The Treasure of the Lotus Crystal Cave

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Treasure of the Lotus Crystal Cave The Treasure of the Lotus Crystal Cave Author: ERIK PEMA KUNSANG & MARCIA BINDER ScHMIDT THE DIRECT INSTRUCTIONS OF SHRI SINGHA When I, Guru Padma of Uddiyana, was awakened at eight years of age, I went before Guru Shri Singha, provided my offering and plea for dharma transmission. My Guru said, “Cultivate your mind through the Tripitaka.” Therefore, in the eastern direction of the Vajrasana, I learnt the Sutra-pitaka; in the southern direction, I learnt the Vinaya-pitaka; in the western direction, I learnt Abhidharma; and in the northern direction, I learnt the paramitas. Thereafter, I went before Shri Singha, made my offerings, and studied the complete Tripitaka. I pleaded with Guru to accept me. My Guru responded, "Dear son, you must first practice the true mind with the teachings of Mantrayana." Thus, in Uddiyana, I practiced the three tantra yogas; in Sahor, I worked on Mahayoga tantra and the Mind Section of Dzogchen; in Nairanjana, I practiced Phurba (Vajrakilaya); in Singha, I studied Padma Maheshvara; in Vasudhara, I studied the Instruction Section of Dzogchen; in Nepal, I practiced Yamantaka, in Merutse, I studied Mamo; at the Vajrasana, I practiced the Eight Heruka sadhanas; and in Lankotsha, I studied the four sections of Guhyasamaja Yabyun . After I realised all phenomena are merely dreams and illusions, they are unreal and mendacious, I went before Guru who was preaching to a gathering of 5,500 people, amongst whom many were rulers of Kingdoms. When I approached, Guru Shri Singha said, "What do you want, neophyte?" I replied, "I have embodied the teachings of Mantrayana extensively. Now, I wish to receive teachings from you." Guru Shri Singha said, "You are well-learned, you have studied the Tripitaka, then the Mantrayana. Now let’s dismiss this assembly." He continued, "You have understood that all phenomena are deceptive, however this is of no help. This realisation of all is a dream, illusory, unreal, and deceptive must be integrated into your continuity-consciousness. If this is not deeply rooted within your true self, it is just a cliché, and you will not be able to attain Buddhahood. I replied, "If that is so, please bestow me with a teaching that can be imprinted into my true mind." Guru replied, "Make your mandala offering!" I made a mandala from a measure of gold dust and offered it to Guru. Guru Shri Singha said, "Now, be in front of me. Keep your legs in lotus position, form the Dhyana Mudra with your hands, and keep your spine erected and straight. This is the essence of the bodily form. With both your eyes, glare upwards at the vast Universe. This is the essence of the meridian form. Constrict your lower breath(qi) and suppress your upper breath (qi). This is essence of wind (qi) form. Visualize an E (སེ) inside a red bindu position at the nirmana-chakra at your navel center. Visualize a BAM (བྃ) inside a white bindu position at the mahasukha-chakra of your crown center. This is the essence of bindu form. Focus your mind on the BAM (བྃ). With the blazing fire from the E (སེ), BAM (བྃ) is being melted. Thereafter, the white and red bindu merge together in the position at dharma-chakra of your heart center. This is the essence of the mind form. Let both white and red bindu become smaller and smaller in size, until your mind gets into the state of emptiness. This is the essence of complete form of samyak-sambodhi" I followed the practice and some awareness arose, such as: My body faded into nothingness, there was no inhalation and exhalation of breath, it felt like I was able to move through any matter without restrictions, and there was a feeling of immortality. When these experiences arose, I went to inform Guru with much pride. Guru said, "It is extremely foolish to take such pride in the blessings of the Guru and be contented. Now go into quietude, and reframe any thoughts." I went into quietude and for a year, refrained from creating any thoughts. Some sensations arose, such as the feeling that "Sunyata is Rupa! Rupa is Sunyata! Rupa and Sunyata are inseparable! Buddhas and sentient beings are non-dual! There is no consequence even with unvirtuous acts! There is no benefit even by engaging in all ten virtues!" Satisfied with these sensations, I related them to Guru. He commented, "It is foolish to be contented with Dhyana sensation. If you agree that Rupa and Sunyata are inseparable, you should be detached from Rupa. Are you? If you agree that Buddhas and sentient beings are non-dual, you should respect and serve sentient beings in the same degree as you will to Buddha. Do you? If you deem that, “There is no consequence even with unvirtuous acts,” you should be able to accept others even when they have done all ten unvirtuous acts upon you, even if it may cost you your life. Can you? If you deem that, “There is no benefit even by engaging in all ten virtues!”, you should not have any sense of pleasure when others have provided you with benefits by engaging in the ten virtues - even if your life is being saved by others. Can you? Now, go into quietude again, let your body be akin to a corpse, your speech akin to that of a mute, and let your mind become that of space." I went into solitude and practised as being told, and experienced eight sensations: 1. Regardless of eyes opened or closed, there was a knowing of absolute clarity, borderless Truth, manifesting into nonduality of mindfulness and Sunyata. 2. An experience of Sunyata, totally open and empty, neither clinging to, in nor out of any matter. 3. An experience of bliss, as if like melting butter, being totally free and exhilarating, neither having a body nor a mind 4. In a state present to all senses but not clinging onto any with obsession, yet still get affected by spacing out 5. A state of mindfulness akin to the sun radiating in the sky 6. Body is like the mist, thus resulting in non-physical behaviour of object or substance 7. Sense of realising that there is neither self nor others 8. All sentient beings have the same awareness of mind-consciousness as mine Delighted with these experiences, I thus related them to Guru. He said, "There are three stages in Dzogpachengpo : spontaneous presence, the inconceivability, and Mahasukkah. Of these three, your experiences are of the stage of spontaneous presence. Upon holding this stage in clarity, the stages inconceivability and Mahasukkah will eventually appear. Samsara is captivating, the mind is naïve and innocent! Do not be attached to the bliss in meditation state but expand your true mind." "How can one expand one's true mind?" I asked. Guru Shri Singha replied, "There is no difference between Buddhas and sentient beings other than the level of greatness of one’s true mind. Thus, those that are called mind, consciousness or Buddha’s nature, are actually one. The mind of a sentient being is restricted; the mind of Buddha is omnipresent. Expand the boundary of the true mind like how the universe is and there will be no limit to just the four directions." Subsequently, I went into stillness, practiced and cultivated a true mind that is like space, whereby these faiths arose: "Such without any projection or dissolution of thoughts, remain exactly as it is a completely focused realisation and sunyata. This is precisely what is called One." "This mind is not attached to any object or incident – there is complete openness, no dwelling on anything. This is what they meant by detachment." A sense of, "What else can there be? Regardless of how I look, it is the same! There is nothing to abandon or accomplish! This is precisely what is called eka-rasa(one taste)." A sense of, "What else is there to seek? Whether one meditates or not, this is it! There is nothing whatsoever to practice! There is nothing to cultivate through meditation! This is precisely what is called non-cultivation." I then had the powerful experience of understanding: There cannot be anything beyond this! Two types of physical bodies (rupakaya) rooted from dharmakaya, thus all of sights and sounds are like flame and flare! There is no precedent before impulse for the inhalation and exhalation of breath! Even without any creation, various manifestations will still occur! This is like the unchanged nature of emptiness! Even the slightest dualistic mind did not arise! This is it! I experienced crystal-clear clarity, absolute purity, complete openness, complete encompassment – thoroughly embracing all, being completely free and completely fulfilled. The feeling of enlightenment is like the sun rising in the sky; the experience of Sunyata felt like emptiness; and the experience of bliss felt like an ocean. I experienced different consciousness, like that of the waves on the ocean and the clouds in the sky. When these consciousness arose, I conveyed to Guru. Guru Shri Singha answered, "There is not a need to experience the natural order of things so what is it that you are experiencing? What is it that consciousness? What is there to be proud of? I do not experience anything, has your achievement gone beyond this? "Your achieved experiences differ from that of Buddhas of the past, present and future times. Fixating on having an experience, should be recognised as being seduced by Mara. ''All your experiences are made-up as they are intentionally formed as a result. They will still come and go.
Recommended publications
  • VT Module6 Lineage Text Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
    THE MAJOR SCHOOLS OF TIBETAN BUDDHISM By Pema Khandro A BIRD’S EYE VIEW 1. NYINGMA LINEAGE a. Pema Khandro’s lineage. Literally means: ancient school or old school. Nyingmapas rely on the old tantras or the original interpretation of Tantra as it was given from Padmasambhava. b. Founded in 8th century by Padmasambhava, an Indian Yogi who synthesized the teachings of the Indian MahaSiddhas, the Buddhist Tantras, and Dzogchen. He gave this teaching (known as Vajrayana) in Tibet. c. Systemizes Buddhist philosophy and practice into 9 Yanas. The Inner Tantras (what Pema Khandro Rinpoche teaches primarily) are the last three. d. It is not a centralized hierarchy like the Sarma (new translation schools), which have a figure head similar to the Pope. Instead, the Nyingma tradition is de-centralized, with every Lama is the head of their own sangha. There are many different lineages within the Nyingma. e. A major characteristic of the Nyingma tradition is the emphasis in the Tibetan Yogi tradition – the Ngakpa tradition. However, once the Sarma translations set the tone for monasticism in Tibet, the Nyingmas also developed a monastic and institutionalized segment of the tradition. But many Nyingmas are Ngakpas or non-monastic practitioners. f. A major characteristic of the Nyingma tradition is that it is characterized by treasure revelations (gterma). These are visionary revelations of updated communications of the Vajrayana teachings. Ultimately treasure revelations are the same dharma principles but spoken in new ways, at new times and new places to new people. Because of these each treasure tradition is unique, this is the major reason behind the diversity within the Nyingma.
    [Show full text]
  • His Eminence Chöje Ayang Rinpoche – Background, Lineage and Previous Lives
    His Eminence Chöje Ayang Rinpoche – Background, Lineage and Previous Lives His Eminence Chöje Ayang Rinpoche was born into a nomadic family in Eastern Tibet (Kham). At his birth special signs appeared. His mother dreamed of a Buddha- like being who emanated a golden vajra that merged into the crown of her head. During another dream a bright light appeared, like a shooting star from the west. It dissolved into her body, filling the whole earth and sky with red light. The young boy was recognised by a delegation of high lamas, including His Holiness The 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ayang Drubchen Tenpai Nyinpa, Nelong Drubchen, Traleg Kyagbon, and the tutor of His Holiness Drikung Kyobgon Chabra Rinpoche, as the mind (wisdom) emanation of Terton Rigzin Chögyal Dorje and the seventh incarnation of the founder of the Ayang Monastery in Eastern Tibet (Kham), which was built around 1580 C.E. as a branch of the main Drikung monastery. He took his monk's vows and received his early training at Drikung Thil Changchub Ling, the main Drikung Kagyu monastery in central Tibet. From 1951 to 1955 he studied at Drikung Nyima Changra Philosophical College in central Tibet. From Khenpo Tsense Sangpo he received all the Nyingthig initiations and teachings as well as his first Phowa teaching according to the Nyingma tradition. From the great Drikung lama Nyizong Tripa he received all the initiations of Rinchen Ter Dzod and Kagyu Nag Dzod. From his own monastery, Ayang Thupten Rinpoche, who was also the tutor of the head of the Drikung lineage, bestowed on him teachings of the Six Yogas of Naropa and Mahamudra.
    [Show full text]
  • Guru Padmasambhava of Odiyana (Odisha): the Founder of Lamaism in Tibet Bimalendu Mohanty*1And Varish Panigrahi
    Guru Padmasambhava of Odiyana (Odisha): The Founder of Lamaism in Tibet Bimalendu Mohanty*1and Varish Panigrahi Introduction Guru Padmasambhava of Odiyana went to Tibet along with his wife Mandarva in 747 CE at the invitation of the King Trisong Detsen (755 CE to 797 CE) of Tibet and established a Buddhist order that was based upon Vajrayana practice developed in Odisha. He brought a synthesis among the Bon religion, which existed in Tibet along with Sahajagyana, and established Lamaism. From the biographical sketches available from the existing documents, it is known that Padmasambhava was the adopted son of King Indrabhuti, the King of Sambala in Odiyana. The second wife of Guru Padmasambhava, Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, had written a biography titled The Lotus Born: The Life Story of Padmasambhava where the Guru has been described as the son of King Indrabhuti of Odiyana. It is believed that before reaching Tibet, he had visited Bhutan along with his wife, to settle disputes among warring neighbouring countries and to bring peace in the region. He also spent some time in Sikkim and Nepal while en-route to Tibet. Indrabhuti was a Tantric Sidhacharya and author of many Tantric works including Jnanasidhi, Kurukulla Sadhana, etc. Indrabhuti was a disciple of Kambalapada (683 CE) and Anangavajra (705 CE). He had to undergo various troubles and sufferings in his early life. His only son died a premature death and his territory was devastated by drought and famine. He and his subjects prayed to Lord Buddha for his grace. As a result Sakyamuni appeared as a boy resembling the Buddha at the centre of a lotus blossom on Lake Dhanakosha.
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhist Ethics in Japan and Tibet: a Comparative Study of the Adoption of Bodhisattva and Pratimoksa Precepts
    University of San Diego Digital USD Theology and Religious Studies: Faculty Scholarship Department of Theology and Religious Studies 1994 Buddhist Ethics in Japan and Tibet: A Comparative Study of the Adoption of Bodhisattva and Pratimoksa Precepts Karma Lekshe Tsomo PhD University of San Diego, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digital.sandiego.edu/thrs-faculty Part of the Buddhist Studies Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Digital USD Citation Tsomo, Karma Lekshe PhD, "Buddhist Ethics in Japan and Tibet: A Comparative Study of the Adoption of Bodhisattva and Pratimoksa Precepts" (1994). Theology and Religious Studies: Faculty Scholarship. 18. https://digital.sandiego.edu/thrs-faculty/18 This Conference Proceeding is brought to you for free and open access by the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Digital USD. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theology and Religious Studies: Faculty Scholarship by an authorized administrator of Digital USD. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Buddhist Behavioral Codes and the Modern World An Internationa] Symposium Edited by Charles Weihsun Fu and Sandra A. Wawrytko Buddhist Behavioral Codes and the Modern World Recent Titles in Contributions to the Study of Religion Buddhist Behavioral Cross, Crescent, and Sword: The Justification and Limitation of War in Western and Islamic Tradition Codes and the James Turner Johnson and John Kelsay, editors The Star of Return: Judaism after the Holocaust
    [Show full text]
  • And Daemonic Buddhism in India and Tibet
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2012 The Raven and the Serpent: "The Great All- Pervading R#hula" Daemonic Buddhism in India and Tibet Cameron Bailey Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES THE RAVEN AND THE SERPENT: “THE GREAT ALL-PERVADING RHULA” AND DMONIC BUDDHISM IN INDIA AND TIBET By CAMERON BAILEY A Thesis submitted to the Department of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Religion Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2012 Cameron Bailey defended this thesis on April 2, 2012. The members of the supervisory committee were: Bryan Cuevas Professor Directing Thesis Jimmy Yu Committee Member Kathleen Erndl Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the thesis has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii For my parents iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank, first and foremost, my adviser Dr. Bryan Cuevas who has guided me through the process of writing this thesis, and introduced me to most of the sources used in it. My growth as a scholar is almost entirely due to his influence. I would also like to thank Dr. Jimmy Yu, Dr. Kathleen Erndl, and Dr. Joseph Hellweg. If there is anything worthwhile in this work, it is undoubtedly due to their instruction. I also wish to thank my former undergraduate advisor at Indiana University, Dr. Richard Nance, who inspired me to become a scholar of Buddhism.
    [Show full text]
  • C:\Users\Kusala\Documents\2009 Buddhist Center Update
    California Buddhist Centers / Updated August 2009 Source - www.Dharmanet.net Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery Address: 16201 Tomki Road, Redwood Valley, CA 95470 CA Tradition: Theravada Forest Sangha Affiliation: Amaravati Buddhist Monastery (UK) EMail: [email protected] Website: http://www.abhayagiri.org All One Dharma Address: 1440 Harvard Street, Quaker House Santa Monica CA 90404 Tradition: Non-Sectarian, Zen/Vipassana Affiliation: General Buddhism Phone: e-mail only EMail: [email protected] Website: http://www.allonedharma.org Spiritual Director: Group effort Teachers: Group lay people Notes and Events: American Buddhist Meditation Temple Address: 2580 Interlake Road, Bradley, CA 93426 CA Tradition: Theravada, Thai, Maha Nikaya Affiliation: Thai Bhikkhus Council of USA American Buddhist Seminary Temple at Sacramento Address: 423 Glide Avenue, West Sacramento CA 95691 CA Tradition: Theravada EMail: [email protected] Website: http://www.middleway.net Teachers: Venerable T. Shantha, Venerable O.Pannasara Spiritual Director: Venerable (Bhante) Madawala Seelawimala Mahathera American Young Buddhist Association Address: 3456 Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745 CA Tradition: Mahayana, Humanistic Buddhism Contact: Vice-secretary General: Ven. Hui-Chuang Amida Society Address: 5918 Cloverly Avenue, Temple City, CA 91780 CA Tradition: Mahayana, Pure Land Buddhism EMail: [email protected] Spiritual Director: Ven. Master Chin Kung Amitabha Buddhist Discussion Group of Monterey Address: CA Tradition: Mahayana, Pure Land Buddhism Affiliation: Bodhi Monastery Phone: (831) 372-7243 EMail: [email protected] Spiritual Director: Ven. Master Chin Chieh Contact: Chang, Ei-Wen Amitabha Buddhist Society of U.S.A. Address: 650 S. Bernardo Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 CA Tradition: Mahayana, Pure Land Buddhism EMail: [email protected] Spiritual Director: Ven.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cakrasamvara Tantra: Its History, Interpretation, and Practice in India and Tibet David B
    Religion Compass 1/6 (2007): 695–710, 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2007.00046.x The Cakrasamvara Tantra: Its History, Interpretation, and Practice in India and Tibet David B. Gray* Santa Clara University Abstract This essay explores the history of the Cakrasamvara Tantra and its related practice traditions. Beginning with the traditional Cakrasamvara origin myths, it introduces evidence concerning social context in which it was likely composed, and explores the debate concerning the degree to which it was influenced by Hindu Shaiva tantric traditions. It argues that the development of this tradition cannot be fully understood without taking into consideration the political ramifications of the tradition’s mythology and iconography. The essay also overviews both the major practices associated with this tradition, and provides a short history of its transmission to Nepal and Tibet. 1. The Yoginitantras The form of Buddhism that came to be known as the ‘adamantine vehicle’ (vajrayana), and which is also known in Western literature as ‘tantric’ or ‘esoteric’ Buddhism, has received increasing academic attention over the past generation, partly as a result of the Tibetan diaspora. Tantric Buddhism developed within the larger Mahayana tradition, and it developed gradually, over the course of several centuries beginning no later than the sixth century. By approximately the seventh century, its advocates began to conceive of esoteric Buddhism as a distinct methodology, the ‘method of mantra’ (mantranaya), distinct from the ‘method of the perfections’ (paramitanaya) of the early Mahayana (Kapstein 2001, p. 245). Early Buddhist tantras generally followed the scriptural model of Mahayana sutras. By the late eighth century, Indian Buddhist authors began composing a genre of tantric Buddhist scripture that departed radically from earlier Buddhist textual models (Gray 2005a).
    [Show full text]
  • Dzogchen Lineage Prayer
    Dzogchen Lineage Transmission of Khenpo Sherab Sangpo The guru is the Buddha, the guru is the Dharma, The guru is the Sangha. The guru is the one who grants all accomplishment. The guru is the glorious Vajradhāra. bodhicittasangha.org 1 of 8 All of the written and oral instructions of the tantras teach countless steps to accomplish the glorious guru who grants all siddhis. Begin by generating the wish to free all beings as infinite as space from the causes and the conditions of suffering and to lead them to omniscience and to complete enlightenment. With this intention visualize in front of you your glorious root guru seated on a lion’s throne of lotus, sun, and moon stacked upon one another. Your precious root guru, the all-encompassing treasury of compassion, is in essence all of the buddhas of the three times and the source of all blessings and of all accomplishments who is inseparable from Longchenpa, the All-knowing Dharma King. Above your root guru’s head are the gurus of the Dzogchen Lineage appearing one above the other. Around them visualize a great gathering of all the gurus whose face you have seen, whose voice you have heard, or through whom you have a connection to the Dharma. Take Refuge Namo I and all infinite beings respectfully take refuge In the Gurus, the Iṣṭadevatās, and the Dākinīs, And in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Noble Sangha, Whose vast gathering fills space. Generate Bodhicitta I and all infinite beings Have always been primordial buddhas. Knowing this, I generate supreme bodhicitta.
    [Show full text]
  • §¨ ¨ Úf' Ú 7 ºú9º Ú
    Restricted text. Please do not distribute. §¨¨ÚFÚ7ºÚ9ºÚ º¬ Rangjung Peme Nyingtik His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Restricted text. Please do not distribute. Introduction Ask anyone who ever met His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche about his qualities and you will probably get a similar description. He had a most unusual physical presence. His body was grand and stable like a mountain, yet a soft, yielding, and vibrant energy seemed to flow through him unobstructedly, like a river. Most striking was the unceasing quality of his teaching. There was no break in his speech: as he inhaled he taught and as he exhaled he taught. An unending stream of people came to see him each day, yet his compas- sionate activities and his longing to serve others never diminished. How does someone with so many people under his care generate such deep reservoirs of energy? For us to truly understand the wonder and mystery of his activity we will have to study and practice the Dharma. His Holiness, without a doubt, embodied all the great tradi- tions of the rime, or non-sectarian, movement and demonstrated this as a living experience, manifesting an example of enlightened activity for all to see. He has, with great kindness, passed many of these teachings on to us either directly or through our own teachers. Now is the time to put them to use. The prayers in this book have been compiled for the cenntenial celebrations of His Holiness’ birth in the United States. This year Rinpoche graciously returns to us as a promising young man of 17 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Jain Award Boy Scout Workbook Green Stage 2
    STAGE 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. About the Jain Award: Stage 2 2. About Yourself 3. Part I Word 4. Part II Worship 5. Part III Witness 6. Jain Religion Information for Boy Scouts of America 7. Application Form for the Jain Medal Award 2 ABOUT THE JAIN AWARD PLAN STAGE 2 WORD: You will with your parents and spiritual leader meet regularly to complete all the requirements History of Jainism-Lives of Tirthankars: for this award. Mahavir Adinath Parshvanath RECORD Jain Philosophy Significance of Jain Symbols: Ashtamanga As you continue through this workbook, record and others the information as indicated. Once finished Four types of defilement (kashäy): your parents and spiritual leader will review anger ego and then submit for the award. greed deceit The story of four daughters-in-law (four types of spiritual aspirants) Five vows (anuvrats) of householders Jain Glossary: Ätmä, Anekäntväd, Ahinsä, Aparigrah, Karma, Pranäm, Vrat,Dhyän. WORSHIP: Recite Hymns from books: Ärati Congratulations. You may now begin. Mangal Deevo Practices in Daily Life: Vegetarian diet Exercise Stay healthy Contribute charity (cash) and volunteer (kind) Meditate after waking-up and before bed WITNESS: Prayers (Stuties) Chattäri mangala Darshanam dev devasya Shivamastu sarvajagatah Learn Temple Rituals: Nissihi Pradakshinä Pranäm Watch ceremonial rituals (Poojä) in a temple 3 ABOUT YOURSELF I am _____________________years old My favorite activities/hobbies are: ______________________________________ This is my family: ______________________________________ ______________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Small Boat, Great Mountain
    small boat, great mountain AMARO BHIKKHU Theravadanµ Reflections on The Natural Great Perfection May whatever goodness that arises from reading these pages be dedicated to the welfare of Patricia Horner, my greatly beloved mother. In kindness and unselfishness unsurpassed, she showed me the beauty of the world in her endlessly caring and generous heart. Small Boat, Great Mountain small boat, great mountain Therava-dan Reflections on the Natural Great Perfection AMARO BHIKKHU ABHAYAGIRI MONASTERY Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery 16201 Tomki Road Redwood Valley, CA 95470 www.abhayagiri.org 707-485-1630 © 2003 Abhayagiri Monastic Foundation Copyright is reserved only when reprinting for sale. Permission to reprint for free distribution is hereby given as long as no changes are made to the original. Printed in the United States of America First edition 12345/ 07 06 05 04 03 This book has been sponsored for free distribution. Front cover painting by Ajahn Jitindriyaµ Brush drawings by Ajahn Amaro Cover and text design by Margery Cantor isbn 0-9620640-6-8 Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassaµ Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassaµ Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammasambuddhassaµ Contents Foreword by Ven. Tsoknyi Rinpoche ix Preface by Guy Armstrong xi Acknowledgements xvii Abbreviations xix essence of mind one Ultimate and Conventional Reality 3 two The Place of Nonabiding 15 being buddha three The View from the Forest 35 four Cessation of Consciousness 55 five Immanent and Transcendent 73 who are you? six No Buddha Elsewhere 97 seven Off the Wheel 121 eight The Portable Retreat 147 Selected Chants 159 Glossary 171 Index 179 Foreword A jahn amaro is a true follower of the Buddha and holder of the teaching lineage of the Theravaµda tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • Padmasambhava and the Nyingma Lineage ~
    ~ Padmasambhava and the Nyingma Lineage ~ Mingyur Rinpoche Guru Rinpoche brought the Dzogchen teachings to Tibet, as well as Vimalamitra. Vimalamitra was also Shri Singha's student. They each brought Dzogchen teachings to Tibet in different forms. And Guru Rinpoche had another student called “Vairotsana.” Vairotsana was a translator. He translated a lot of texts from Sanskrit to Tibetan. Guru Rinpoche sent him to India to also learn the general buddhadharma and Dzogchen. Vairotsana also learned a lot of Dzogchen. Vairotsana, Guru Rinpoche, and Vimalamitra — the three of them brought all the Dzogchen teachings from India to Tibet. And from there, the Dzogchen teachings continued until now as the unbroken lineage that came to Tibet. Mainly, Guru Rinpoche taught this to twenty-five students who were his main disciples. One of them was Vairotsana, and Vairotsana also continued to teach other students. And then Vimalamitra taught Dzogchen to Nyang Tingdzin Zangpo. Nyang Tingdzin Zangpo was a meditator who was very good at shamatha meditation. He did not know anything about vipashyana but was a very good shamatha meditator. He was one of the first teachers of the Tibetan king. later, he became Vimalamitra's student, and from there, Vimalamitra's Dzogchen teaching also continued. But in general, in Dzogchen, Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, is a really important lineage holder, especially in Tibet. Guru Rinpoche taught Dzogchen to many students in Tibet. And also, Guru Rinpoche put a lot of all these Dzogchen teachings into treasure form. Treasure is another lineage. There were twenty-five main disciples, another 108 disciples, and then thousands of disciples more of Guru Rinpoche.
    [Show full text]