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just learning, adapting to and increasing resilience to freezing temperatures is not Tummo. The genuine practice of Tummo involves lengthy preparations whereby clinging (to various notions of self, from the gross to the subtlest levels) must first be addressed and then dissolved -- otherwise, the 'happenings' in the process can have a detrimental effect (for eg "look, i am on fire!!" ) -- an authentic initiate into this practice will have already disbanded the notion of a 'self', as such, will not come to harm. What these preparatory stages are, im afraid, cannot be revealed here. Doing so insults the depth and profundity of it. Such a practice ought to held in the highest regard, and whomsoever has the desire to access the path ought to think seriously about seeking the tutelage of an adept yogi, be they Buddhist or Bon, or bon-again buddhist, just make sure the lineage is there, and they dont ask you to empty your savings to learn it. Dabbling is not advisable. Learning from textbooks is not advisable. Learning it on-line is not advisable. Having a fire extinguisher handy is very advisable.... just messin'

Thats because he's not a lama, is he now? Are you implying that the lamas are outdated and Malcolm's stance hold more current value? What about your view on the prelims.. do you think they are dispensable? Tulku Urgyen, Dudjom Rinpoche, Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dzogchen Rinpoche... are these learned masters the ones you are referring to as 'most lamas'? It goes without saying whose advice i would rather heed.

Have you learnt anything from him that has made a significant impact on your progress? Really practical tools i mean, other than furthering your convictional stamp on differentiating the various methods into whats right and wrong? Gawd, i missed your acidic quips. where have you been?

They are essentially already united, Mr Stimpy. Nothing can be done to join what is already so. Right effort uncovers seeing IT; wrong effort reinforces the view that there is an obvious separation, just as a child, who is closest to mother at the infantile stages, even inseparable -- only later to grow and experience the closeness becoming more and more stifling due to various presenting conditions. Then the mind forces the issue and separation follows. The first degree of separation compounds the second, and so on, and so forth. The Buddha constantly teaches about how things and events compound each other like that. So, he taught that the way to emancipation is thru the realization that such compoundings are all mind-made, and not reality as is. The Noble 8-Fold Path leads one to such a realization. Hard work, but worth it. Hope you find the read fruitful. I find it ever so inspiring . Enjoy!! There's also the 6 Yogas of Naropa, if you're interested to compound your insight... hehe.

For practice, to gain deeper insight, this is the perfect text: http://www.fodian.net/world/zzgse.html

An example of luminous mind... from the Dalai Lama: "For instance, one hears a noise, between the time of hearing it and conceptualizing it as such and such, there is a mind devoid of conceptuality but yet not like sleep or samadhi, in which the object is a reflection of this entity of mere luminosity and knowing. Its at this point that the most basic quality of mind (clear light) is identified." The same applies to the other senses. In the interim spaces before words and meanings take shape, before logic develops, before intellectual assessments conclude... this is where light shines the brightest. The more we are able to rest in these intervals, the more we become comfortable with our in-born luminous nature.

Very much so. Some encourage it more than others, in fact. For the initiates, discipline and structure is very much part of the early learning process. But there has to be a point of departure, somehow. Very much like lifting a jumbo jet into the air. To ensure safety and surety, a pilot has to abide by strict guidelines, with greater emphasis at take-off and when landing, no matter how many flight hours he or she has done. We dont want to speculate on outcomes if such protocol were not followed, but there is no room for laxity. The novices that are found 'ready for departure' (numbering very few among the flock) move forward to the inner sanctum of higher teachings, whereupon the rigid structures loosen up, slowly at first, then gathers momentum, and finally, freedom. However, after the fact, some among the few will remain within the bounds of tradition by choice, while others use this freedom as a license to operate outside its perimeters, inciting much excitement along the way, not surprisingly, giving birth to the term, 'crazy wisdom'. Im sure you have come across the kind of almost unbridled 'crazy' these yogins can get up to... but, at the start, yes, they were all subject to very strict formalities -- but its just a phase, nonetheless.

Precisely. Well said.

SJ, I cant say for sure whether or not Peterson is authorized to teach, nor am i really that interested, tbh. For all intents and purposes, he may have been authorized by some other lineage master, but this is not my concern. What i am more interested in is the fact that he was able to share something which an aspirant(s) could relate with and use as aid on the journey of spiritual unfoldment, and that was exactly what i endorsed in the first instance. And this primarily was the reason why the video was used, to point out to you that ChNNR also encourages this (at the 5-min mark). As i have mentioned elsewhere, im fairly heretical when it comes to Dzogchen. Purists like Malcolm et al are good up to a point. The funny thing is, they either cant or wont say anything which could render their position 'non-puritanical', if you know what i mean. In a way, this is not very beneficial, because the tendency to cling to a particular stance and becoming rather rigid/contracted in the process seems pretty apparent. No matter what we recognize as aids on the path, the crucial point which all great masters constantly remind us is to let go of clinging to such aids. ChNNR said that what is being used need not even be buddhist by name (this was in the clip). We need to be open enough sometimes to see and accept what is useful, and then use the revelations as 'lubricant' to make the realizations come forth. That is the important aspect of practice, not who is authentic or who is not. Of course, when it comes to receiving empowerments, it goes without saying that one should get them only from authentic masters, but here, we are not receiving such, are we? We are merely doing an exercise to limber up the mind, to untie knots, and perhaps, to shake off some ingrained karmic 'claws'. In such attempts, there is really no reason to discard the possibility of picking up useful tips when such are recognized, rather than dismissing the existence of such a possibility based on the premise of someone's lack, or because we think that someone is not authentic (in this case), when, as a matter of fact, sometimes we can learn more from what is deemed lacking than from that which seems so full. Personally, i dont dig this Malcolm dude too much, but still, i do consider some of his insights to be of great help to further my own understandings, but i would not go as far as to say that he is the final authority on Dzogchen intricacies. He may have many years of study under his belt, but still, i find a fair amount of rigidity in his thinking, but this is just me. Again, that could be because he has this reputation to upkeep, so its understandable.

SJ -- This clip by ChNNR... please listen to what Rinpoche says at around the 4.50 mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e_DijCSRvM

Dear SJ, Upaya is a broad term. There are unlimited upaya, even within Dzogchen, that leads to the final fruit. Sometimes, gurus use words to fit their listeners. Dont be distracted. If you intuit deeply that you are on the right path, then you would also know all the turns you had to take, or perhaps are still taking, even though you may have surpassed stages that others have yet to. In Dzogchen, there exists many approaches and pointing-outs in conveying the essential meanings. These approaches are to be seen for what they are, or they could easily become 'stumblers' on the path, or arise at later points during one's practice to become concrete obstacles. Dont take this the wrong way, but obstacles can be helpful too. Even ChNNR advises students to use whatever means available, in an informed way, to progress. He is far from being a prude and a purist. He knows that at some level, means will drop off naturally, like scab. If you find this far-fetched, please ask him yourself. Wisdom can only be a reality when it is integrated into the realm of human experience. Words and dogma can only do so much, but then, their usefulness as technical aids (merely) need to be seen clearly. The Buddha spoke about the Four Brahmaviharas, namely, love, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. Do you know the meaning of the term Brahmavihara? A dwelling in God. But in the context of Buddha's teachings, it can be equated to divine abode, or sublime attitudes. Buddha never denied divinity -- He merely pointed to obvious spiritual implications of clinging to such, how some become ensnared by symbols and form, while simultaneously, like a master Teacher, by the very same symbols and form, He showed the way to unfettered freedom (the knowledge and practice of yantra, mantra and mudra rings a bell). He spontaneously taught according to people's level, as should all sublime teachings be. Buddha was a total realist, too.

OP, Nutrition is a major key which unlocks optimal health. And to get optimal can be quite a complex route, so its not as simple as taking one or two supps in the hope of addressing overall well-being. Dont we all wish it was that easy.... For someone here to practically advice you, how about saying a bit more about your general diet? Have you tried other nutritional formulas, boosters, immunizers etc? Over what period? Any reports of effects from these? Etc,. There have been very positive feedbacks on echinacea for boosting immuno-deficiency issues. Have you tried? A diet which includes supergreens can also be very helpful, for eg Kale, brocoli, wheatgrass, spirulina, and barley grass supplements, together with manuka honey, authentic ginseng, montmorency cherries, curcumin, and garlic should also act on boosting optimal health.

Very easy-to-grasp, detailed article on the process of reaching the embryonic stages of Clear Light realization. Precise too. Thanks for putting it up, TI.

Americans may not be familiar with badminton. Here's a peep at how concentrative freneticism becomes the highpoint of every competitive event.

Afterthought: I was diagnosed with a heart condition known as SVT http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supraventricular_tachycardia back in 95. Doctors said it was genetic, and that i should/could never again attempt strenuous activities, plus, they advised medication for the rest of my life. Like a good lad, i listened to the experts, took the pills, managed the condition as expected, but later, sickened by this new dependency, i realized that this was not my life plan (to be on drugs indefinitely) -- that was when i decided to delve deeper into meditative practices. After about a year of non-activity (except work), including full-time celibacy (even though i had a partner then) and practicing certain meditative techniques which my Tibetan teacher ascribed, i felt confident enough to stop medication. Enhanced by the release, i eased back slowly into sporting activity (badminton nut that i am), gradually building back stamina and speed, enough to eventually play top-level competitions. Back then, the episodes would recur off and on, but the frequency of occurrence lengthened. From maybe once every 3 weeks, to once every 3 months, then 5 months, and after about 3 years from that first rush to the hospital, the condition has so far never recurred. During the first few months after the medication had been abandoned, whenever the condition took hold, i found that with mindful breath manipulation, i could willfully overpower the irregular heartbeats, returning the arrhythmia back to normality. There was only one occasion, actually during a break at a badminton training session, that a massive SVT came on which i just could not manipulate nor control. It was really scary then -- heart-rate shot from about 90 to like 200 bpm, gasping for breath, cold sweat and all of that. Fortunately a doctor friend was also at that particular session, and rendered assistance immediately. Its been years and years now since the last episode. For me, its kudos to my teacher whose invaluable advise released me from a potentially debilitating heart condition... more than this, from the courage and wisdom gained from dispensing with the reliance on medication, my heart now is even healthier than before, moving and beating in rhythm with the mind, and the body, as a whole. I still play badminton competitively, swim, speed-drive, trek cliffs in the summer, fish, have regular love sessions (ahem..) Just wanted to share this with you (after i read about the injuries to your legs). With time, i am sure you will make great progress, on an overall level. Peace and love!

If this exercise is maintained, in a few years, the breath will be barely perceptible. Mine is already very slow, and feels very light. Got my pulse down to about 60 now, even with activity. Was 80 not too long ago. Occasionally, it will still go crazy, like when i go driving at high speeds, and the adrenaline pump kicks up a few notches, other than this, mostly sedate nowadays. Some nights my partner would have to watch close just to see if i am still breathing, that kind of way. I do a similar practice. Apologies, but i cant speak more on it. I think you are moving along just fine, friend with new name Percolating's such a nice description, RV

For the idea to actually fulfill its aim to threaten people's sense-based beliefs, first of all, the motto ought not to leave out words that make it quite meaningless, wouldn't you agree? There is always the option to edit, you know? Just so those of us who have been labelled as sheep-like minds can grasp the meaning, which is what your aim is, true? To continue reinforcing the dualistic notion of there being sheeples (the relativers and the ad hominers, you like to brand us) and those VIP short-pathed celebs (the absoluters, ones like your esteemed bodhisattvic self haha) whose pastime is to incessantly fuel discriminatory attitudes (and not doing such a great job at that, having to resort to one cut n'paste after another)?

I would hope that spiritual cultivation gradually increases one acute discriminatory wisdom, or, intuitive insight becoming more refined as one progresses. Otherwise, it becomes an exercise of vanity. Everyone can intuit and discern to various degrees. Exercising this is the 'how'. Deep listening to the hidden 'scripts', the nuances become clearer. Endeavors in mindful alertness is one way to hone this ability. Doing the horse stance... hmm, may be, too, but cant say for sure. As for the exact practice, its a very individual thing. We all have different maps and various factors influence how we read them. And then, some maps are more readable than others, not because they are clearer, but the unreadable ones are simply that - unreadable. When someone comes along and proclaim that traditional maps are useless (implying that they are all based on the past), it should raise some sort of flag, more so when such someone is also attempting to show nothing more than another map, albeit disguised as one more radically savant than the others. Apologies if more than necessary was said in reply.

So, is churning an ideology, or not? I would think that a process is simply that. It can get cumbersome when its given more vitality than necessary. Its so easy to get overly-impressed and caught up with methods and practices, to the point where it becomes such a habitual thing -- and then, even good methods and practices turn into burdens (masters!) Any dependency becomes ideological anchors at some stage. It creeps in, quietly, harnessing momentum, akin to frenetic weed growth in ideal conditions.

Gleaning... Good word. Waste collection is big business nowadays. Everyone's molded into becoming very conscious of proper filth management. Seth Ananda would not be an exception to this, i think. Good to know what is to be discarded, and what to retain.

When meditation arise with ease, rest in that. When it becomes hard, rest in that too. After a while of training in this way, with the constant awareness aroused to see the tendencies which give rise to identification (what is good, what is not good, what is desirable, what is not desirable in one's practice), then gradually, whatever anxieties that normally follow as one begins formal meditation will subside, effortlessly. Then, let go of even the bliss arising out of this subsiding, thus see what remains after.

How wonderful, 'An Authentic Portrait of the Middle Way' ~ One of Milarepa's Vajra Songs! (bottom of page) http://www.rinpoche.com/teachings/ktginterview-1.pdf

Mods ~ Sorry to trouble you.. please move this to the Buddhist Discussion Section. Thanks!

Enjoy!

Hi TI, Thanks for restating your position. I must have got it mixed up at some point in the discussion. Apologies. I was not aware that A. Wallace taught from the Bon Dzogchen tradition. I am afraid i am not familiar enough (with Bon Dzogchen) to venture the discussion further. Dzogchen, from the teachings of Longchenpa down to present-day mainstream Buddhist teachers (personally, i like Tulku Urgyen, his son, Chokyi Nyima, and a few others, like Sogyal Rinpoche, for example) all emphasize the vital import of Ground, Path and Fruit. Not that they are 3 separate methods of accomplishing and resolving one's practice in a gradated sort of way... more of a process of continual refinement, until all subtle residues evaporate from the 'mirror'. Perhaps when you have more time, you may want to check this book http://www.wisdom-books.com/ProductExtract.asp?PID=18670 out. Not saying you need to, but i think it will bring more clarity to the concept (but only if you think its worthwhile, otherwise, please disregard the recommendation). All the best, friend.