I turn to Ryokan’s poetry over and over again. For me, nobody captures in poetry the magical essence of the spiritual life, indeed, of life like he does. How wonderous his words, painting pictures – pictures that rest in the heart, illuminating form and emptiness, and their interplay. When all thoughts are exhausted When all […]
Reflections on Ryokan’s Zen Poems – The Butterfly and the Flower Read Post »
This post is an exploration of Primordial Purity, or Kadag in Tibetan (ཀ་དག་). It is sometimes also translated as “original purity” or “alpha purity.” The concept of Kadag is central to Dzogchen. It refers to the inherent, unconditioned purity of the nature of mind and reality itself. Kadag is not something to be created or attained but is
In Dzogchen what is Primordial Purity (Kadag)? Read Post »
‘Question and answer’ oral instructions of the Wisdom Ḍākinī to Tilopa Shrī vajraḍākinī namo! Tilopa asked the wisdom Ḍākinī: what is awakening [Buddha]? The wisdom Ḍākinī responded: Tilopa! When the mind looks at mind, the ‘looker’ is mind, the ‘looked at’ is also mind. Like space gazing at space, both the ‘gazer’ and the ‘gazed
Severing the Bardo ‘Once and for All’ Read Post »
Inspired by Malcolm Smith’s Wisdom Academy course: Dzogchen: Ten Key Terms I’ve been reflecting a lot recently on the terms he focuses on, as they are so crucial to Dzogchen understanding and realisation. In a series of posts I want to share my favourite quotes from the Dzogchen source texts, so they can speak for
In Dzogchen what is the Primordial Ground or Base (Gzhi)? Read Post »