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The Graduated Path to Liberation (lam rim) is made easier to understand when its set out in 5 stages, the first being the Path of Accumulation. 2) Path of Preparation or Training 3) Path of Seeing 4) Path of Intense Contemplation 5) Path of Liberation, also known as 'Path of No More Training' Lama Je Tsong Khapa said, "The development of an awakening mind (bodhicitta) is the framework of the Mahayana Path and the foundation and basis of all the great waves of bodhisattva actions. Like an elixir that turns all metals into gold, it transforms all actions into the two collections (of wisdom and of merit). It is a treasure of merit that accumulates limitless collections of virtues. Knowing this, the heroic heirs of the conqueror, Buddha Shakyamuni, adopt this jewel-like development of an awakening mind as their fundamental practice." There are some helpful readings available if anyone's interested.

He also reportedly scolded his monks for spending too much time sitting in meditation. "When alive, one keeps sitting without lying down. When dead, one lies without sitting up. In both cases, a set of stinking bones. What has it to do with the Great Lesson in life?" Yet, i do not agree that meditation is unnecessary. It may be so when one has fully synthesized path and fruit, not before.

There is no where to get to. You are already where you are supposed to be, at any given time. Look around... is there anything out of place? As the gentle winds blow, the clouds slowly disappear, only to return again, and again. Yet, in the everchanging etherscapes of the mind and the senses, the rising and subsiding of the elements from gross to subtle, none whatsoever leaves a mark in the empty space which holds all things.

They are all relatively safe until such time one comes to a precipice at the edge of one's knowledge field. What do you do then? Its generally advised that one balances the activations of Ida and Pingala evenly instead of giving one more attention than the other, unless specifically informed, so again, i think its best to obtain live coaching if you can.

Advanced techniques are best learnt from a suitable teacher, not in a chat room. In the presence of a guide the chances of success is very much heightened.

You seem to equate enlightenment with going 'up' somewhere, presumably to a lofty paradise? I prefer to view enlightenment as an ever-expansive process of uncoiling, rather than going upwards. Additionally, i have moved beyond the idea of enlightenment as some 'achievable' state, one in which is presumed to be better than this present existence and have to be toiled with great effort. In Dzogpa Chenpo, its very simple. Firstly, recognition, and then practise to stabilize the recognition. An ongoing mindful practice means an ongoing remembrance of one's intrinsic nature. Uncoil.

I would first of all move to find an East-facing cave.

If i may, i'd like to recommend two books which could shed some clear light on the matter. http://books.google.ie/books?id=VHQPxMqmHNIC&pg=PA208&lpg=PA208&dq=buddha+nature+sallie+king&source=bl&ots=-sY5cKciO7&sig=WALN6elKA0moSY5l_gI_1igvm00&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Kl6QT_jnK8fChAfrqbS3BA&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=buddha%20nature%20sallie%20king&f=false http://books.google.ie/books?id=eXnF2dolnNgC&pg=PA150&lpg=PA150&dq=ratnagotra&source=bl&ots=wtMT0_cgdR&sig=Tn9vNlhJ7pwRrfn7Ym6m2m-hIho&hl=en&sa=X&ei=aeiTT9DvF4iwhAfYv62IBA&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=ratnagotra&f=false

Dudjom Tersar Ngondro http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Dudjom_Tersar_Ng%C3%B6ndro (wiki explains...) The guidebook: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1306169.Ngondro_Commentary Depends which tradition one wants to keep to. But all Ngondro practices are efficacious, as in they are complete in themselves, meaning the Ngondros already contain both the foundation and the complete path to realization of Buddhahood, so calling it a preliminary practice is not altogether accurate. Hope you can make a connection somewhere. (typo)

Then you are more evolved than a lot of people. A bit extreme, but evolved, nonetheless.

Maybe its because, as what Rinpoche said, he picked a north-facing cave to sit in?

Thanks, A!

I dont want to bicker with you. Let your words speak for themselves.

You have no idea how precious a human birth is. You, Tulku, are a disseminator of half-truths, and that makes you more dangerous (to yourself) than an out-and-out liar.

Maybe because Fu Yue is able to gratefully recognize how all of existence is inter-being simultaneously? Even a blade of grass knows how to respond to the sun's purpose better than you, Tulku. Shame.

Because what you view as millions of lives being lost they view as millions of new lives being created? I dunno really... why dont you tell why? After all, it is all about balance, right?

The same one that came up with the concept called 'life'? (just a guess)

Is 'life' not a label also?

Well, good. Then this very truth which sets you free shall be my prison.

When i first saw him i thought he was the split image of this Irish comedian... http://www.roisindubh.net/artist-profile.html?artistID=324

Really? Cool. I thought taoists are rather ponderous and self-effacing when it comes to declaring 'ranks'. But respect, nonetheless, wu shi.

Where did you get this tale from?

Imagination... as in 'unrealistic', with regards to professing how chi escapes when eyes are kept opened during meditation. Are you then advocating closing the nostrils, the ears, and all the other orifices as well? Its not very practical, is it? And if its not practical, or natural, stress follows. So one meditates, for one out of many other benefits, to reach a stress-free space, so that that can be carried into daily living, which mostly involves developing a keen eye to observe things, especially one's mind and responses, and also how the environment responds to one's general beingness. Otherwise, one could stumble even with eyes wide open.

The issue of blinking was not brought up at all. You enjoy putting ideas into people's heads... like the above, about chi escaping. Your imagination is quite remarkable. Why not then imagine all the external chi entering you by keeping your eyes opened? Or maybe, better still, keep one closed and the other opened, so that there is a two-way flow, with no traffic jam?

Appreciate the feedback, ol'boy. A friend recently spoke of him. Havent come across his 'school' prior, which is why i said 'new'. Its not my idea to label him 'enlightened'. His site claims so. In one of his videos he recites prayers effortlessly from various traditions.