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I agree that we need to strive to be completely honest, but not with regards to separating beliefs and knowledge. What is knowledge but that which has been gathered in the past? Of such, should it be deemed useful, would only serve as a navigational map to enable one to clear a path back to the past. How does what you know help you to unravel the future? Honesty is best applied towards what is real, and what is real is seeing that all things are transient, and accepting it without argument. How easy it is to argue with knowledge... the more knowledgeable, the better the argument. The better the argument, the more one learns to compensate and prolong the awakening to this truth that all things change. Such arguments will never end for as long as one remains ever-seeking for greater and mightier knowledge. Embittered from not being able to ascend to the summit despite knowing so many different mountains, one desires to tear down everything in one's way, so as to clean one's plate, as you put it. Actually, the easier, more emancipating way is to simply shatter the plate into smithereens and see what happens then. Whats the worse thing that will happen? Disband every single idea that pops up about concepts of mountains and of summits, and see what remains. Each time a desire to understand lofty, peak experiences arise, look and see who is it that seeks to want to understand -- what is the source of such desires, and where does it lead when mind wants gratification of knowing? And, what happens when one resist the will to know? Find out. The challenging/growth part of spiritual cultivation, according to my experience, is to learn to keep quiet, observe the movements of change, and allow for such movements, without wanting to interfere in the minutest.

That when it happens is extremely ambiguous. And also, those who focus too tight on getting healthy and staying healthy are the ones who get hit hardest when they realize time's up. Just recently, my sis-in-law was admitted to hospital for some condition undiagnosable by her GP. She is 27. Then, 2 days ago, a good friend, perfectly healthy 22-yr old law student, suddenly had an epileptic seizure. Talk about perspective. What do you precisely know about life? Do you practice it?

Problem is exactly this: people think there's so so (sooo) much to figure out. Actually, what 'things' are there to be figured out? In the process of dismantling and re-assembling one's head-mind so much precious time is lost. Just drop it, drop everything, a little each time, especially those ideas that lead one to believe that one is making progressive inroads and getting somewhere finally, a destination perhaps worthy of note, but its all nonsense. Go visit the terminally ill, speak with them, look into their eyes, hold hands with them, listen to how they breathe, and see what life is all about. Puts a lot of things into perspective. Then, if we are wise enough, we might learn a little about priorities, as well as how to sensitize oneself to face one's deepest fears, and then keep going at it, again and again and again, until death is finally understood. This is the only key to freedom -- not those ideas and concepts that need figuring out.

'Now' is just a figment of an active imagination. When one truly lives in the 'now' one would have already disbanded all conceptual premises and boundaries, so then even concepts like 'the Way' or 'no destination' becomes a little meaningless. One simply goes about one's day, fully mindful and ever-present.

Advertising supremos, haha, yes. The end game... one can allay it by buying 3 for the price of 2. Subtlety rocks. Keeps one entranced and entrenched, secure in the zapped state of mind that one gains nothing by breaking the 'norm'.

well observed! ...its difficult to break away from the mass collective consciousness. the drama of it all, not to mention the massive doses of guilt thrown at one.

Greetings, TI. In answer to your question, no, i have not seen anyone 'die' to be revived during any retreats i have attended. I am not sure its encouraged to use one's own physical body to delve into such a practice when one can, in the latter stages of mastery, generate a tulpa for such exercises, wherein one aims to gain mastery over the bardos -- this reduces the risk of harm to one's physical body. This is acknowledged as a 'closed door' practice, naturally.

In dzogchen retreats, when such experiences occur, there is a guideline given to be observed in order to manage one's understanding of experiences so that clarity arises. One such guideline is: Unwholesome karma may be the cause. Disturbing emotions may be the circumstance. Conceptual thinking is the link. Prana wind is the bridge. Gods and demons act as supporting the continuity of grasping. The ascribed antidote: Best to leave experiences to liberate naturally. In the preliminaries, dont pursue the experiences. During the main practice, dont encourage the experiences. In concluding the practice, dont dwell on the experiences. In this way, the potential for seeds of grasping and aversion to take root is averted. One merely watches in absence of i. Old experiences are unknotted and new ones bring no harm. In locating the seat of experiences, finding it to contain nothing (empty of...), one ends all self-deceptions.

Sustainable living: http://cobcottagegifts.com/tag/sand-bag-building/ Interesting blog here for design ideas: http://mocoscribe.wordpress.com/2011/06/12/white-beach-hut-romantic-oceanside-cuddles/

Yes, i am inclined to think that for the mature practitioner knowing each would definitely assist in the overall progression that one aims for. These two 'paths' are not the same, nor are they distinctly different. Within the stages of Mahamudra, namely Sutra, Tantra and Essence Mahamudra, only Essence Mahamudra bears semblance to Dzogchen. Sutra Mahamudra is similar to the general Mahayana system where the practitioner is led thru the various stages, namely the 5 Paths and 10 Bhumis. (see here for a clear explanation: http://www.nalandabodhi.org/media/120878/5%20paths%20and%20bhumis.pdf ). According to teachers like Tulku Urgyen, Tantra Mahamudra corresponds to Maha and Anu Yoga, and Essence Mahamudra emphasizes the same fruition as Dzogchen but in terms of practice it does not incorporate Togal. Even within Dzogchen there are different levels, but this is not relevant topic-wise, which is about Mahamudra. Maybe another day. What is important to bear in mind is that all these seemingly different paths possess one common goal, which is to point one to ever-deepening levels of recognizing mind nature, or sugata-garbha. As one moves thru the different Yanas, bringing to light subtler and subtler mindfulness, then one can progress and gain confidence in seeing that one's ultimate nature and a buddha's ultimate nature is not the same, nor is it different in any way. If one says its the same, one becomes caught in a fixated view, conversely, to say its different is to be also caught in another view. So, as practitioners on the secret paths, we are reminded to be constantly aware not to fixate on any view, to leave the mind vast, the view expansive... this is done thru familiarizing oneself with View, Meditation and Action, also sometimes some like to refer to as Ground, Path and Fruition. Related articles for your perusal: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/library/essays/mahamudra-dzogchen.htm http://multimedia.getresponse.com/725/68725/documents/6834.pdf This book can be of interest to you -- GAMPOPA TEACHES ESSENCE MAHAMUDRA http://www.amazon.com/Gampopa-Teaches-Essence-Mahamudra-Tony/dp/9937572088 I havent read it, but have been told its very good. Good day!

I find it a worthy companion due to its exactness. Its written in such a way where jargon is kept to a minimum, as compared to, say, Longchenpa's 'The Practice of Dzogchen', which i find to be also very good as a practice manual but somehow does not flow and resonate as well (for me, at least). Its ok if you do not find that it calls to you. Perhaps some day... or maybe not. Ultimately, these 'secret' manuals could be quite the 2-edged sword... it either cuts thru and reveals, or completely keeps one mired in delusion, as with anything else, really. Ngondro -- brilliant. Keep the faith and practice well, my friend.

Good to hear an unknotting took place, Anamatva. Its quite the norm when one is open to receiving. In line with your present developing interest, i'd humbly recommend this read : http://www.keithdowman.net/books/fg.htm

Refresher course: http://www.buddhanet.net/cbp2_f4.htm

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exacto mundo! many thanks for posting... _()_

It takes much courage to face the truth. Short of time. I recommend "The Meaning of Happiness' by Alan Watts.

If a person first conquers his or her fears, then any undertaking will be blessed and protected from any harmful forces. Most people do it ignoring the appropriate steps -- they undertake any and all practices in the hope of conquering the denizens of their deep mind, which in all likelihood will create various pockets in the psyche, and in these pockets some positive, some negative, and some neutral influences will each take turns to 'mould' the person, and the person will have to grapple, often in a confused state, with these diverse emergences of various forces, each in their own time, that is driven by one's past karma. When the self is understood it follows that all fears will be quelled, just like when one knows the nature of fire completely, there will no longer be associated mishaps. By dispelling the causes of hope and fear, one can embark on any road and no enemy will be found... no obstacle will be insurmountable.

++ well said ++

http://www.nyingma.com/dzogchen1.htm http://www.olmoling.org/contents/dzogchen I would recommend 'Rainbow Painting' for every Dzogchen aspirant. http://books.google.ie/books/about/Rainbow_Painting.html?id=yj2tBAk6JogC&redir_esc=y

Are you loaded? If so, there is one health food that reigns supreme for that which you have asked: http://www.manna.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=101 This is the most highly valued, most expensive health and longevity enhancing food ever, according to the Chinese peoples.

I am just wondering if it was there, in infinite space, that you got your first terrifying experience of vicious dogs? And thereupon, you began to HOPE that people would wake up to your idea that compassion and keeping dogs dont mix?? :unsure:

Hence this is much more than an institutional dysfunction?

I dont think anyone is trivializing anything here, Aaron. Having acknowledged that some of the points you have brought forth are indeed valid, and agree that reports of abuse are not unfounded and should not be dismissed lightly, all that was further implied was that these matters are serious enough to request for more accurate information when citing those you believe are to be held accountable. This then allows for proper follow-up for those who want to verify the accusations in greater depth. There is no need to get defensive and sarcastic. Such a stance dampens enthusiasm. After all, no one is 'attacking' you for speaking up. Any voice against abuse of any kind is worthy of merit.