doc benway

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Mahamudra from the Kagyu tradition is very similar to Dzogchen, which is found primarily in the Nyingma and Bön traditions. Their methods differ a bit but the essence is comparable.

Yes, profoundly different although Internal Alchemy can mean a lot of different things. I practiced Daoist alchemy for about 12 years and it naturally evolved into what was essentially dzogchen practice. At that point I encountered my current teacher and embraced dzogchen in a more formal way. Much of Daoist Internal Alchemy practice (at least what I've encountered) is closer in nature to tantric Buddhist and Bön practice.

One excellent resource is my teacher, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Today begins his 2 week summer retreat on the Seven Mirrors of Dzogchen, a dzogchen text by Drenpa Namkha, a Bön master of the 8th century. The retreat is being held online and would be an excellent introduction to dzogchen and his teaching style. He also offers regular free teachings on Facebook and online teachings through Ligmincha International and Ligmincha Learning. His teachings are a bit on the progressive side, a bit more flexible than the traditional presentation. Nothing in substance is lost but he presents the material in a manner that tends to be more accessible to Western sensibilities and lifestyles.

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Nice article Like many things in Buddhism (and Daoism for that matter), this subject is intimate, personal, and must be rooted in practice. Conceptual categories and labels are limiting, belief is a trap. Faith, on the other hand, is very supportive.

My recommendation is to find a good teacher who represents a credible lineage. Then learn to be a good student.

Tibetans use the word rimé to refer to an “unbiased” approach to Tibetan Buddhism, giving each of the traditions equal respect and validity. Of course, it’s limited to Tibetan Buddhism but they were quite isolated from everyone else when it developed in the 19th century.

One of my favorites: Original Tao: Inward Training (Nei-Yeh) and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism by Harold Roth. This is more of a theoretical treatment if you are uninitiated. If you are already a practitioner with some experience, there is much of practical value here as well. It is not a how to manual but a priceless resource, one of the earliest treatises on inner alchemy. The commentary is decent.

Not a movie and not enlightened but... Just finished Rectify, a beautiful, intelligent, and compelling drama about a man and his family facing his reintegration after spending 19 years on death row. It’s slow at times, a bit overly melodramatic, but also very emotionally charged and poetic. Highly recommended.

Thanks for sharing, what a trip!

Michoacán? Beer, acid, a helicopter, and the law? I’m listening... 🤣

I’m open to an open thread. Don’t know your feelings about plant spirits and the like, but I would cultivate respect and a deep sense of asking for guidance and healing in addition to the mushroom itself. It will reveal far more if we’re in the right relationship, IME.

Perhaps not germane to this discussion but I’m reminded of my teacher talking about the dedicated practitioner who had cleared nearly all karmic baggage (except for some old unresolved mommy issues). Standing at the threshold of liberation, the door to enlightenment opens and who is standing there but mommy, wagging her finger and saying, “You? A Buddha? Not yet little one...” ... or something along those lines. It’s easy to feel compassion for “all sentient beings.” A little more challenging when narrowing that down to those closest to us in life.

Can't tell if these are your personal feelings or a quote from someone else. Like many things, it has positives and negatives for me. The comments about a trickster or evil spirit which take the form of the soul can be a good description of its psychological and emotional effects on some. It can really take over one's life and desires, like the mythical lotus eaters. For me, not only does it not mimic meditation but it interferes with meditation significantly if used more than occasionally. It also changes my sleep and dream life profoundly. It can be an effective sleeping aid but has a negative effective on REM sleep and dream and does not provide as restful an experience as natural sleep. While I have always been an advocate for its decriminalization and normalization, I also feel it important to acknowledge the negative impact it can have on many, especially the very young.

Actually it is said to be Black Russian, a cross between White Russian and Black Domina strains. I was going to post a photo of Kali Mist, in fact, but I thought this more seductive. 😁

I seem to remember in one of his talks a discussion of his choice to follow Christ as a child, I may have misinterpreted. I never researched his past. Regarding enlightenment vs awakening, I am not the one to pronounce judgment on such matters. Such terms are too personal and too charged. I’ll revise that to simply say he’s got a lot to teach for those with a karmic connection and leave it at that.

A few from my last visit to the Dali in St Pete, Florida:

Fun fact - Before he became pope, Joel Ratzinger banned all Demello’s writings as heresy while serving as the Official Censor for the Catholic church. This position is a renaming and reworking of the Office of High Inquisitor. As a Jesuit, Demello’s publications were owned by the church and withdrawn from circulation for a period of time. After he died, I believe somehow his brother managed to get them republished. This document is an interesting read - https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19980624_demello_en.html

No need, you already did that...

Awareness is a great place to start. Another masterpiece is The Way to Love. My favorite is a 12 cd set Wake Up to Life. Are you still in Mexico?