation needed] | + | This conspicuous aspect of [[Vajrayana Buddhism]] is [[esoteric]]. In this context [[esoteric]] means that the [[transmission]] of certain accelerating factors only occurs directly from [[teacher]] to [[student]] during an [[initiation]] and cannot be simply learned from a [[book]]. |
+ | |||
+ | The term [[adhisthana]] (literally "[[blessing]]") refers to the [[spiritual energy]] that is received in the [[mindstream]] of the aspirant when successful [[transmission]] takes place. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Many techniques are also commonly said to be secret, but some [[Vajrayana]] [[teachers]] have responded that the secrecy itself is not important but only a side-effect of the [[reality]] that the techniques have no validity outside the teacher-student [[lineage]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | As these techniques are said to be highly effective, when not practiced properly, the [[practitioner]] can be harmed {{Wiki|physically}} and [[mentally]]. In [[order]] to avoid these kind of dangers, the [[practice]] is kept secret.[citation needed] | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Nyingma]] | [[Category:Nyingma]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Oral instruction's]] |
Latest revision as of 18:59, 4 April 2016
The pointing-out instruction is said to be the direct introduction to the nature of mind in the Tibetan Buddhist lineages of Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen.
In these traditions, a "root guru" (S. mūlaguru, Wylie: rtsa-ba'i bla-ma, pronounced "tsawey lama") is the master who gives the "pointing-out instruction" in such a way that the disciple successfully recognizes the "nature of mind."
The tradition of conferring such instructions outside of the context of formal abhiṣeka (empowerment) is unique to the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages.
Whether or not such instructions are valid without the formal abhiṣeka has historically been a point of contention with the more conservative Gelug and Sakya lineages.
The pointing-out instruction is often equated with the "fourth" or ghanta abhiṣeka of more formal vajrayana empowerment.
Terminology
In the Mahāmudrā tradition, pointing-out instruction (ngo sprod kyi gdams pa, pronounced "notro ki dampa") is also referred to as "pointing out the nature of mind" (sems kyi ngo sprod, pronounced "semki notro"), "pointing out transmission", or "introduction to the nature of mind".
In the Dzogchen tradition, the pointing out instructions are often called the “introduction to awareness” (rig pa'i ngo sprod, pronounced "rigpay notro") or "sems khrid," pronounced "sem tri").
Senior Shambhala Buddhist teacher Jeremy Hayward describes this as "a direct pointing out of the nature of mind, that is mind's simplicity and universality—all appearances arise within the mind and in that sense there is nothing other than mind, yet mind itself is emptiness, openness beyond concept."
In the Mahāmudrā tradition, the mind pointed out is called "ordinary mind" (thamal gyi shepa, Wylie: tha mal gyi shes pa, Sanskrit: *prākṛita-jñana).
As the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche explains, "From the Mahamudra point of view, the nature of our mind is completely enlightened right from the beginning, and it is known as ordinary mind.
In this context, 'ordinary' does not refer to mundane consciousness—a mind that is totally caught up in this world of Samsara. Ordinary mind refers to mind that is not fabricated in any way.
It is the natural or fundamental state of our mind, totally free from all conceptual elaborations.
It is the best part of mind. When we experience this ordinary mind, we experience buddha mind.
It does not matter how our mind is manifesting. Whether our thoughts and emotions are positive, negative, or neutral—that mind, in its essence, is totally free from all dualistic fixations."
In the Dzogchen tradition, the mind pointed out is called rigpa (Wylie: rig pa, Sanskrit: *vidya).
Sometimes the pointing-out instruction is referred to as "the empowerment of vajra wisdom," "vajrayana transmission" or "esoteric transmission," although these terms can also be applied to formal abhiṣeka as well.
Traditions
Mahāmudrā
As scholar David Jackson describes, the particular Kagyu tradition of pointing-out instruction outside of the tantras was popularized, if not originated, by Gampopa.
- One of the special Great Seal (phyag rgya chen po: mahāmudrā) teachings for which sGam-po-pa was best known was his so-called "introduction to the (nature of] mind" (sems kyi ngo sprod), by which the disciple was led to confront and directly recognize the nature of his or her mind.
sGam-po-pa is said to have given such Great Seal instructions sometimes not as secret Vajrayana precepts in connection with initiation and special yogic practices, but rather as a Sūtra-based Great Seal instruction, or even as a doctrine going beyond both Sūtra and Tantra.
Later critics such as Sa-skya Paṇḍita (or Sa-paṇ, as he was known for short) maintained, however, that all true Great Seal instructions were Mantrayana teachings that necessitated full, formal Tantric initiation into a maṇḍala.
These masters denied in general the existence of any Sūtra-based or non-Tantric Great Seal, and in particular they considered the existence of any Mahāyāna doctrine outside of the classes of Pāramitāyāna and Mantrayāna to be impossible.
Jackson reports that, according to a number of Kagyu historians, Gampopa put particular emphasis on pointing out the nature of mind.
Jackson writes "rJe sGam-po-pa had discovered within himself the treasure of innate wisdom, and for him it was also essential to try to convey it to others.
And convey it he did, on a scale never before attempted within his lineage.
To do so, he bent the traditional rules restricting how certain Vajrayana teachings could be transmitted. He did this out of compassion for his students, in order to establish them in what was most important: profound meditative practice and insight."
There is evidence that this practice derived from (unacknowledged) Chan influence, a controversial issue in Tibet.
As scholar Matthew Kapstein writes, the "much contested doctrine sometimes called the 'mahamudra of the sutra radition' (mdo-lugs phyag-chen). . .
was said to bring about direct insight into the ultimate nature of mind, owing to the impact of an 'introduction' (ngo-sprod; see chapter 10) conferred by one's teacher, without the disciple's having first traversed the entire sequence of tantric initiation and yogic practice. . . .
(Gampopa and other Kagyüpa teachers) certainly wished to avoid suggesting that what they were teaching was a rehashing of the Chinese Chan doctrine, which after all had been condemned in the
Kadampa tradition of the eleventh-century teacher Potowa (1027 or 1031–1105), a tradition with which Gampopa was himself closely affiliated.
This ploy, however, was not fully successful. Sakya Paṇḍita (1182–1251), for one, recognized very clearly that the Kagyüpa teaching drew some of its inspiration from such sources, and so he castigated its 'sutra tradition of the mahamudra' as what he termed, with apparent derision, 'Chinese Great Perfection' (Rgya-nag rdzogs-chen)."
How much of a departure this in fact represented from the Indian model has been a subject of ongoing research. As scholar Klaus-Dieter Mathes has found:
- Certain aspects of the Bka´ brgyud teachings on mahāmudrā, such as the possibility of a sudden liberating realization or the possibility that a beginner may attain mahāmudrā even without Tantric initiation, became a highly controversial issue in the 13th century.
For Sa skya Paṇḍita (1182–1251), such teachings represented a new development stemming from a Sino-Tibetan influence on Sgam po pa Bsod nams rin chen (1079–1153).
Later Bka´ brgyud pas defended their not specifically Tantric or sūtra mahāmudrā tradition by adducing Indian sources such as the Tattvadaśakaṭīkā or the Tattvāvatāra.
These belong to a genre of literature which the Seventh Karmapa Chos grags rgya mtsho (1454–1506) called “Indian mahāmudrā-Works” (phyag chen rgya gzhung). . . .
Dr. Mathes investigated the practice described in these mahāmudrā works and found that it is not necessarily Tantric.
In Saraha´s dohās it is simply the realization of mind´s co-emergent nature with the help of a genuine guru.
Maitrīpa (ca. 1007– ca. 1085) uses the term mahāmudrā for precisely such an approach, thus employing an originally Tantric term for something that is not a specifically Tantric practice.
It is thus legitimate for later Bka´ brgyud pas to speak of Saraha´smahāmudrā tradition as being originally independent of the Sūtras and the Tantras.
For Maitrīpa, the direct realization of emptiness (or the co-emergent) is the bridging link between the Sūtras and the Tantras, and it is thanks to this bridge that mahāmudrā can be linked to the Sūtras and the Tantras.
In the Sūtras it takes the form of the practice of non-abiding and becoming mentally disengaged, while in the Tantras it occupies a special position among the four mudrās.
According to scholar Trungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche Sherpa, introduction (ngo sprod) "is explained by Gampopa as being of five types:
1) introduction of appearance as mind through the analogy of sleep and dream, 2) introduction of the inseparability of appearance and emptiness through the analogy of water and ice, 3) introduction of mind-as-such as empty through the analogy of empty sky, 4) introduction of multiplicity as being one taste through the analogy of the taste of a cake of raw sugar."
Trungram notes that Gampopa uses "terms we find in the mahāmudrā instruction of Saraha, Maitrīpa, and sometimes Tillipa.
But his actual instruction is marked by one major difference: Gampopa ignores the methodical mantric path we find in his predecessors" and "taught openly in public, without testing the spiritual capacity of his students . . . . the permissibility of teaching Gampopa's Mahāmudrā to the masses . . . lead us to view his publicly taught Mahāmudrā as a sutra teaching."
The mahāmudrā tradition also includes a "fourfold pointing-out instructions" (pointing out the nature of mind on the basis of appearances) presented by Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in his three texts on mahāmudrā.
Dzogchen
In the Dzogchen tradition, the pointing out instructions are more often called the “introduction to awareness” (rig pa'i ngo sprod, pronounced "rigpay notro").
The "Empowerment of Awareness" (Wylie: rig pa'i rtsal dbang, pronounced "rigpay sall wahng") is a technical term employed within the Dzogchen lineages for a particular lineage of empowerment propagated by Jigme Lingpa.
This empowerment consists of the direct introduction of the student to the intrinsic nature of their own mind-essence, rigpa, by their empowering master.
As one scholar notes, "students of rDzogs chen are repeatedly reminded of the inherent perfection of the beginningless beginning.
The primary purpose of the guru's pointing out instructions--be they verbal or symbolic or telepathic--is to provide a taste of this, to introduce the student to his or her own natural awareness.
From there, one needs only to sustain that way of being (gnas lugs), deepening the experience until all things have that unitary taste (ro gcig)."
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying author Sogyal Rinpoche describes the pointing out instructions given to one student:
- Nyoshul Lungtok, who later became one of the greatest Dzogchen masters of recent times, followed his teacher Patrul Rinpoche for about eighteen years. During all that time, they were almost inseparable.
Nyoshul Lungtok studied and practiced extremely diligently, and accumulated a wealth of purification, merit, and practice;
he was ready to recognize the Rigpa, but had not yet had the final introduction.
Then, one famous evening, Patrul Rinpoche gave him the introduction. It happened when they were staying together in one of the hermitages high up in the mountains above Dzogchen Monastery.
It was a very beautiful night. The dark blue sky was clear and the stars shone brilliantly.
The sound of their solitude was heightened by the distant barking of a dog from the monastery below. Patrul Rinpoche was lying stretched out on the ground, doing a special Dzogchen practice.
He called Nyoshul Lungtok over to him, saying: "Did you say you do not know the essence of the mind?" Nyoshul Lungtok guessed from his tone that this was a special moment and nodded expectantly.
- "There's nothing to it really," Patrul Rinpoche said casually, and added, "My son, come and lie down over here: be like your old father." Nyoshul Lungtok stretched out by his side.
Then Patrul Rinpoche asked him, "Do you see the stars up there in the sky?"
- "Yes."
- "Do you hear the dogs barking in Dzogchen Monastery?"
- "Yes."
- "Do you hear what I'm saying to you?"
- "Yes."
- "Well, the nature of Dzogchen is this: simply this."
- Nyoshul Lungtok tells us what happened then: "At that instant, I arrived at a certainty of realization from within. I had been liberated from the fetters of 'it is' and 'it is not.'
I had realized the primordial wisdom, the naked union of emptiness and intrinsic awareness.
I was introduced to this realization by his blessing, as the great Indian master Saraha said: He in whose heart the words of the master have entered, Sees the truth like a treasure in his own palm."
Recognition
According to Dzogchen master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, "Once one has received the pointing-out instruction there is the chance of either recognizing it or not."
Bruce Newman, a long-time student of Tulku Urgyen's son, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, describes the possible responses of the student to the pointing out instruction:
- So at this point one of two things may have happened: You've had some experience that you think or hope is the experience, or you haven't. If you haven't, you can report, "Rinpoche, I've been trying to meditate on what you said when you said, 'Mind is empty.'
But nothing has happened. I don't understand-I have no idea what you're talking about! Can you give me one word of advice on how to proceed?" Then you take that advice and start all over.
A word of caution: he may not answer you straight away.
He might say that you have to do some other practice, such as the preliminary practices, to clear away obstacles to your understanding.
Complete these practices to his satisfaction then report back for further clarification and instruction, for however long it takes. At this point you'll know that your practice is proceeding in the right direction.
- If you had some experience, report back for confirmation. Don't assume you've understood.
There are countless ways to get it wrong, and if you do, it will make the rest of your practice wobbly, since it will based on a wrong view. It would be like building a house on a rotten foundation.
Since then I've been trying to meditate on your words and I've had the following experience..."
It's very difficult to put these kinds of experiences into words, but please try; it's really worth the effort. Study helps here-it provides you with the vocabulary to explain yourself.
So you might ask, "Is this really it?" He might ask you several questions, often to discern whether you're talking about a real experience or mostly mixing it up with what you've read or heard.
If he says "no," "not quite," etc., then you go back to the beginning.
If it's a definite "yes," then ask for further clarification, some instruction on how to proceed.
Even if you have recognized and your teacher has unequivocally confirmed your recognition, there's still much more to learn. First are the techniques for repeating and stabilizing the recognition.
(This is, of course, many lifetimes of work!) Second, there will be doubts, and you'll have experiences you're not sure how to categorize.
"Was that last experience really rigpa? Perhaps it wasn't empty enough." This can go on for a long time.
The doubting and questioning can start to become problematic after a while, but it's very necessary in the beginning to make sure you have it right.
According to Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche, few contemporary disciples are capable of recognition, even when receiving pointing out instructions from superior masters:
- Once I witnessed Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche give the pointing out instruction to a gathering of more than one thousand people in Taiwan.
He still gave the real thing nakedly and directly, leaving nothing out.
This must exemplify what they call the 'expression of compassionate capacity,' for he rose to the occasion out of the power of his realization.
He said, 'The oral instruction is like a candle: you can see while you hold it, and when you give it away you have no more light.
But since all of you have taken the trouble to come here, expecting to hear me speak, I feel that I cannot refuse giving you the pointing-out instruction.'
Then he gave the instruction in coming face to face with your own nature.
Even if the great Khyentse, Kongtrül or Longchenpa were doing so, it wouldn't surpass his instruction. Yet I later met only a few there who truly recognized their own nature.
Even among Rinpoche's Western students there were some very close disciples who definitely should have recognized their buddha nature.
They probably had some vague glimpse of recognition; yet they use empty words, and ignore the consequences of their actions.
I have yet to meet one who has fully realized his teachings.
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche characterizes recognition as follows:
We might see the preview and then decide to skip the film—that is up to us. No one is going to force us to sit through the whole movie.
- Similarly, we get a preview of the Mahamudra experience when we receive the pointing-out instructions from our guru.
They give us a glimpse or flash experience of Mahamudra.
They give us a sense of direction and motivate us to go further; however, it is up to us to extend our exploration so that we eventually come to a genuine realization of Mahamudra.
Without this flash experience, we would have no way to be exposed to the nature of mind so directly, so nakedly.
That flash is a transmission of the lineage, a wonderful blessing through which we are introduced to the deeper experience and realization of the Mahamudra path.
This shows how necessary it is to rely on the lineage transmission and to be connected to a genuine lineage master.
Without the pure and genuine lineage, without a qualified lineage master, we would have no way to experience such a preview, such a flash experience.
Secrecy
This conspicuous aspect of Vajrayana Buddhism is esoteric. In this context esoteric means that the transmission of certain accelerating factors only occurs directly from teacher to student during an initiation and cannot be simply learned from a book.
The term adhisthana (literally "blessing") refers to the spiritual energy that is received in the mindstream of the aspirant when successful transmission takes place.
Many techniques are also commonly said to be secret, but some Vajrayana teachers have responded that the secrecy itself is not important but only a side-effect of the reality that the techniques have no validity outside the teacher-student lineage.
As these techniques are said to be highly effective, when not practiced properly, the practitioner can be harmed physically and mentally. In order to avoid these kind of dangers, the practice is kept secret.[citation needed]