It’s interesting how the death of those close to us leads to something of a Bardo in consciousness – a space where so much which seems to flow on automatic stops – a place where we are afforded a vantage point from which to view what is, one that is so advantageous to us as […]
Impermanence and Death Read Post »
Since no essence exists anywhere, Its expression is completely unobstructed and manifests everything. Pervading all of samsara and nirvana like space, It is the ground of all confusion and liberation, With its self-luminous consciousness And its alaya-vijnana. As for the cognitive aspect of this neutral state, Its essence is empty and its nature is luminous.
Reflections on Ground Mahamudra – Jamgon Kongtrul – Vajra Song Read Post »
Sometimes you make choices in life which seem as though they are going to have huge consequences. Sometimes it seems as though they are going to define the parameters of what will be possible and what will be for many years to come. From a conventional point of view, it seems obvious that if you
Where Does It Lead? Read Post »
Some reflections on Compassion, judging the correctness of actions, and Wisdom – in response to a discussion on a Buddhist list about a particular collective action that had taken place there. I’ve been reflecting quite a lot the last few days on these discussions on the list. Two themes which seem to have recurred in
Compassion, Judging and Wisdom Read Post »
How difficult indeed it seems to be to differentiate between fearlessly expressing one’s point of view, and indulging in pride, ill-will and ignorance. How easy it seems to be in retrospect (often a retrospect of many years) to see how thoroughly imbued with ‘concerns of the self’, (actions designed to support my illusory sense of
Difficult To Differentiate … Read Post »
I was reflecting that the sense of inseparability in my deity practice has recently taken on a new dimension. The quality of not being sure whether I was generating the deity and identifying with her (Machig Labdron), or she was generating me and identifying with me has been so strong. It seems so much more
Butterfly’s Dreaming Read Post »
How is it that we always think that Peace is to be found by somehow arranging things in a certain way? If we could get things like this or that, and certain things could be put into place, then we’d be at peace? We so often get caught up in thinking that in order to
Peace and Letting Go Read Post »
In response to the notion that: the teachings of Madhyamaka (Great Middle Way, or UmaChenpo in tib.) are the foundation of the view in Kagyu tradition. I didn’t say that Madhyamaka was the foundation of the Kagyu view. I actually said that within the tradition it is often said to be “most useful for clarifying
Madhyamaka and Shentong – Luminosity and Emptiness Read Post »
Isn’t Light a metaphor for Wisdom, rather than Devotion? I thought it was interesting to reflect on why devotion was likened to the light in this metaphor. Common metaphors for devotion are in terms of energy to empower something, in terms of receptivity, or openness to the teachings. So why is devotion likened to light
A Beautiful Guru Student Relationship Metaphor – Devotion and Openness Read Post »
Hi, many thanks for your considered response. I certainly agree with you on the role of words in teachings as skilful means which are used like fingers pointing to the moon – in order to get us to directly perceive that which cannot be captured by words alone. However, I would take issue with an
Mantras, Relative and Ultimate Truth – Views Read Post »
