Difference between revisions of "Dzogchen"
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According to [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and [[Bön]], [[Dzogchen]] ([[Rdzogs chen]] or [[Atiyoga]]) is the natural, [[primordial state]] or natural [[condition]], and a [[Body]] of teachings and [[meditation]] practices aimed at [[realizing]] that [[condition]]. | According to [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and [[Bön]], [[Dzogchen]] ([[Rdzogs chen]] or [[Atiyoga]]) is the natural, [[primordial state]] or natural [[condition]], and a [[Body]] of teachings and [[meditation]] practices aimed at [[realizing]] that [[condition]]. | ||
− | [[Dzogchen]], or "[[Great Perfection]]", is a central [[teaching]] of the [[Nyingma]] school also practiced by {{Wiki|adherents}} of other [[Tibetan Buddhist]] sects. According to [[Dzogchen]] {{Wiki|literature}}, [[Dzogchen]] is the [[highest]] and most definitive [[path]] to [[Enlightenment]]. | + | [[Dzogchen]], or "[[Great Perfection]]", is a central [[teaching]] of the [[Nyingma]] school also practiced by {{Wiki|adherents}} of other [[Tibetan Buddhist]] sects. |
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+ | According to [[Dzogchen]] {{Wiki|literature}}, [[Dzogchen]] is the [[highest]] and most definitive [[path]] to [[Enlightenment]]. | ||
[[File:DharmaRatas--3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:DharmaRatas--3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | From the {{Wiki|perspective}} of [[Dzogchen]], the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature]] of all [[Sentient beings]] is said to be [[pure]], all-encompassing, [[primordial]] clarity or naturally occurring timeless clarity. This intrinsic clarity has no [[form]] of its [[own]] and yet is capable of perceiving, experiencing, {{Wiki|reflecting}}, or expressing all [[form]]. | + | From the {{Wiki|perspective}} of [[Dzogchen]], the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature]] of all [[Sentient beings]] is said to be [[pure]], all-encompassing, [[primordial]] clarity or naturally occurring timeless clarity. |
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+ | This intrinsic clarity has no [[form]] of its [[own]] and yet is capable of perceiving, experiencing, {{Wiki|reflecting}}, or expressing all [[form]]. | ||
− | It does so without [[being]] affected by those [[forms]] in any [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]], [[permanent]] way. The {{Wiki|analogy}} given by [[Dzogchen]] [[masters]] is that one's [[nature]] is like a [[mirror]] which reflects with complete [[openness]] but is not affected by the reflections, or like a {{Wiki|crystal}} ball that takes on the {{Wiki|colour}} of the material on which it is placed without itself [[being]] changed. | + | It does so without [[being]] affected by those [[forms]] in any [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]], [[permanent]] way. |
+ | The {{Wiki|analogy}} given by [[Dzogchen]] [[masters]] is that one's [[nature]] is like a [[mirror]] which reflects with complete [[openness]] but is not affected by the reflections, or like a {{Wiki|crystal}} ball that takes on the {{Wiki|colour}} of the material on which it is placed without itself [[being]] changed. | ||
The [[knowledge]] that ensues from [[recognizing]] this [[mirror-like]] clarity (which cannot be found by searching nor identified ) is what [[Dzogchenpas]] refer to as [[rigpa]]. | The [[knowledge]] that ensues from [[recognizing]] this [[mirror-like]] clarity (which cannot be found by searching nor identified ) is what [[Dzogchenpas]] refer to as [[rigpa]]. | ||
[[File:Gu aal-00.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Gu aal-00.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | There is a fairly wide consensus among [[lamas]] of both the [[Nyingma]] and [[Sarma]] schools that the end [[state]] of [[dzogchen]] and [[mahamudra]] are the same. The [[Madhyamaka]] teachings on [[Emptiness]] are fundamental to and thoroughly compatible with [[Dzogchen]] practices. [[Essence Mahamudra]] is viewed as [[being]] the same as [[Dzogchen]], except the former doesn't include [[thödgal]] | + | There is a fairly wide consensus among [[lamas]] of both the [[Nyingma]] and [[Sarma]] schools that the end [[state]] of [[dzogchen]] and [[mahamudra]] are the same. |
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+ | The [[Madhyamaka]] teachings on [[Emptiness]] are fundamental to and thoroughly compatible with [[Dzogchen]] practices. [[Essence Mahamudra]] is viewed as [[being]] the same as [[Dzogchen]], except the former doesn't include [[thödgal]] | ||
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Nomenclature and {{Wiki|etymology}} | Nomenclature and {{Wiki|etymology}} | ||
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The [[word]] [[Dzogchen]] has been translated variously as [[Great Perfection]], [[Great Completeness]], [[Total Completeness]], and [[Supercompleteness]]. These terms also convey the [[idea]] that our [[nature]] has many qualities that make it {{Wiki|perfect}}. | The [[word]] [[Dzogchen]] has been translated variously as [[Great Perfection]], [[Great Completeness]], [[Total Completeness]], and [[Supercompleteness]]. These terms also convey the [[idea]] that our [[nature]] has many qualities that make it {{Wiki|perfect}}. | ||
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It is said that the impressive personal qualities of the fully [[enlightened]] [[Buddha]] are derived from the fact that he was fully aligned with this already-existing [[primordial]] [[nature]]. | It is said that the impressive personal qualities of the fully [[enlightened]] [[Buddha]] are derived from the fact that he was fully aligned with this already-existing [[primordial]] [[nature]]. | ||
− | Descriptions of a [[Buddha]] as [[omniscient]] and {{Wiki|omnipresent}} refer to their [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature]]. The [[Tibetan]] term [[dzogchen]] is sometimes said to be a rendering of the [[Sanskrit]] term [[mahāsandhi]], and is also used to render the [[Sanskrit]] term [[ati yoga]] ([[primordial yoga]]). | + | Descriptions of a [[Buddha]] as [[omniscient]] and {{Wiki|omnipresent}} refer to their [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[nature]]. |
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+ | The [[Tibetan]] term [[dzogchen]] is sometimes said to be a rendering of the [[Sanskrit]] term [[mahāsandhi]], and is also used to render the [[Sanskrit]] term [[ati yoga]] ([[primordial yoga]]). | ||
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+ | A homonymous term [[dzogchen]] designates a [[practice]] and also a [[Body]] of teachings aimed at helping an {{Wiki|individual}} to [[recognize]] the [[Dzogchen state]], to become sure about it, and to develop the capacity to maintain the [[state]] continually. | ||
− | + | In his work on [[Jamgon Ju Mipham Gyatso]]'s [[Beacon of Certainty: Illuminating the View of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection]], [[John Pettit]] clarifies the various usages and implications of the term [[Dzogchen]] that are often conflated: | |
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"[[Great Perfection]]" variously indicates the texts ([[āgama]], lung) and oral instructions ([[upadeśa]], [[man ngag]]) that indicate the [[nature of enlightened Wisdom]] ([[rdzogs chen gyi gzhung dang[man ngag]]), the [[verbal]] conventions of those texts ([[rdzogs chen gyi chos skad]]), the [[yogis]] who [[meditate]] according to those texts and instructions ([[rdzogs chen gyi rnal 'byor pa]]), a famous [[monastery]] where the [[Great Perfection]] was practiced by [[monks]] and [[yogis]] ([[rdzogs chen dgon sde]]), and the [[philosophical]] system ([[siddhānta]], [[grub mtha]]') or [[vision]] ([[darśana]], [[lta ba]]) of the [[Great Perfection]]. | "[[Great Perfection]]" variously indicates the texts ([[āgama]], lung) and oral instructions ([[upadeśa]], [[man ngag]]) that indicate the [[nature of enlightened Wisdom]] ([[rdzogs chen gyi gzhung dang[man ngag]]), the [[verbal]] conventions of those texts ([[rdzogs chen gyi chos skad]]), the [[yogis]] who [[meditate]] according to those texts and instructions ([[rdzogs chen gyi rnal 'byor pa]]), a famous [[monastery]] where the [[Great Perfection]] was practiced by [[monks]] and [[yogis]] ([[rdzogs chen dgon sde]]), and the [[philosophical]] system ([[siddhānta]], [[grub mtha]]') or [[vision]] ([[darśana]], [[lta ba]]) of the [[Great Perfection]]. | ||
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[[File:1313071740XrBH05.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:1313071740XrBH05.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | [[Maha Ati]] | + | ==[[Maha Ati]]== |
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+ | [[Maha Ati]] is a term coined by [[Chögyam Trungpa]] , a [[master]] of the [[Kagyu]] and [[Nyingma lineages]] of [[Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism]]. | ||
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+ | [[He]] generally preferred to introduce [[Sanskrit]] rather than [[Tibetan]] terms to his students, and felt "[[Maha Ati]]" was the closest {{Wiki|equivalent}} for "[[Dzogpa Chenpo]]," although he [[acknowledged]] it was an [[unorthodox]] choice. | ||
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+ | The coinage does not follow the [[sandhi]] {{Wiki|rules}} which would be rendered as [[mahāti]]. This serves as an indication of its pedigree as a back-formation. | ||
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+ | ==[[Esoteric transmission]]== | ||
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+ | The [[Dzogchen teachings]] are the [[highest]] of the [[nine yana]], ([[Tibetan]] [[theg pa]], [[vehicle]]) of the [[Nyingma]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rnying ma]]) school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and the [[Tibetan]] [[Bön]] ([[Wylie]]: [[bon]]) [[tradition]]. | ||
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+ | Many [[lamas]], particularly of the [[Nyingma]] and [[Kagyu]] schools, regard them as the most profound teachings altogether. | ||
− | [[ | + | The instructions that point to the [[Dzogchen state]] are sometimes described as a set of "[[inner]]" or "[[Heart]]" ([[Wylie]]: [[snying thig]]) teachings. [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[ascetics]] consider that the [[state]] pointed to by these teachings is very difficult to describe, and can only be discovered through the [[esoteric transmission]] and [[pointing-out instruction]] by an [[Wikipedia:Authenticity|authentic]] [[Vajra Master]]. |
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− | + | Although [[Dzogchen]] cannot be separated by the [[Buddhist]] or [[Bön]] [[tradition]], very often [[teachers]] {{Wiki|emphasize}} the non [[religious]] [[character]] of [[Dzogchen]]. | |
− | + | However, the [[Buddhist]] or [[Bön]] [[traditional]] framework is never negated. [[Namkhai Norbu]] [[Rinpoche]] says that, as our [[primordial]] [[nature]], [[Dzogchen]] has existed since the beginning of [[time]] and is pointed to by various [[masters]] throughout the [[Universe]]. | |
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Background | Background | ||
− | According to one [[Nyingma tradition]], the first [[master]] of the [[Buddhist | + | |
+ | According to one [[Nyingma tradition]], the first [[master]] of the [[Buddhist Dzogchen lineage]] in our [[world]] was [[Garab Dorje]] ([[Wylie]]: [[dga' rab rdo rje]], [[Sanskrit]] *[[prahevajra]]) from [[Uddiyana]] ([[Wylie]]:. o [[rgyan]]). | ||
[[Indian]] originators | [[Indian]] originators | ||
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[[File:08-Mount sumeru-b.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:08-Mount sumeru-b.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
According to [[Garab Dorje]], [[Dzogchen]] is said to have been passed down as listed following. Often, practitioners are said to have lived for hundreds of years, and there are inconsistencies in the [[lifespan]] dates given, making it impossible [[to construct]] a sensible timeline. | According to [[Garab Dorje]], [[Dzogchen]] is said to have been passed down as listed following. Often, practitioners are said to have lived for hundreds of years, and there are inconsistencies in the [[lifespan]] dates given, making it impossible [[to construct]] a sensible timeline. | ||
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[[Prahevajra]] (Tib. [[Garab Dorje]], [[Wylie]]: [[dga' rab rdo rje]]) 184 BCE to 57 CE | [[Prahevajra]] (Tib. [[Garab Dorje]], [[Wylie]]: [[dga' rab rdo rje]]) 184 BCE to 57 CE | ||
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[[Vimalamitra]] (Tib. [[Drime Shenyen]], [[Wylie]]: [[dri med bshes gnyen]]) fl. late 8th CE | [[Vimalamitra]] (Tib. [[Drime Shenyen]], [[Wylie]]: [[dri med bshes gnyen]]) fl. late 8th CE | ||
[[Vairotsana]] (Tib. [[Nampar Nangdze Lotsawa]], [[Wylie]]: [[rnam par snang mdzad lo tsa ba]] ) fl. late 8th CE. | [[Vairotsana]] (Tib. [[Nampar Nangdze Lotsawa]], [[Wylie]]: [[rnam par snang mdzad lo tsa ba]] ) fl. late 8th CE. | ||
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[[In Tibet]] | [[In Tibet]] | ||
− | [[Padmasambhava]] (Tib. [[Pema Jugne]] or [[Guru Rinpoche]], [[Wylie]]: [[padma 'byung gnas]], [[gu ru rin po che]]) is considered the source of the [[Buddhist]] [[Dzogchen]] | + | [[Padmasambhava]] (Tib. [[Pema Jugne]] or [[Guru Rinpoche]], [[Wylie]]: [[padma 'byung gnas]], [[gu ru rin po che]]) is considered the source of the [[Buddhist]] [[Dzogchen teachings]] in [[Tibet]] (Tib. [[bod]]), which are the [[Heart of the[Nyingma]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rnying ma]]) [[tradition]], with which they are primarily associated. |
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+ | [[Dzogchen]] has also been practiced in the [[Kagyu]] ([[Wylie]]: [[bka' brgyud]]) [[lineage]], beginning with [[Milarepa]] ([[Wylie]]: [[mi la ras pa]]) and most notably by the [[Third Karmapa]], [[Rangjung Dorje]] ([[Wylie]]:. [[rang byung rdo rje]]). | ||
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+ | The Fifth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth ({{Wiki|present}}) [[Dalai Lamas]] ([[Wylie]]: [[ta la'i bla ma]]) are also noted [[Dzogchen]] [[masters]], although their adoption of the [[practice of Dzogchen]] has been a source of [[controversy]] among more conservative members of the [[Gelug]] ([[Wylie]]: [[dge lugs]]) [[tradition]]. | ||
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+ | In the [[Bön]] [[religion]], three separate [[Dzogchen]] [[traditions]] are attested and continue to be practiced: [[A-tri]] ([[Wylie]]: [[a khrid]]), [[Dzogchen]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rdzogs chen]], here referring narrowly to the specific [[lineage]] within the [[Bön tradition]]), and [[Shang Shung Nyen Gyu]] ([[Wylie]]: [[zhang zhung snyan rgyud]]). All are traced back to the founder of [[Bön]], [[Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche]] ([[Wylie]]: [[ston pa gshen rab mi bo che]]). | ||
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Concepts | Concepts | ||
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The [[essence of the Dzogchen]] [[teaching]] is the [[direct transmission of knowledge]] from [[master]] to [[disciple]]. | The [[essence of the Dzogchen]] [[teaching]] is the [[direct transmission of knowledge]] from [[master]] to [[disciple]]. | ||
[[Garab Dorje]] epitomized the [[Dzogchen teaching]] in three {{Wiki|principles}}, known as The [[Three Statements of Garab Dorje]] ([[Tsik Sum Né Dek]]): | [[Garab Dorje]] epitomized the [[Dzogchen teaching]] in three {{Wiki|principles}}, known as The [[Three Statements of Garab Dorje]] ([[Tsik Sum Né Dek]]): | ||
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[[Direct Introduction]] to one's [[own]] [[nature]] (Tib. [[ngo rang thog tu sprod pa]]) | [[Direct Introduction]] to one's [[own]] [[nature]] (Tib. [[ngo rang thog tu sprod pa]]) | ||
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Continuing to remain in this [[state]] (Tib. [[gdeng grol thog tu bca' pa]]) | Continuing to remain in this [[state]] (Tib. [[gdeng grol thog tu bca' pa]]) | ||
[[File:162 1.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:162 1.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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In accordance with these three statements, [[Garab Dorje]]'s direct [[disciple]] [[Manjushrimitra]] (Tib. '[[jam dpal bshes gnyen]]) classified all the [[Dzogchen]] teachings transmitted by his [[master]] into three series: | In accordance with these three statements, [[Garab Dorje]]'s direct [[disciple]] [[Manjushrimitra]] (Tib. '[[jam dpal bshes gnyen]]) classified all the [[Dzogchen]] teachings transmitted by his [[master]] into three series: | ||
− | [[Semde]] ([[Wylie]]: [[sems sde]]; Skt: [[cittavarga]]), the series of [[Mind]], that focuses on the introduction to one's [[own | + | |
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+ | [[Semde]] ([[Wylie]]: [[sems sde]]; Skt: [[cittavarga]]), the series of [[Mind]], that focuses on the introduction to one's [[own primordial state]]; | ||
[[Longde]] ([[Wylie]]: [[klong sde]]; Skt: [[abhyantaravarga]]), the series of [[Space]], that focuses on developing the capacity to gain [[familiarity]] with the [[state]] and remove [[doubts]]; and | [[Longde]] ([[Wylie]]: [[klong sde]]; Skt: [[abhyantaravarga]]), the series of [[Space]], that focuses on developing the capacity to gain [[familiarity]] with the [[state]] and remove [[doubts]]; and | ||
[[Menngagde]] ([[Wylie]]: [[man ngag sde]], Skt: [[upadeshavarga]]), the series of [[secret Oral Instructions]], focusing on the practices in which one engages after gaining [[confidence]] in [[knowledge]] of the [[state]]. | [[Menngagde]] ([[Wylie]]: [[man ngag sde]], Skt: [[upadeshavarga]]), the series of [[secret Oral Instructions]], focusing on the practices in which one engages after gaining [[confidence]] in [[knowledge]] of the [[state]]. | ||
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[[Tulku Urgyen]] explains what is meant by "gaining [[confidence]] in [[liberation]]": "The third {{Wiki|analogy}} of the [[liberation]] of [[thoughts]] is described as [[being]] like a thief entering an [[empty]] house. | [[Tulku Urgyen]] explains what is meant by "gaining [[confidence]] in [[liberation]]": "The third {{Wiki|analogy}} of the [[liberation]] of [[thoughts]] is described as [[being]] like a thief entering an [[empty]] house. | ||
− | This is called stability or [[perfection]] in {{Wiki|training}}. A thief entering an [[empty]] house does not gain anything, and the house does not lose anything. All [[thought]] [[activity]] is naturally {{Wiki|liberated}} without any harm or [[benefit]] whatsoever. This is the [[meaning]] of gaining [[confidence]] in [[liberation]]." | + | This is called stability or [[perfection]] in {{Wiki|training}}. A thief entering an [[empty]] house does not gain anything, and the house does not lose anything. |
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+ | All [[thought]] [[activity]] is naturally {{Wiki|liberated}} without any harm or [[benefit]] whatsoever. This is the [[meaning]] of gaining [[confidence]] in [[liberation]]." | ||
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+ | The [[Dzogchen]] teachings focus on three terms: [[View]], [[Meditation]]d [[Action]]. | ||
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+ | To see directly the [[absolute]] [[state]] of our [[mind]] is the [[View]]; the way of stabilizing that [[View]] and making it an unbroken [[experience]] is [[Meditation]]; and integrating that [[View]] into our daily [[Life]] is what is meant by [[Action]]. | ||
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+ | This open [[awareness]] of [[Dzogchen]], or [[rigpa]] (also comparable to the [[Buddha nature]]), is said to lie at the [[Heart]] of all things and indeed of all [[Dzogchen]] [[practice]] and is [[nothing]] less than "... [[primordial Wisdom]]'s [[recognition]] of itself as unbounded [[wholeness]]... the {{Wiki|incorruptible}} [[mind]]-[[nature]]." | ||
− | + | This reflexive [[awareness]] of [[Enlightenment]] is said to be [[inherent]] within all [[beings]], but not to be attainable by [[thought]]. | |
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[[Chogyal Namkhai Norbu]] points out that [[Dzogchen]] "refers to the true [[primordial state]] of every {{Wiki|individual}} and not to any [[transcendent]] [[reality]]." | [[Chogyal Namkhai Norbu]] points out that [[Dzogchen]] "refers to the true [[primordial state]] of every {{Wiki|individual}} and not to any [[transcendent]] [[reality]]." | ||
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In discussing the [[Nyingma]] text, the [[Kunjed Gyalpo Tantra]] ([[Kunjed Gyalpo]] = 'the all-creating [[king]]', synoymous with [[Samantabhadra]] [[Buddha]] ]), [[Namkhai Norbu]] explains that [[Kunjed Gyalpo]] is in fact "[[beyond]]" the [[dualism]] [[inherent]] in the notion of an '{{Wiki|individual}}'. [[He]] writes: | In discussing the [[Nyingma]] text, the [[Kunjed Gyalpo Tantra]] ([[Kunjed Gyalpo]] = 'the all-creating [[king]]', synoymous with [[Samantabhadra]] [[Buddha]] ]), [[Namkhai Norbu]] explains that [[Kunjed Gyalpo]] is in fact "[[beyond]]" the [[dualism]] [[inherent]] in the notion of an '{{Wiki|individual}}'. [[He]] writes: | ||
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The [[transmission]] of [[knowledge]] comes from the [[state]] of [[rigpa]] that has never been stained and has never been hindered. This is [[Adibuddha]], or "[[primordial Buddha]]", [[Kunjed Gyalpo]]... | The [[transmission]] of [[knowledge]] comes from the [[state]] of [[rigpa]] that has never been stained and has never been hindered. This is [[Adibuddha]], or "[[primordial Buddha]]", [[Kunjed Gyalpo]]... | ||
− | The [[state]] of [[Kunjed Gyalpo]] is [[knowledge]], and in [[knowledge]] there is not even the {{Wiki|concept}} of "one and two", otherwise we have already entered into [[dualism]]. Also, the {{Wiki|concept}} of "{{Wiki|individual}}" presupposes [[dualistic]] [[vision]]. But [[Samantabhadra]] is [[beyond]] all this... | + | The [[state]] of [[Kunjed Gyalpo]] is [[knowledge]], and in [[knowledge]] there is not even the {{Wiki|concept}} of "one and two", otherwise we have already entered into [[dualism]]. |
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+ | Also, the {{Wiki|concept}} of "{{Wiki|individual}}" presupposes [[dualistic]] [[vision]]. But [[Samantabhadra]] is [[beyond]] all this... | ||
[[File:5740449 n.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:5740449 n.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
Klein and [[Wangyal]] comment on the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] "one {{Wiki|taste}}" and dynamic stillness of the [[Dzogchen]] [[state]]: | Klein and [[Wangyal]] comment on the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] "one {{Wiki|taste}}" and dynamic stillness of the [[Dzogchen]] [[state]]: | ||
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... [[cause and effect]], [[Sentient beings]] and [[Buddhas]], [[subjects]] and [[objects]], [[path]] and goal are ultimately revealed to be of one {{Wiki|taste}}: {{Wiki|movement}} from one to the other is no {{Wiki|movement}} at all, really, but a dynamic stillness." | ... [[cause and effect]], [[Sentient beings]] and [[Buddhas]], [[subjects]] and [[objects]], [[path]] and goal are ultimately revealed to be of one {{Wiki|taste}}: {{Wiki|movement}} from one to the other is no {{Wiki|movement}} at all, really, but a dynamic stillness." | ||
− | There can be found within [[Dzogchen]] a [[sense]] of [[Reality]] as {{Wiki|limitless}} [[wholeness]], a multiplicity which is yet all of one "{{Wiki|taste}}", which is a borderless [[wholeness]]. According to [[Lopon Tenzin Namdak]], it is [[unconditioned]] and [[permanent]], changeless, not originated from [[causes]] and [[conditions]], [[blissful]], and the base or support of numerous [[exalted]] qualities. | + | There can be found within [[Dzogchen]] a [[sense]] of [[Reality]] as {{Wiki|limitless}} [[wholeness]], a multiplicity which is yet all of one "{{Wiki|taste}}", which is a borderless [[wholeness]]. |
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+ | According to [[Lopon Tenzin Namdak]], it is [[unconditioned]] and [[permanent]], changeless, not originated from [[causes]] and [[conditions]], [[blissful]], and the base or support of numerous [[exalted]] qualities. | ||
− | "It is at once base, [[path]], and [[fruit]]". "That [[reality]], unbounded [[wholeness]], is naturally complete." | + | "It is at once base, [[path]], and [[fruit]]". "That [[reality]], unbounded [[wholeness]], is naturally complete." Also: "...the [[essence]] and base of self-arisen [[Wisdom]] is the all base, that [[primordial]] open [[awareness]] is the base, and that [[recognition]] of this base is not separate from the [[primordial]] [[Wisdom]] itself. ...that open [[awareness]] is itself [[Wikipedia:Authenticity|authentic]] and its authenticity is a [[function]] of it [[being]] {{Wiki|aware}} of, or [[recognizing]] itself as, the base. ... |
− | The reflexively [[self-aware]] [[primordial | + | The reflexively [[self-aware]] [[primordial Wisdom]] is itself open [[awareness]] ([[rigpa]]), inalienably one with unbounded [[wholeness]]." |
Opposing [[views]] | Opposing [[views]] | ||
− | The [[views]] of the [[Dzogchen]] school are not endorsed by all [[Tibetan Buddhists]]. In fact, [[Bonpo]] [[Lopon Tenzin Namdak]] contrasts his [[own]] [[view]] that [[primordial Wisdom]] does not arise from [[causes]] with that of [[Tsongkhapa]], who states that without [[consciousness]], there is no [[understanding]]. Some critics claim that the [[views]] of the [[Dzogchen]] school of [[philosophy]] conflict with those of [[Madhyamaka]] and to the [[views]] of other prominent [[Buddhist]] thinkers such as the [[logician]] [[Dharmakirti]]. | + | The [[views]] of the [[Dzogchen]] school are not endorsed by all [[Tibetan Buddhists]]. |
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+ | In fact, [[Bonpo]] [[Lopon Tenzin Namdak]] contrasts his [[own]] [[view]] that [[primordial Wisdom]] does not arise from [[causes]] with that of [[Tsongkhapa]], who states that without [[consciousness]], there is no [[understanding]]. | ||
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+ | Some critics claim that the [[views]] of the [[Dzogchen]] school of [[philosophy]] conflict with those of [[Madhyamaka]] and to the [[views]] of other prominent [[Buddhist]] thinkers such as the [[logician]] [[Dharmakirti]]. | ||
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However, [[Longchenpa]] and [[Mipham]] argue that the [[views]] of the [[Dzogchen]] school are in fact in accord with the [[view]] of [[Madhyamaka]]. [[Dzogchen]] [[meditative]] techniques are, however, consistent with [[Madhyamaka]]. | However, [[Longchenpa]] and [[Mipham]] argue that the [[views]] of the [[Dzogchen]] school are in fact in accord with the [[view]] of [[Madhyamaka]]. [[Dzogchen]] [[meditative]] techniques are, however, consistent with [[Madhyamaka]]. | ||
[[Germano]] (1992: p. 4) conveys how [[Longchenpa]] codified the now normalized, institutionalized and {{Wiki|orthodox}} [[view]] of the [[Nyingma]] [[Dzochenpa]] from its foundations of [[Madhyamaka]], [[Cittamatra]] ([[Yogachara]]), [[Buddha nature]], [[Tathagatagarbha]], [[Tantra]] (specifically [[Mantrayana]]) [[traditions]], holds that: | [[Germano]] (1992: p. 4) conveys how [[Longchenpa]] codified the now normalized, institutionalized and {{Wiki|orthodox}} [[view]] of the [[Nyingma]] [[Dzochenpa]] from its foundations of [[Madhyamaka]], [[Cittamatra]] ([[Yogachara]]), [[Buddha nature]], [[Tathagatagarbha]], [[Tantra]] (specifically [[Mantrayana]]) [[traditions]], holds that: | ||
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one can profitably interpret the overall system of [[[Nyingma]] [[Dzogchen]]] [[thought]] [as formulated by [[Longchenpa]]] as a very innovative reinterpretation of the {{Wiki|mainstream}} [[exoteric]] [[Indian Buddhist schools]] of "the [[Middle Way]]" ([[Madhyamika]]) and "[[Mind Only]]" ([[Cittamatra]]) that not only revives the themes of the so-called "[[Buddha-nature]]" or | one can profitably interpret the overall system of [[[Nyingma]] [[Dzogchen]]] [[thought]] [as formulated by [[Longchenpa]]] as a very innovative reinterpretation of the {{Wiki|mainstream}} [[exoteric]] [[Indian Buddhist schools]] of "the [[Middle Way]]" ([[Madhyamika]]) and "[[Mind Only]]" ([[Cittamatra]]) that not only revives the themes of the so-called "[[Buddha-nature]]" or | ||
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[[Energy]] of an {{Wiki|individual}} on the dang level is [[essentially]] [[infinite]] and [[formless]]. | [[Energy]] of an {{Wiki|individual}} on the dang level is [[essentially]] [[infinite]] and [[formless]]. | ||
− | Many practices of [[thödgal]] and [[yangthig]] work on the basis of functioning of the [[rolpa]] aspect of individual's [[energy]]. It is also the original source of the [[sambhogakaya | + | Many practices of [[thödgal]] and [[yangthig]] work on the basis of functioning of the [[rolpa]] aspect of individual's [[energy]]. It is also the original source of the [[sambhogakaya deities]] [[visualized]] in [[Buddhist]] [[tantric transformational practices]] and of [[manifestations]] of 100 [[peaceful]] and [[wrathful deities]] in [[Bardo]] and [[Zhitro practices]]. |
[[Tsal]] is the [[manifestation]] of the [[energy]] of the {{Wiki|individual}} him or herself, as apparently an "external" [[world]]. The [[mind]] of a [[sentient being]] is also [[tsal]] [[energy]] when it is "contaminated" by | [[Tsal]] is the [[manifestation]] of the [[energy]] of the {{Wiki|individual}} him or herself, as apparently an "external" [[world]]. The [[mind]] of a [[sentient being]] is also [[tsal]] [[energy]] when it is "contaminated" by | ||
External [[world]] versus {{Wiki|continuum}} | External [[world]] versus {{Wiki|continuum}} | ||
[[File:22.jpeg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:22.jpeg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | According to [[Dzogchen]] | + | According to [[Dzogchen teachings]], [[energy]] of an {{Wiki|individual}} is [[essentially]] totally [[formless]] and free from any [[duality]]. |
+ | |||
+ | However, [[karmic]] traces, contained in the [[storehouse consciousness]] of the individual's [[Mindstream]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Citta santana]]; [[Tibetan]]: [[sems rgyud]]) give rise to two kinds of [[forms]]: | ||
+ | |||
[[forms]] that the {{Wiki|individual}} [[experiences]] as his or her [[Body]], {{Wiki|voice}} and [[mind]] and | [[forms]] that the {{Wiki|individual}} [[experiences]] as his or her [[Body]], {{Wiki|voice}} and [[mind]] and | ||
[[forms]] that the {{Wiki|individual}} [[experiences]] as an external {{Wiki|environment}}. | [[forms]] that the {{Wiki|individual}} [[experiences]] as an external {{Wiki|environment}}. | ||
+ | |||
It is maintained that there is [[nothing]] external or separate from the {{Wiki|individual}}. What appears as a [[world]] of apparently external [[phenomena]], is the [[energy]] of the {{Wiki|individual}} him/her [[self]]. | It is maintained that there is [[nothing]] external or separate from the {{Wiki|individual}}. What appears as a [[world]] of apparently external [[phenomena]], is the [[energy]] of the {{Wiki|individual}} him/her [[self]]. | ||
− | Everything that [[manifests]] in the individual's field of [[experience]] is a {{Wiki|continuum}} ([[Sanskrit]]: [[santana]]; [[Tibetan]]: [[rgyud]]). This is the [[Great Perfection]] that is discovered in the [[Dzogchen]] [[practice]]. | + | Everything that [[manifests]] in the individual's field of [[experience]] is a {{Wiki|continuum}} ([[Sanskrit]]: [[santana]]; [[Tibetan]]: [[rgyud]]). This is the [[Great Perfection]] that is discovered in the [[Dzogchen]] [[practice]]. |
− | [[Causality]] and [[interdependent origination]] | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==[[Causality]] and [[interdependent origination]]== | ||
− | In [[Dzogchen]] teachings the [[interdependent origination]] and any kind of [[causality]] is considered [[illusory]]: "(One says), 'All these (configurations of events and meanings) come about and disappear according to [[Dependent origination]].' But, like a burnt seed, since a [[Wikipedia:Nothing|nonexistent]] (result) does not come about from a [[Wikipedia:Nothing|nonexistent]] ([[cause]]), [[cause and effect]] do not [[exist]]. | + | |
+ | |||
+ | In [[Dzogchen]] teachings the [[interdependent origination]] and any kind of [[causality]] is considered [[illusory]]: "(One says), 'All these (configurations of events and meanings) come about and disappear according to [[Dependent origination]].' | ||
+ | |||
+ | But, like a burnt seed, since a [[Wikipedia:Nothing|nonexistent]] (result) does not come about from a [[Wikipedia:Nothing|nonexistent]] ([[cause]]), [[cause and effect]] do not [[exist]]. | ||
Being [[obsessed]] with entities, one's experiencing itself [[[Wylie]]: [[sems]], [[Sanskrit]]: [[citta]]], which discriminates each [[cause and effect]], appears as if it were [[cause]] and [[condition]]. | Being [[obsessed]] with entities, one's experiencing itself [[[Wylie]]: [[sems]], [[Sanskrit]]: [[citta]]], which discriminates each [[cause and effect]], appears as if it were [[cause]] and [[condition]]. | ||
− | This corresponds to the [[assertion]] in [[The Heart Sutra]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Prajñā pāramitā Hridaya Sūtra]]), that there is no [[Karma]], no [[law of cause and effect]]. The [[assertion]] was made by [[Bodhisattva]] [[Avalokiteshvara]] in a [[teaching]] for the great [[Arhat]] [[Shariputra]], given before multitude of [[beings]], on request of [[Buddha Shakyamuni]]. After the [[teaching]] [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] greatly praised the [[Wisdom]] of [[Avalokiteshvara]]'s words and the [[beings]] {{Wiki|present}} rejoiced. | + | This corresponds to the [[assertion]] in [[The Heart Sutra]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Prajñā pāramitā Hridaya Sūtra]]), that there is no [[Karma]], no [[law of cause and effect]]. |
+ | |||
+ | The [[assertion]] was made by [[Bodhisattva]] [[Avalokiteshvara]] in a [[teaching]] for the great [[Arhat]] [[Shariputra]], given before multitude of [[beings]], on request of [[Buddha Shakyamuni]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | After the [[teaching]] [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] greatly praised the [[Wisdom]] of [[Avalokiteshvara]]'s words and the [[beings]] {{Wiki|present}} rejoiced. | ||
Guardians | Guardians | ||
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[[Dorje Legpa]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rdo rje legs pa]]) and [[Za Rahula]] ([[Wylie]]: [[gza' ra hu la]]) in the [[Nyingma]] and [[Sidpa Gyalmo]] in the [[Bön tradition]]. The iconographic [[forms]] were shaped by [[perceptions]] and also by the {{Wiki|culture}} of those who saw the original [[manifestation]] and by the [[development]] of the [[tradition]]. However the guardians are not merely [[symbols]] as the pictures show actual [[beings]]. | [[Dorje Legpa]] ([[Wylie]]: [[rdo rje legs pa]]) and [[Za Rahula]] ([[Wylie]]: [[gza' ra hu la]]) in the [[Nyingma]] and [[Sidpa Gyalmo]] in the [[Bön tradition]]. The iconographic [[forms]] were shaped by [[perceptions]] and also by the {{Wiki|culture}} of those who saw the original [[manifestation]] and by the [[development]] of the [[tradition]]. However the guardians are not merely [[symbols]] as the pictures show actual [[beings]]. | ||
− | Well-being and [[health]] | + | |
+ | |||
+ | ==Well-being and [[health]]== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
[[File:6dfc1c z.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:6dfc1c z.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | [[Dzogchen]] teachings maintain that the [[quality]] of people's [[lives]] is best when the internal classical [[elements]] are balanced. The [[Body]] is healthy when the [[elements]] are balanced. They see the best way to [[Balance]] the [[elements]] as abiding in the [[natural state]]. | + | [[Dzogchen]] teachings maintain that the [[quality]] of people's [[lives]] is best when the internal classical [[elements]] are balanced. The [[Body]] is healthy when the [[elements]] are balanced. They see the best way to [[Balance]] the [[elements]] as abiding in the [[natural state]]. |
− | Practice | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===Practice=== | ||
+ | |||
Up to and [[including]] [[tregchöd]] (see below), [[Dzogchen]] [[meditative]] practices are parallel to and often [[identical]] with those of [[essence]] [[Mahamudra]]. | Up to and [[including]] [[tregchöd]] (see below), [[Dzogchen]] [[meditative]] practices are parallel to and often [[identical]] with those of [[essence]] [[Mahamudra]]. | ||
− | [[Dzogchen]] preliminaries | + | |
+ | |||
+ | ====[[Dzogchen]] preliminaries==== | ||
+ | |||
Although many [[lamas]] require their students to complete the [[Wikipedia:Convention (norm)|conventional]] [[tantric]] [[ngondro]] before starting [[Dzogchen]] [[practice]], there is also a series of [[preliminary practices]] unique to [[Dzogchen]]. | Although many [[lamas]] require their students to complete the [[Wikipedia:Convention (norm)|conventional]] [[tantric]] [[ngondro]] before starting [[Dzogchen]] [[practice]], there is also a series of [[preliminary practices]] unique to [[Dzogchen]]. | ||
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These include the Korday Rushan exercises ([[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|[[འཁོར་འདས་རུ་ཤན]]}}, [[Wylie]]: '[[khor 'das ru shan]]) "[[differentiating Saṃsāra and Nirvāṇa]]," which are described in such texts as the [[Yeshe Lama]] (Tib. {{BigTibetan|[[ཡེ་ཤེས་བླ་མ]]་}}, [[Wyl.]] [[ye shes bla ma]]). Rushan involves "going to a {{Wiki|solitary}} spot and acting out whatever comes to your [[mind]]." | These include the Korday Rushan exercises ([[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|[[འཁོར་འདས་རུ་ཤན]]}}, [[Wylie]]: '[[khor 'das ru shan]]) "[[differentiating Saṃsāra and Nirvāṇa]]," which are described in such texts as the [[Yeshe Lama]] (Tib. {{BigTibetan|[[ཡེ་ཤེས་བླ་མ]]་}}, [[Wyl.]] [[ye shes bla ma]]). Rushan involves "going to a {{Wiki|solitary}} spot and acting out whatever comes to your [[mind]]." | ||
− | The [[Dzogchen]] preliminaries also include a series of exercises known as [[Semdzin]] ([[sems dzin]]). [[Semdzin]] literally means "[[to hold the mind]]" or "[[to fix mind]]." [[Semdzins]] are found in all three series of | + | The [[Dzogchen]] preliminaries also include a series of exercises known as [[Semdzin]] ([[sems dzin]]). [[Semdzin]] literally means "[[to hold the mind]]" or "[[to fix mind]]." |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Semdzins]] are found in all [[three series of Dzogchen]]: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ([[Semde]], | ||
+ | [[Longde]] and | ||
+ | [[Mennagde]]), | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | but the [[twenty-one semdzins]] found in the [[latter]] are common; | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Longchenpa]] divides them into three series of seven. | ||
+ | |||
According to [[Longchenpa]] as reported by [[Reynolds]], "the first group enables the [[practitioner]] to find him- or herself in a [[calm]] [[state]], and thus the exercises are similar to the [[practice]] of [[Shamatha]] . . the exercises in the second group enable the [[practitioner]] to discover the relationship between [[Body]] and [[mind]]. | According to [[Longchenpa]] as reported by [[Reynolds]], "the first group enables the [[practitioner]] to find him- or herself in a [[calm]] [[state]], and thus the exercises are similar to the [[practice]] of [[Shamatha]] . . the exercises in the second group enable the [[practitioner]] to discover the relationship between [[Body]] and [[mind]]. | ||
− | And those in the third group enable one to discover the [[nature]] of one's [[own]] [[condition]]." Exercises in the first category include "fixating on a white [[Tibetan]] [[letter]] A on the tip of one's {{Wiki|nose}}. | + | And those in the third group enable one to discover the [[nature]] of one's [[own]] [[condition]]." |
+ | |||
+ | Exercises in the first category include "fixating on a white [[Tibetan]] [[letter]] A on the tip of one's {{Wiki|nose}}. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Linking the [[letter]] with one's {{Wiki|breathing}}, it goes out into [[space]] with each {{Wiki|exhalation}} and returns to the tip of the {{Wiki|nose}} with each {{Wiki|inhalation}}. | ||
− | + | This fixation inhibits the [[arising]] of extraneous [[thoughts]] . . . however, the second exercise in the same category involves the sounding of the {{Wiki|syllable}} PHAT! which instantly shatters one's [[thoughts]] and [[attachments]]. | |
[[Symbolically]], the two parts of the {{Wiki|syllable}} indicate the two aspects of [[Enlightenment]], that is, PHA {{Wiki|signifies}} Means ([[thabs]]) and TA {{Wiki|signifies}} [[Wisdom]] ([[shes rab]])." | [[Symbolically]], the two parts of the {{Wiki|syllable}} indicate the two aspects of [[Enlightenment]], that is, PHA {{Wiki|signifies}} Means ([[thabs]]) and TA {{Wiki|signifies}} [[Wisdom]] ([[shes rab]])." | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | In both the [[Bön]] and [[Buddhist]] [[Dzogchen | + | ==[[Tregchöd]] and [[thödgal]]== |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | After the indispensable preliminary of rushan, one remains in the [[knowledge]] of [[tregchöd]] and practices [[thödgal]] (also sometimes spelled [[thogal]]). These are the main instructions presented in the [[Menngagde]] series ([[Oral Instruction Series]]) of the [[Dzogchen teachings]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In both the [[Bön]] and [[Buddhist]] [[Dzogchen traditions]], sky gazing is considered to be an important part of [[tregchöd]]. | ||
[[Thödgal]] represents more a [[fruition]] than a [[practice]] itself. There are methods prepared in the event of a psychotic break to bring the [[practitioner]] back to sanity. | [[Thödgal]] represents more a [[fruition]] than a [[practice]] itself. There are methods prepared in the event of a psychotic break to bring the [[practitioner]] back to sanity. | ||
[[File:8183.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:8183.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | In contrast to other kinds of [[tantric]] | + | In contrast to other kinds of [[tantric practices]], there is no intentional [[visualization]]; rather, [[imagery]] appears spontaneously using secondary [[conditions]] such as {{Wiki|darkness}} or [[Light]]. |
+ | |||
+ | Eventually a [[practitioner]] has [[experiences]] which are viewed as [[knowing]] the {{Wiki|subtle}} energies of one's [[being]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | These have the qualities of [[earth]], [[Fire]], [[air]] and [[space]] (see Classical [[element]]). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Throughout the [[retreat]], a [[practitioner]] is believed to be approaching an [[experience]] which is entirely [[unconditioned]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Thödgal]] relies on [[esoteric]] {{Wiki|anatomy}} [[including]] the [[avadhuti]] (also known as the [[center channel]] or [[sushumna]] in [[Hindu]] parlance) and [[Heart chakra]]. | ||
− | + | Along with the fact that [[Dzogchen]] is based on a class of {{Wiki|literature}} called the [[tantras]], this indicates why [[Dzogchen]] is considered a [[tantric]] system as opposed to [[Sutra]] systems such as [[Zen]]. | |
− | |||
This is not to say that [[Dzogchen]] is a part of general [[Vajrayana]]. [[Vajrayana]] is a [[path of transformation]]. [[Dzogchen]], an {{Wiki|independent}} [[vehicle]] in its [[own]] [[right]], is a [[path of self-liberation]]. | This is not to say that [[Dzogchen]] is a part of general [[Vajrayana]]. [[Vajrayana]] is a [[path of transformation]]. [[Dzogchen]], an {{Wiki|independent}} [[vehicle]] in its [[own]] [[right]], is a [[path of self-liberation]]. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | [[Rigpa | + | ==[[Rigpa]] and [[Rainbow body]]== |
+ | |||
− | |||
− | + | [[Tibetan]] [[letter]] "A" inside a [[thigle]]. | |
− | + | The A represents [[kadag]] while the [[thigle]] represents [[lhun grub]]. | |
− | + | [[Rigpa]] has three [[wisdoms]], two of which are [[kadag]] and [[lhun grub]]. | |
− | + | [[Kadag]] ([[primordial purity]]) is the [[Dzogchen view of Emptiness]]]]. | |
+ | |||
+ | [[Lhun grub]] ([[natural formation]]) is the [[Dzogchen view]] of [[Dependent origination]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Throughout [[Mahayana]], [[Emptiness]] and [[Dependent origination]] are two sides of the same coin. [[Kadag]] deals with [[tregchöd]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The [[lhun grub]] aspect has to do with [[esoteric practices]], such as (but not limited to) [[Thödgal]], that self-liberate the [[dependently originated]] [[human]] [[Body]] into the [[Sambhogakāya]] ([[Rainbow body]] [[phenomenon]]). | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The [[symbol of Dzogchen]] is a [[Tibetan]] 'A' wrapped in a [[thigle]] . | ||
+ | |||
+ | The 'A' represents [[kadag]] while the [[thigle]] represents [[lhun grub]]. The [[third Wisdom]], [[thugs rje]] ([[Compassion]]), is the {{Wiki|inseparability}} of the previous two [[wisdoms]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | In [[Dzogchen]], a fundamental point of [[practice]] is to distinguish [[rigpa]] from [[sems]] ([[mind]]). | ||
+ | |||
+ | The distinguishing of [[rigpa]] and [[sems]] from each other is emphasized by [[Jigme Lingpa]] and goes back to the [[Seventeen Tantras]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[fruition]] of the [[thodgal]] practices is a [[Body of pure Light]], called a [[Rainbow body]] ([[Wylie]] '[[ja' lus]], pronounced [[Jalü]].) | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | If the [[four visions of thogal]] are not completed before [[Death]], then at [[Death]], from the point of [[view]] of an external observer, the following happens: the corpse does not start to decompose, but starts to shrink until it disappears. | ||
Usually fingernails, toenails and [[Hair]] are left behind (see e.g. [[Togden Urgyen Tendzin]], [[Ayu Khandro]], [[Changchub Dorje]].) The [[attainment]] of the [[Rainbow body]] is typically accompanied by the [[appearance]] of lights and [[rainbows]]. | Usually fingernails, toenails and [[Hair]] are left behind (see e.g. [[Togden Urgyen Tendzin]], [[Ayu Khandro]], [[Changchub Dorje]].) The [[attainment]] of the [[Rainbow body]] is typically accompanied by the [[appearance]] of lights and [[rainbows]]. | ||
[[File:ButonRinchen.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:ButonRinchen.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | Some [[exceptional]] practitioners such as [[Padmasambhava]] and [[Vimalamitra]] are held to have [[realized]] a higher type of [[Rainbow body]] without dying. Having completed the [[four visions]] before [[Death]], the {{Wiki|individual}} focuses on the lights that surround the fingers. | + | Some [[exceptional]] practitioners such as [[Padmasambhava]] and [[Vimalamitra]] are held to have [[realized]] a higher type of [[Rainbow body]] without dying. |
+ | |||
+ | Having completed the [[four visions]] before [[Death]], the {{Wiki|individual}} focuses on the lights that surround the fingers. | ||
His or her [[physical]] [[Body]] self-liberates into a nonmaterial [[Body of Light]] (a [[Sambhogakāya]]) with the ability to [[exist]] and abide wherever and whenever as pointed by one's [[Compassion]]. | His or her [[physical]] [[Body]] self-liberates into a nonmaterial [[Body of Light]] (a [[Sambhogakāya]]) with the ability to [[exist]] and abide wherever and whenever as pointed by one's [[Compassion]]. | ||
− | [[Dzogchenpa | + | [[Dzogchenpa Samaya]]: a [[practiceless practice]] of abiding or contemplation |
Capriles (2003: p. 180) openly quotes [[Chögyal Namkhai Norbu]] in the {{Wiki|subtle}} but very important {{Wiki|distinction}} of the [[activity]] of [[meditation]] from the effortless abiding of [[Dzogchen]] contemplation: | Capriles (2003: p. 180) openly quotes [[Chögyal Namkhai Norbu]] in the {{Wiki|subtle}} but very important {{Wiki|distinction}} of the [[activity]] of [[meditation]] from the effortless abiding of [[Dzogchen]] contemplation: | ||
− | [[Chögyal Namkhai Norbu]] relates that once someone asked the famous [[Dzogchen | + | [[Chögyal Namkhai Norbu]] relates that once someone asked the famous [[Dzogchen Master]], [[Yungtön Dorje Pel]], what his [[practice]] consisted of, and he replied with the negative “[[mepa]]” or “there isn’t.” Then his startled questioner asked again, “Then you don’t [[meditate]]?,” to which the [[Master]] replied, “And when am I ever distracted?” |
− | This is the [[essence | + | This is the [[essence of Samaya]] in [[Dzogchen]] [[teaching]]: not to [[meditate]] or to [[practice]] something with the [[mind]] and yet never to be distracted, for one remains uninterruptedly in the self-perfection of the single [[state]] of [[rigpa]] or [[Truth]]. |
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− | |||
− | |||
− | + | =={{Wiki|Apperception}}== | |
+ | |||
− | In the [[Language]] of [[Zhangzhung]], '[[Rang rig]]' ([[Wylie]]) is '[[nges de shin]]' where '[[shin]]' equates to '[[shes pa]]'. The [[Zhangzhung]] lexical item '[[shin]]' is found in many compounds (Martin, 2004: p. 158 ) where it means: 'to know' and '[[knowledge]]' to both nominal and verbal/process oriented lexical items. | + | |
+ | '{{Wiki|Apperception}}' ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Svasaṃvedana]]/[[Svasaṃvitti]]; [[Wylie]]: [[Rang rig]]) is understood variously in different [[yana]], [[buddhist]] schools, and [[practice lineages]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | These cosmetic differences are resolved in the [[practice]] of '[[meditative trance]]' ([[Wylie]]: '[[jog pa]]). | ||
+ | |||
+ | For it is in the direct [[experience]] and associated literatures of the deep {{Wiki|contemplative}} [[traditions]] of [[Himalayan Buddhism]] ([[Tibetan Buddhism]], {{Wiki|Nepalese}} [[Buddhism]], {{Wiki|Bhutanese}} [[Buddhism]], etc.) and [[Bon]], particularly [[Dzogchen]] and [[Mahamudra]]t {{Wiki|apperception}} is key, e.g. [[Dark retreat]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[Mun mtshams]] ). | ||
+ | |||
+ | In the [[Language]] of [[Zhangzhung]], '[[Rang rig]]' ([[Wylie]]) is '[[nges de shin]]' where '[[shin]]' equates to '[[shes pa]]'. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The [[Zhangzhung]] lexical item '[[shin]]' is found in many compounds (Martin, 2004: p. 158 ) where it means: 'to know' and '[[knowledge]]' to both nominal and verbal/process oriented lexical items. | ||
Pettit (1999: p. 129) holds that '{{Wiki|apperception}}' ([[Wylie]]: [[Rang rig]]) is key to [[Mipham's]] (1846–1912) system of {{Wiki|epistemology}} and {{Wiki|hermeneutics}} discussed in the DRG ] and in [[Mipham's]] Commentary to the Ninth [[Chapter]] of the [[Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra]]. | Pettit (1999: p. 129) holds that '{{Wiki|apperception}}' ([[Wylie]]: [[Rang rig]]) is key to [[Mipham's]] (1846–1912) system of {{Wiki|epistemology}} and {{Wiki|hermeneutics}} discussed in the DRG ] and in [[Mipham's]] Commentary to the Ninth [[Chapter]] of the [[Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra]]. | ||
[[File:Aaassion.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Aaassion.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | Graham Coleman and [[Thupten Jinpa]] (2005: p. 480) contrast the '[[Svasaṃvedana]]' of [[Dignāga]] and [[Dharmakīrti]] with that of [[Dzogchen]] to [[Indian]] [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|epistemology}}, and particularly in the writings of the great [[logicians]] [[Dignāga]] and [[Dharmakīrti]], the term [[Svasaṃvedana]] refers to the apperceptive or reflexive {{Wiki|faculty}} of [[consciousness]], for which [[reason]] it is sometimes rendered as '[[reflexive awareness]]' or '[[apperceptive awareness]]'. | + | [[Graham Coleman]] and [[Thupten Jinpa]] (2005: p. 480) contrast the '[[Svasaṃvedana]]' of [[Dignāga]] and [[Dharmakīrti]] with that of [[Dzogchen]] to [[Indian]] [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|epistemology}}, |
+ | |||
+ | and particularly in the writings of the great [[logicians]] [[Dignāga]] and [[Dharmakīrti]], the term [[Svasaṃvedana]] refers to the apperceptive or reflexive {{Wiki|faculty}} of [[consciousness]], for which [[reason]] it is sometimes rendered as '[[reflexive awareness]]' or '[[apperceptive awareness]]'. | ||
However, in the [[view]] of the [[Great Perfection]] ([[rdzog-pa chen-po]]) and in the context of the {{Wiki|present}} work The [[Tibetan Book of the Dead]]], the same term refers to the fundamental innate [[mind]] in its [[natural state]] of spontaneity and [[purity]], [[beyond]] the alternating states of {{Wiki|motion}} and rest and the subject-object {{Wiki|dichotomy}}. | However, in the [[view]] of the [[Great Perfection]] ([[rdzog-pa chen-po]]) and in the context of the {{Wiki|present}} work The [[Tibetan Book of the Dead]]], the same term refers to the fundamental innate [[mind]] in its [[natural state]] of spontaneity and [[purity]], [[beyond]] the alternating states of {{Wiki|motion}} and rest and the subject-object {{Wiki|dichotomy}}. | ||
− | It is therefore rendered here as 'intrinsic [[awareness]]'. As such, intrinsic [[awareness]] gives the [[meditator]] access to pristine [[cognition]] or The [[Buddha]]-[[mind]] itself, and it stands in direct contrast to fundamental [[Ignorance]] ([[avidyā]]), which is the [[primary]] [[cause]] of [[Rebirth]] in [[cyclic existence]] ([[Saṃsāra]]). | + | It is therefore rendered here as 'intrinsic [[awareness]]'. |
+ | |||
+ | As such, intrinsic [[awareness]] gives the [[meditator]] access to pristine [[cognition]] or The [[Buddha]]-[[mind]] itself, and it stands in direct contrast to fundamental [[Ignorance]] ([[avidyā]]), which is the [[primary]] [[cause]] of [[Rebirth]] in [[cyclic existence]] ([[Saṃsāra]]). | ||
The [[Direct Introduction]] to intrinsic [[awareness]] is a {{Wiki|distinctive}} [[teaching]] within the [[Nyingma]] school.... This [[practice]] is a central component of the [[Esoteric]] [[Instruction Class]] ([[upadeśa]]) of [[Atiyoga]], where it is known as [[Cutting through]] Resistance ([[khregs-chod]]). | The [[Direct Introduction]] to intrinsic [[awareness]] is a {{Wiki|distinctive}} [[teaching]] within the [[Nyingma]] school.... This [[practice]] is a central component of the [[Esoteric]] [[Instruction Class]] ([[upadeśa]]) of [[Atiyoga]], where it is known as [[Cutting through]] Resistance ([[khregs-chod]]). | ||
− | |||
− | [[Dzogchen]] instructions are found in some [[Mahayoga]] texts, as it may simply have been the associated [[Completion stage | + | |
+ | ==[[Texts]]== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Dzogchen]] instructions are found in some [[Mahayoga]] texts, as it may simply have been the associated [[Completion stage practice]]. However, the majority of the [[Dzogchen]] corpus comprises the "18" [[Semde tantra texts]], the [[Longde tantras]], and the [[Menngagde]] [[termas]]. | ||
[[Samten Migdrön]] (Tib. [[bsam gtan mig sgron]]) is a [[Tibetan]] text of historical importance for the historical relationship of [[Dzogchen]] and [[Zen]] as well identifying the [[view]] of its author, [[Nubchen Sangye Yeshe]]. | [[Samten Migdrön]] (Tib. [[bsam gtan mig sgron]]) is a [[Tibetan]] text of historical importance for the historical relationship of [[Dzogchen]] and [[Zen]] as well identifying the [[view]] of its author, [[Nubchen Sangye Yeshe]]. | ||
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[[Seventeen Tantras]] of [[Dzogchen]] [[Upadesha-varga]]. | [[Seventeen Tantras]] of [[Dzogchen]] [[Upadesha-varga]]. | ||
[[File:Budha3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Budha3.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | These | + | These [[Seventeen Tantras]] amongst other [[Dzogchen]] texts are included in the various divergences and holdings of the numerous extant [[Nyingma]] [[Gyubum]] editions. |
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[[Mipham Rinpoche]] has said: | [[Mipham Rinpoche]] has said: | ||
+ | |||
The {{Wiki|real}} sky is ([[knowing]]) that [[Samsara]] and [[Nirvana]] are merely an [[illusory]] display. | The {{Wiki|real}} sky is ([[knowing]]) that [[Samsara]] and [[Nirvana]] are merely an [[illusory]] display. | ||
+ | |||
According to contemporary [[teacher]] [[Chögyal Namkhai Norbu]], in [[Dzogchen]] the [[perceived]] [[reality]] is considered to be unreal. All [[appearances]] [[perceived]] during the whole [[Life]] of an {{Wiki|individual}} through all [[senses]], [[including]] {{Wiki|sounds}}, {{Wiki|smells}}, {{Wiki|tastes}} and {{Wiki|tactile}} [[sensations]] in their {{Wiki|totality}} are like a big [[dream]]. | According to contemporary [[teacher]] [[Chögyal Namkhai Norbu]], in [[Dzogchen]] the [[perceived]] [[reality]] is considered to be unreal. All [[appearances]] [[perceived]] during the whole [[Life]] of an {{Wiki|individual}} through all [[senses]], [[including]] {{Wiki|sounds}}, {{Wiki|smells}}, {{Wiki|tastes}} and {{Wiki|tactile}} [[sensations]] in their {{Wiki|totality}} are like a big [[dream]]. | ||
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The non-essential difference between our [[Wikipedia:Dream|dreaming]] [[state]] and our ordinary [[waking]] [[experience]] is that the [[latter]] is more concrete and linked with our [[attachment]]; the [[Wikipedia:Dream|dreaming]] is slightly [[detached]]. | The non-essential difference between our [[Wikipedia:Dream|dreaming]] [[state]] and our ordinary [[waking]] [[experience]] is that the [[latter]] is more concrete and linked with our [[attachment]]; the [[Wikipedia:Dream|dreaming]] is slightly [[detached]]. | ||
− | Also according to this [[teaching]], there is a [[correspondence]] between the states of [[sleep]] and [[dream]] and our [[experiences]] when we [[die]]. After [[experiences]] in an [[intermediate state]] ([[Bardo]]) an {{Wiki|individual}} comes out of it, a new [[karmic | + | Also according to this [[teaching]], there is a [[correspondence]] between the states of [[sleep]] and [[dream]] and our [[experiences]] when we [[die]]. After [[experiences]] in an [[intermediate state]] ([[Bardo]]) an {{Wiki|individual}} comes out of it, a new [[karmic Illusion]] is created and another [[existence]] begins. This is how [[transmigration]] happens. |
+ | |||
+ | One [[aim]] of [[dream]] [[practice]] is to realize during a [[dream]] that one is [[Wikipedia:Dream|dreaming]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | One can then [[dream]] with [[lucidity]] and do all sorts of things, such as go to different places, talk to [[people]], fly and so forth. It is also possible to do different [[yogic]] practices while [[Wikipedia:Dream|dreaming]] (usually such [[yogic practices]] one does in [[waking state]]). | ||
+ | |||
+ | In this way the [[yogi]] can have a very strong [[experience]] and with this comes [[understanding]] of the dream-like [[nature]] of daily [[Life]]. | ||
− | + | This is very relevant to diminishing [[attachments]], because they are based on strong [[beliefs]] that [[Life]]'s [[perceptions]] and [[objects]] are {{Wiki|real}} and, as a consequence, important. | |
− | + | If one really [[understands]] what [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] meant when he said that everything is unreal or of the [[nature]] of [[Shunyata]], then one can {{Wiki|diminish}} [[attachments]] and tensions. | |
The [[teacher]] gives [[advice]], that the [[realization]] that the [[Life]] is only a big [[dream]] can help us finally {{Wiki|liberate}} ourselves from the chains of [[emotions]], [[attachments]], and [[ego]] and then we have the possibility of ultimately becoming [[enlightened]]. | The [[teacher]] gives [[advice]], that the [[realization]] that the [[Life]] is only a big [[dream]] can help us finally {{Wiki|liberate}} ourselves from the chains of [[emotions]], [[attachments]], and [[ego]] and then we have the possibility of ultimately becoming [[enlightened]]. |
Revision as of 06:31, 9 January 2016
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According to Tibetan Buddhism and Bön, Dzogchen (Rdzogs chen or Atiyoga) is the natural, primordial state or natural condition, and a Body of teachings and meditation practices aimed at realizing that condition.
Dzogchen, or "Great Perfection", is a central teaching of the Nyingma school also practiced by adherents of other Tibetan Buddhist sects.
According to Dzogchen literature, Dzogchen is the highest and most definitive path to Enlightenment.
From the perspective of Dzogchen, the ultimate nature of all Sentient beings is said to be pure, all-encompassing, primordial clarity or naturally occurring timeless clarity.
This intrinsic clarity has no form of its own and yet is capable of perceiving, experiencing, reflecting, or expressing all form.
It does so without being affected by those forms in any ultimate, permanent way.
The analogy given by Dzogchen masters is that one's nature is like a mirror which reflects with complete openness but is not affected by the reflections, or like a crystal ball that takes on the colour of the material on which it is placed without itself being changed.
The knowledge that ensues from recognizing this mirror-like clarity (which cannot be found by searching nor identified ) is what Dzogchenpas refer to as rigpa.
There is a fairly wide consensus among lamas of both the Nyingma and Sarma schools that the end state of dzogchen and mahamudra are the same.
The Madhyamaka teachings on Emptiness are fundamental to and thoroughly compatible with Dzogchen practices. Essence Mahamudra is viewed as being the same as Dzogchen, except the former doesn't include thödgal
Nomenclature and etymology
The word Dzogchen has been translated variously as Great Perfection, Great Completeness, Total Completeness, and Supercompleteness. These terms also convey the idea that our nature has many qualities that make it perfect.
These include indestructibility, incorruptible purity, non-discriminating openness, flawless clarity, profound simplicity, all-pervading presence and equality within all beings (i.e., the quality, quantity and functionality of this awareness is exactly the same in every being in the universe).
It is said that the impressive personal qualities of the fully enlightened Buddha are derived from the fact that he was fully aligned with this already-existing primordial nature.
Descriptions of a Buddha as omniscient and omnipresent refer to their ultimate nature.
The Tibetan term dzogchen is sometimes said to be a rendering of the Sanskrit term mahāsandhi, and is also used to render the Sanskrit term ati yoga (primordial yoga).
A homonymous term dzogchen designates a practice and also a Body of teachings aimed at helping an individual to recognize the Dzogchen state, to become sure about it, and to develop the capacity to maintain the state continually.
In his work on Jamgon Ju Mipham Gyatso's Beacon of Certainty: Illuminating the View of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, John Pettit clarifies the various usages and implications of the term Dzogchen that are often conflated:
"Great Perfection" variously indicates the texts (āgama, lung) and oral instructions (upadeśa, man ngag) that indicate the nature of enlightened Wisdom ([[rdzogs chen gyi gzhung dang[man ngag]]), the verbal conventions of those texts (rdzogs chen gyi chos skad), the yogis who meditate according to those texts and instructions (rdzogs chen gyi rnal 'byor pa), a famous monastery where the Great Perfection was practiced by monks and yogis (rdzogs chen dgon sde), and the philosophical system (siddhānta, grub mtha') or vision (darśana, lta ba) of the Great Perfection.
==Maha Ati==
Maha Ati is a term coined by Chögyam Trungpa , a master of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism.
He generally preferred to introduce Sanskrit rather than Tibetan terms to his students, and felt "Maha Ati" was the closest equivalent for "Dzogpa Chenpo," although he acknowledged it was an unorthodox choice.
The coinage does not follow the sandhi rules which would be rendered as mahāti. This serves as an indication of its pedigree as a back-formation.
==Esoteric transmission==
The Dzogchen teachings are the highest of the nine yana, (Tibetan theg pa, vehicle) of the Nyingma (Wylie: rnying ma) school of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan Bön (Wylie: bon) tradition.
Many lamas, particularly of the Nyingma and Kagyu schools, regard them as the most profound teachings altogether.
The instructions that point to the Dzogchen state are sometimes described as a set of "inner" or "Heart" (Wylie: snying thig) teachings. Tibetan Buddhist ascetics consider that the state pointed to by these teachings is very difficult to describe, and can only be discovered through the esoteric transmission and pointing-out instruction by an authentic Vajra Master.
Although Dzogchen cannot be separated by the Buddhist or Bön tradition, very often teachers emphasize the non religious character of Dzogchen.
However, the Buddhist or Bön traditional framework is never negated. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche says that, as our primordial nature, Dzogchen has existed since the beginning of time and is pointed to by various masters throughout the Universe.
Background
According to one Nyingma tradition, the first master of the Buddhist Dzogchen lineage in our world was Garab Dorje (Wylie: dga' rab rdo rje, Sanskrit *prahevajra) from Uddiyana (Wylie:. o rgyan).
Indian originators
According to Garab Dorje, Dzogchen is said to have been passed down as listed following. Often, practitioners are said to have lived for hundreds of years, and there are inconsistencies in the lifespan dates given, making it impossible to construct a sensible timeline.
Prahevajra (Tib. Garab Dorje, Wylie: dga' rab rdo rje) 184 BCE to 57 CE
Mañjuśrīmitra (Tib. Jampal Shenyen, Wylie: 'jam dpal bshes gnyen) 2nd century BCE (elder contemporary of Prahevajra)
Śrī Siṃha (Tib. Palgyi Senge, Wylie: dpal gyi senge) 3rd century CE (500 years before Vimalamitra)
Padmasambhava (Tib.Pema Jungne or Guru Rinpoche) fl. mid-8th CE
Vimalamitra (Tib. Drime Shenyen, Wylie: dri med bshes gnyen) fl. late 8th CE
Vairotsana (Tib. Nampar Nangdze Lotsawa, Wylie: rnam par snang mdzad lo tsa ba ) fl. late 8th CE.
In Tibet
Padmasambhava (Tib. Pema Jugne or Guru Rinpoche, Wylie: padma 'byung gnas, gu ru rin po che) is considered the source of the Buddhist Dzogchen teachings in Tibet (Tib. bod), which are the [[Heart of the[Nyingma]] (Wylie: rnying ma) tradition, with which they are primarily associated.
Dzogchen has also been practiced in the Kagyu (Wylie: bka' brgyud) lineage, beginning with Milarepa (Wylie: mi la ras pa) and most notably by the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (Wylie:. rang byung rdo rje).
The Fifth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth (present) Dalai Lamas (Wylie: ta la'i bla ma) are also noted Dzogchen masters, although their adoption of the practice of Dzogchen has been a source of controversy among more conservative members of the Gelug (Wylie: dge lugs) tradition.
In the Bön religion, three separate Dzogchen traditions are attested and continue to be practiced: A-tri (Wylie: a khrid), Dzogchen (Wylie: rdzogs chen, here referring narrowly to the specific lineage within the Bön tradition), and Shang Shung Nyen Gyu (Wylie: zhang zhung snyan rgyud). All are traced back to the founder of Bön, Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche (Wylie: ston pa gshen rab mi bo che).
Concepts
The essence of the Dzogchen teaching is the direct transmission of knowledge from master to disciple.
Garab Dorje epitomized the Dzogchen teaching in three principles, known as The Three Statements of Garab Dorje (Tsik Sum Né Dek):
Direct Introduction to one's own nature (Tib. ngo rang thog tu sprod pa)
Not remaining in Doubt concerning this unique state (Tib. thag gcig thog tu bcad pa)
Continuing to remain in this state (Tib. gdeng grol thog tu bca' pa)
In accordance with these three statements, Garab Dorje's direct disciple Manjushrimitra (Tib. 'jam dpal bshes gnyen) classified all the Dzogchen teachings transmitted by his master into three series:
Semde (Wylie: sems sde; Skt: cittavarga), the series of Mind, that focuses on the introduction to one's own primordial state;
Longde (Wylie: klong sde; Skt: abhyantaravarga), the series of Space, that focuses on developing the capacity to gain familiarity with the state and remove doubts; and
Menngagde (Wylie: man ngag sde, Skt: upadeshavarga), the series of secret Oral Instructions, focusing on the practices in which one engages after gaining confidence in knowledge of the state.
Tulku Urgyen explains what is meant by "gaining confidence in liberation": "The third analogy of the liberation of thoughts is described as being like a thief entering an empty house.
This is called stability or perfection in training. A thief entering an empty house does not gain anything, and the house does not lose anything.
All thought activity is naturally liberated without any harm or benefit whatsoever. This is the meaning of gaining confidence in liberation."
The Dzogchen teachings focus on three terms: View, Meditationd Action.
To see directly the absolute state of our mind is the View; the way of stabilizing that View and making it an unbroken experience is Meditation; and integrating that View into our daily Life is what is meant by Action.
This open awareness of Dzogchen, or rigpa (also comparable to the Buddha nature), is said to lie at the Heart of all things and indeed of all Dzogchen practice and is nothing less than "... primordial Wisdom's recognition of itself as unbounded wholeness... the incorruptible mind-nature."
This reflexive awareness of Enlightenment is said to be inherent within all beings, but not to be attainable by thought.
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu points out that Dzogchen "refers to the true primordial state of every individual and not to any transcendent reality."
In discussing the Nyingma text, the Kunjed Gyalpo Tantra (Kunjed Gyalpo = 'the all-creating king', synoymous with Samantabhadra Buddha ]), Namkhai Norbu explains that Kunjed Gyalpo is in fact "beyond" the dualism inherent in the notion of an 'individual'. He writes:
The transmission of knowledge comes from the state of rigpa that has never been stained and has never been hindered. This is Adibuddha, or "primordial Buddha", Kunjed Gyalpo...
The state of Kunjed Gyalpo is knowledge, and in knowledge there is not even the concept of "one and two", otherwise we have already entered into dualism.
Also, the concept of "individual" presupposes dualistic vision. But Samantabhadra is beyond all this...
Klein and Wangyal comment on the ultimate "one taste" and dynamic stillness of the Dzogchen state:
... cause and effect, Sentient beings and Buddhas, subjects and objects, path and goal are ultimately revealed to be of one taste: movement from one to the other is no movement at all, really, but a dynamic stillness."
There can be found within Dzogchen a sense of Reality as limitless wholeness, a multiplicity which is yet all of one "taste", which is a borderless wholeness.
According to Lopon Tenzin Namdak, it is unconditioned and permanent, changeless, not originated from causes and conditions, blissful, and the base or support of numerous exalted qualities.
"It is at once base, path, and fruit". "That reality, unbounded wholeness, is naturally complete." Also: "...the essence and base of self-arisen Wisdom is the all base, that primordial open awareness is the base, and that recognition of this base is not separate from the primordial Wisdom itself. ...that open awareness is itself authentic and its authenticity is a function of it being aware of, or recognizing itself as, the base. ...
The reflexively self-aware primordial Wisdom is itself open awareness (rigpa), inalienably one with unbounded wholeness."
Opposing views
The views of the Dzogchen school are not endorsed by all Tibetan Buddhists.
In fact, Bonpo Lopon Tenzin Namdak contrasts his own view that primordial Wisdom does not arise from causes with that of Tsongkhapa, who states that without consciousness, there is no understanding.
Some critics claim that the views of the Dzogchen school of philosophy conflict with those of Madhyamaka and to the views of other prominent Buddhist thinkers such as the logician Dharmakirti.
However, Longchenpa and Mipham argue that the views of the Dzogchen school are in fact in accord with the view of Madhyamaka. Dzogchen meditative techniques are, however, consistent with Madhyamaka.
Germano (1992: p. 4) conveys how Longchenpa codified the now normalized, institutionalized and orthodox view of the Nyingma Dzochenpa from its foundations of Madhyamaka, Cittamatra (Yogachara), Buddha nature, Tathagatagarbha, Tantra (specifically Mantrayana) traditions, holds that:
one can profitably interpret the overall system of [[[Nyingma]] Dzogchen] thought [as formulated by Longchenpa] as a very innovative reinterpretation of the mainstream exoteric Indian Buddhist schools of "the Middle Way" (Madhyamika) and "Mind Only" (Cittamatra) that not only revives the themes of the so-called "Buddha-nature" or
"enlightened nucleus of realized-energy" (Tathagatagarbha) literature in a much more sophisticated form, but also takes the tantric discourse and transforms it into a model for a new understanding of philosophical thought and literary expression totally eliminating the boundaries between exoteric philosophy (emphasizing analytical logic) and esoteric tantras (emphasizing contemplation and "aesthetic" issues).
Logic and the syllogism
Germano (1992: p. 4) in his doctoral thesis supervised by the Geshe and Professor Emeritus, Lhundub Sopa (b. 1923) discusses the typical view of the Dzogchen tradition towards the "syllogism" and by implication Buddhist logic:
The tradition is especially striking in its implicit development of a model of rigorous philosophical thought that refuses to be reduced to syllogistic reasoning (though utilizing it as a secondary hermeneutical tool) or dismissed as mere "aesthetics" as it treats Buddhist Tantra as a serious philosophical innovation that must be utilized to reinterpret previous traditional scholasticism, in stark contrast to extend traditional scholastic methodologies into Tantra, and deny the revolution of "poetic thought" they may embody.
Three aspects of energy
Ananda Chakra
Sentient beings have their energy manifested in three aspects:
Energy of an individual on the dang level is essentially infinite and formless.
Many practices of thödgal and yangthig work on the basis of functioning of the rolpa aspect of individual's energy. It is also the original source of the sambhogakaya deities visualized in Buddhist tantric transformational practices and of manifestations of 100 peaceful and wrathful deities in Bardo and Zhitro practices.
Tsal is the manifestation of the energy of the individual him or herself, as apparently an "external" world. The mind of a sentient being is also tsal energy when it is "contaminated" by
External world versus continuum
According to Dzogchen teachings, energy of an individual is essentially totally formless and free from any duality.
However, karmic traces, contained in the storehouse consciousness of the individual's Mindstream (Sanskrit: Citta santana; Tibetan: sems rgyud) give rise to two kinds of forms:
forms that the individual experiences as his or her Body, voice and mind and
forms that the individual experiences as an external environment.
It is maintained that there is nothing external or separate from the individual. What appears as a world of apparently external phenomena, is the energy of the individual him/her self.
Everything that manifests in the individual's field of experience is a continuum (Sanskrit: santana; Tibetan: rgyud). This is the Great Perfection that is discovered in the Dzogchen practice.
==Causality and interdependent origination==
In Dzogchen teachings the interdependent origination and any kind of causality is considered illusory: "(One says), 'All these (configurations of events and meanings) come about and disappear according to Dependent origination.'
But, like a burnt seed, since a nonexistent (result) does not come about from a nonexistent (cause), cause and effect do not exist.
Being obsessed with entities, one's experiencing itself [[[Wylie]]: sems, Sanskrit: citta], which discriminates each cause and effect, appears as if it were cause and condition.
This corresponds to the assertion in The Heart Sutra (Sanskrit: Prajñā pāramitā Hridaya Sūtra), that there is no Karma, no law of cause and effect.
The assertion was made by Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in a teaching for the great Arhat Shariputra, given before multitude of beings, on request of Buddha Shakyamuni.
After the teaching Buddha Shakyamuni greatly praised the Wisdom of Avalokiteshvara's words and the beings present rejoiced.
Guardians
All teachings have energies that have special relationships with them. These energies are guardians of the teachings. The energies are iconographically depicted as they were perceived by yogis who had contact with them. The Dharmapalas most associated with Dzogchen are Ekajati (Wylie: e ka dza ti),
Dorje Legpa (Wylie: rdo rje legs pa) and Za Rahula (Wylie: gza' ra hu la) in the Nyingma and Sidpa Gyalmo in the Bön tradition. The iconographic forms were shaped by perceptions and also by the culture of those who saw the original manifestation and by the development of the tradition. However the guardians are not merely symbols as the pictures show actual beings.
==Well-being and health==
Dzogchen teachings maintain that the quality of people's lives is best when the internal classical elements are balanced. The Body is healthy when the elements are balanced. They see the best way to Balance the elements as abiding in the natural state.
===Practice===
Up to and including tregchöd (see below), Dzogchen meditative practices are parallel to and often identical with those of essence Mahamudra.
====Dzogchen preliminaries====
Although many lamas require their students to complete the conventional tantric ngondro before starting Dzogchen practice, there is also a series of preliminary practices unique to Dzogchen.
These include the Korday Rushan exercises (Tibetan: འཁོར་འདས་རུ་ཤན, Wylie: 'khor 'das ru shan) "differentiating Saṃsāra and Nirvāṇa," which are described in such texts as the Yeshe Lama (Tib. ཡེ་ཤེས་བླ་མ་, Wyl. ye shes bla ma). Rushan involves "going to a solitary spot and acting out whatever comes to your mind."
The Dzogchen preliminaries also include a series of exercises known as Semdzin (sems dzin). Semdzin literally means "to hold the mind" or "to fix mind."
Semdzins are found in all three series of Dzogchen:
(Semde,
Longde and
Mennagde),
but the twenty-one semdzins found in the latter are common;
Longchenpa divides them into three series of seven.
According to Longchenpa as reported by Reynolds, "the first group enables the practitioner to find him- or herself in a calm state, and thus the exercises are similar to the practice of Shamatha . . the exercises in the second group enable the practitioner to discover the relationship between Body and mind.
And those in the third group enable one to discover the nature of one's own condition."
Exercises in the first category include "fixating on a white Tibetan letter A on the tip of one's nose.
Linking the letter with one's breathing, it goes out into space with each exhalation and returns to the tip of the nose with each inhalation.
This fixation inhibits the arising of extraneous thoughts . . . however, the second exercise in the same category involves the sounding of the syllable PHAT! which instantly shatters one's thoughts and attachments.
Symbolically, the two parts of the syllable indicate the two aspects of Enlightenment, that is, PHA signifies Means (thabs) and TA signifies Wisdom (shes rab)."
==Tregchöd and thödgal==
After the indispensable preliminary of rushan, one remains in the knowledge of tregchöd and practices thödgal (also sometimes spelled thogal). These are the main instructions presented in the Menngagde series (Oral Instruction Series) of the Dzogchen teachings.
In both the Bön and Buddhist Dzogchen traditions, sky gazing is considered to be an important part of tregchöd.
Thödgal represents more a fruition than a practice itself. There are methods prepared in the event of a psychotic break to bring the practitioner back to sanity.
In contrast to other kinds of tantric practices, there is no intentional visualization; rather, imagery appears spontaneously using secondary conditions such as darkness or Light.
Eventually a practitioner has experiences which are viewed as knowing the subtle energies of one's being.
These have the qualities of earth, Fire, air and space (see Classical element).
Throughout the retreat, a practitioner is believed to be approaching an experience which is entirely unconditioned.
Thödgal relies on esoteric anatomy including the avadhuti (also known as the center channel or sushumna in Hindu parlance) and Heart chakra.
Along with the fact that Dzogchen is based on a class of literature called the tantras, this indicates why Dzogchen is considered a tantric system as opposed to Sutra systems such as Zen.
This is not to say that Dzogchen is a part of general Vajrayana. Vajrayana is a path of transformation. Dzogchen, an independent vehicle in its own right, is a path of self-liberation.
==Rigpa and Rainbow body==
Tibetan letter "A" inside a thigle.
The A represents kadag while the thigle represents lhun grub.
Rigpa has three wisdoms, two of which are kadag and lhun grub.
Kadag (primordial purity) is the Dzogchen view of Emptiness]].
Lhun grub (natural formation) is the Dzogchen view of Dependent origination.
Throughout Mahayana, Emptiness and Dependent origination are two sides of the same coin. Kadag deals with tregchöd.
The lhun grub aspect has to do with esoteric practices, such as (but not limited to) Thödgal, that self-liberate the dependently originated human Body into the Sambhogakāya (Rainbow body phenomenon).
The symbol of Dzogchen is a Tibetan 'A' wrapped in a thigle .
The 'A' represents kadag while the thigle represents lhun grub. The third Wisdom, thugs rje (Compassion), is the inseparability of the previous two wisdoms.
In Dzogchen, a fundamental point of practice is to distinguish rigpa from sems (mind).
The distinguishing of rigpa and sems from each other is emphasized by Jigme Lingpa and goes back to the Seventeen Tantras.
The ultimate fruition of the thodgal practices is a Body of pure Light, called a Rainbow body (Wylie 'ja' lus, pronounced Jalü.)
If the four visions of thogal are not completed before Death, then at Death, from the point of view of an external observer, the following happens: the corpse does not start to decompose, but starts to shrink until it disappears.
Usually fingernails, toenails and Hair are left behind (see e.g. Togden Urgyen Tendzin, Ayu Khandro, Changchub Dorje.) The attainment of the Rainbow body is typically accompanied by the appearance of lights and rainbows.
Some exceptional practitioners such as Padmasambhava and Vimalamitra are held to have realized a higher type of Rainbow body without dying.
Having completed the four visions before Death, the individual focuses on the lights that surround the fingers.
His or her physical Body self-liberates into a nonmaterial Body of Light (a Sambhogakāya) with the ability to exist and abide wherever and whenever as pointed by one's Compassion.
Dzogchenpa Samaya: a practiceless practice of abiding or contemplation
Capriles (2003: p. 180) openly quotes Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in the subtle but very important distinction of the activity of meditation from the effortless abiding of Dzogchen contemplation:
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu relates that once someone asked the famous Dzogchen Master, Yungtön Dorje Pel, what his practice consisted of, and he replied with the negative “mepa” or “there isn’t.” Then his startled questioner asked again, “Then you don’t meditate?,” to which the Master replied, “And when am I ever distracted?”
This is the essence of Samaya in Dzogchen teaching: not to meditate or to practice something with the mind and yet never to be distracted, for one remains uninterruptedly in the self-perfection of the single state of rigpa or Truth.
In this denotation, dzogchen is a verb, and denotes the perfect process in the grammatical sense or alternately an infinitive verb, wherein the great continuum of 'one taste' (Wylie: ro gcig) or as Capriles renders it "single state" is the effortless 'contemplating' or abiding in the view of non-distraction from rigpa.
==Apperception==
'Apperception' (Sanskrit: Svasaṃvedana/Svasaṃvitti; Wylie: Rang rig) is understood variously in different yana, buddhist schools, and practice lineages.
These cosmetic differences are resolved in the practice of 'meditative trance' (Wylie: 'jog pa).
For it is in the direct experience and associated literatures of the deep contemplative traditions of Himalayan Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism, Nepalese Buddhism, Bhutanese Buddhism, etc.) and Bon, particularly Dzogchen and Mahamudrat apperception is key, e.g. Dark retreat (Tibetan: Mun mtshams ).
In the Language of Zhangzhung, 'Rang rig' (Wylie) is 'nges de shin' where 'shin' equates to 'shes pa'.
The Zhangzhung lexical item 'shin' is found in many compounds (Martin, 2004: p. 158 ) where it means: 'to know' and 'knowledge' to both nominal and verbal/process oriented lexical items.
Pettit (1999: p. 129) holds that 'apperception' (Wylie: Rang rig) is key to Mipham's (1846–1912) system of epistemology and hermeneutics discussed in the DRG ] and in Mipham's Commentary to the Ninth Chapter of the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra.
Graham Coleman and Thupten Jinpa (2005: p. 480) contrast the 'Svasaṃvedana' of Dignāga and Dharmakīrti with that of Dzogchen to Indian Buddhist epistemology,
and particularly in the writings of the great logicians Dignāga and Dharmakīrti, the term Svasaṃvedana refers to the apperceptive or reflexive faculty of consciousness, for which reason it is sometimes rendered as 'reflexive awareness' or 'apperceptive awareness'.
However, in the view of the Great Perfection (rdzog-pa chen-po) and in the context of the present work The Tibetan Book of the Dead], the same term refers to the fundamental innate mind in its natural state of spontaneity and purity, beyond the alternating states of motion and rest and the subject-object dichotomy.
It is therefore rendered here as 'intrinsic awareness'.
As such, intrinsic awareness gives the meditator access to pristine cognition or The Buddha-mind itself, and it stands in direct contrast to fundamental Ignorance (avidyā), which is the primary cause of Rebirth in cyclic existence (Saṃsāra).
The Direct Introduction to intrinsic awareness is a distinctive teaching within the Nyingma school.... This practice is a central component of the Esoteric Instruction Class (upadeśa) of Atiyoga, where it is known as Cutting through Resistance (khregs-chod).
==Texts==
Dzogchen instructions are found in some Mahayoga texts, as it may simply have been the associated Completion stage practice. However, the majority of the Dzogchen corpus comprises the "18" Semde tantra texts, the Longde tantras, and the Menngagde termas.
Samten Migdrön (Tib. bsam gtan mig sgron) is a Tibetan text of historical importance for the historical relationship of Dzogchen and Zen as well identifying the view of its author, Nubchen Sangye Yeshe.
Seventeen Tantras of Dzogchen Upadesha-varga.
These Seventeen Tantras amongst other Dzogchen texts are included in the various divergences and holdings of the numerous extant Nyingma Gyubum editions.
Reality vs Dreams
See also: Lucid Dream
Mipham Rinpoche has said:
The real sky is (knowing) that Samsara and Nirvana are merely an illusory display.
According to contemporary teacher Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, in Dzogchen the perceived reality is considered to be unreal. All appearances perceived during the whole Life of an individual through all senses, including sounds, smells, tastes and tactile sensations in their totality are like a big dream.
It is claimed that on careful examination the dream of Life and regular nightly Dreams are not very different, and that in their essential nature there is no difference between them.
The non-essential difference between our dreaming state and our ordinary waking experience is that the latter is more concrete and linked with our attachment; the dreaming is slightly detached.
Also according to this teaching, there is a correspondence between the states of sleep and dream and our experiences when we die. After experiences in an intermediate state (Bardo) an individual comes out of it, a new karmic Illusion is created and another existence begins. This is how transmigration happens.
One aim of dream practice is to realize during a dream that one is dreaming.
One can then dream with lucidity and do all sorts of things, such as go to different places, talk to people, fly and so forth. It is also possible to do different yogic practices while dreaming (usually such yogic practices one does in waking state).
In this way the yogi can have a very strong experience and with this comes understanding of the dream-like nature of daily Life.
This is very relevant to diminishing attachments, because they are based on strong beliefs that Life's perceptions and objects are real and, as a consequence, important.
If one really understands what Buddha Shakyamuni meant when he said that everything is unreal or of the nature of Shunyata, then one can diminish attachments and tensions.
The teacher gives advice, that the realization that the Life is only a big dream can help us finally liberate ourselves from the chains of emotions, attachments, and ego and then we have the possibility of ultimately becoming enlightened.