C T

Your arrogance will not get you far, my friend. Semde, Longde and Mengagde provides structure to the path. Even the masters of old do not dismiss semde and longde like you did just now.

Then you can bring your argument to Jigme Lingpa and Longchenpa, ok?

Good. Great in fact. Mr Boaz is a reliable source.

Another useful link to get a better picture of the dzogchen lineage: http://www.orgyenkhamdroling.org/anyenrinpoche/lineage

an article for you, Jeff! http://davidpaulboaz.org/stromata/dzogchen_the_great_perfection.pdf

Mind in semde, longde and mengagde has different connotations. Perhaps Alwayson can be more specific when he says mind is merely wind.

Maybe you can ask Alwayson which mind is being referred to: sems or sems-nyid.

Basic knowledge: Vajrayana is about mastering obstacles by transforming poison into nectar. What hindrances? One's shaky confidence is the only hindrance.

For a true Vajrayana practitioner, nothing is a hindrance. Putting it another way, everything can be used as 'fuel' for sustaining the path. 'Vajra' -- thunderbolt -- all-clearing -- no obstacles.

Sorry, but this is incorrect.

The point is not whether they are liberative or not. What's to be considered is how much grasping/clinging arises in light of such mastery. One who has pacified clinging, there's no reason why jhanas cannot be liberative. Moreover, jhanas are indicative of one's progress along the (small level)path of accumulation only. They need not be obstructive, unless, as mentioned, one clings. Then one cannot move on (further) to paths of application, seeing and meditation. Being stuck, then of course jhanas become hindrances.

Its impossible in this day and age to ready oneself to receive transmission equal to that of Garab Dorje. Saying its possible is only speculative talk, meant for those sitting around the fire, stroking their chins and musing among themselves over a cuppa tea, and wasting talk on the intricacies of the Dzogchen path, and how it is more superior than any other practices. Some people do wish to imagine they can do it by way of self-effort, but should the endeavor be undertaken, there will be a lot of unnecessary confusion leading to, in dzogchen lingo, Vajra hell. The fruit of Dzogchen is most alluring, but there are so many who, without proper guidance, get burned, like moths being attracted to flame. People today have the idea that Dzogchen, oh, its simply resting in the natural state, free of concepts -- if its that easy, surely there will be beings walking around with halos around their heads, and rainbow light emitting from their hearts. I have never, in all these 30 odd years of practice, seen such a person, even those who are reputedly 'enlightened' and 'realized', 'living buddha' and so on. Have you seen any? Have you been able to consistently perceive the subtle dimension of light? If not, then, would it not be more sensible to discuss practical matters pertaining to establishing a firm foundation on the Dzogchen path, rather than promote speculation about aspects of the practices which would only serve more as a detriment than an actual help. Sorry, but i dont agree with the term 'pure Dzogchen' as well.

I would not hate on him either. The comment was not specifically directed at Osho.. more a generalized observation on how 'gurus' who break conventions are treated and looked down upon by some who feel 'dirty' being associated with them. The thing is, outer conduct does not always equate inner realizations. There are so many so-called 'crazy' yogins scattered around Nepal, Bhutan, that general direction, whose inner realizations are hardly noticeable by the untrained eye. They get labelled, laughed at, belittled, treated with contempt... but these are the guys who work secretly to bring rain when needed, protect crops and animals, exorcise evil spirits, yakshas etc. and demand no compensation in return. Hence the term 'hidden yogi' was coined in recognition of these individuals who always 'operate' in ways that 'normal' people would call bizarre. As for Osho, he may not be the most exemplary of gurus, but who are we to observe from the outside and then stick labels on the man? How do we know what is in his deeper being? He has gone ahead of many others to pave a path, and have inspired many thousands thru his written works. That alone puts him miles ahead in terms of merit, compared to those who so easily judge the man while having little or nothing to show their own spectacular realizations. Its natural for the 'perfectionist gurus' to brand this man with foul names... that is, until their own shit hits the fan. Then the fun starts.

With you, there is no dialoging, Vmarco. Same remark applies to that poster, ET thought. Anyone who even shows the slightest hint of disagreeing with you gets shoved into the 'ignorant' department. Where is the open ground for having a dialog, you tell me. Of course, its hard for you to even contemplate this, what with your narrow allowance band. But i am only thinking aloud here... even then, i fear being classed as an ad hominem attacker, yet, there you are, hanging ever so tightly to your 'no present in time' angle, which, as a point for discussion, is completely without basis. Why? Simple... Its too absolute. When statements are that extreme, one begins to question the validity of the source, and also, at a certain point, the whole thing just becomes exasperating -- one either agrees, or disagree, and in both instances, its like being sandwiched between two walls. On one side, there's Vmarco, and on the other, there's also Vmarco. eughhh... how very uninteresting. Perhaps what would reignite interest would be to take your paradigm and translate it into a practical tool which can move someone to say, "Hey! That's exactly what i needed to hear to get me one step further in my practice!" Heck no, with you, its like, "No one here knows shit except me." Thats what is wafting thru the air.... see, hombre? So, pray tell... who's scoffing at who?

Ever heard of tunnel vision, Mr M?

Yup. Another one who likes to bring his own shooter to the amusement stalls where he thinks we are all like those moving duckies.

Thank goodness you can see better, Mr M. "Energy does not exist." Ya right. Alert!!!! Spoofers abound.

yawn... what be next?

(apologizes profusely) my bad...

...and there is a clip by C. N. Norbu on YT (approx 1 hr 40min -- but skip the first couple of mins where nothing appears on screen) called "Introduction to Dzogchen". Viator might want to check that out and see if he feels a connection before venturing further with Norbu Rinpoche's teachings. Since Viator is in the UK (maybe? not sure where i got this from) this teacher, James Low, is very highly recommended. Here's his contact and some sample teachings: http://www.simplybeing.co.uk/simply/About_James_Low.html All the very best.

"When i was 5 years old, my mom always told me that happiness was the key to life. When i went to school, they asked me what i wanted to be when i grew up. I wrote down, "H A P P Y". They told me i didn't understand the assignment and i told them they didn't understand life. " (the naked guru)

Cos the light at the end of tunnel had to be turned off due to cost-cutting measures imposed across the board.

God loves him for trying, but i would not go as far to say that he comes purely from that angle. Sometimes, his takes sorta reminds me of a someone who brings his own air-pistol to the amusement park just so he'd get a better shot at the moving duckies.. Very unconventional, often tainted with extremities, and almost always provocative and judgmental. Some may find it agreeable. In most parts, i dont. just saying..

What kind of relationship are you pointing at, sir? Also, what means 'finished'? By choice, not by choice, choices beyond one's control, etc. Interesting all the same!

Aargh! ROGUE!! What in heaven's name was i thinking?!! Thanks, Stevo!