The Mirror: Advice on Presence and Awareness (dran pa dang shes bzhin gyi gdams pa me long ma)
Religions September 10, 2013 DOI: 10.3390/rel4030412 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis short text describes the essence of Dzogchen teaching, or total perfection. It explains that establishing the correct view requires direct understanding through experience of the primordial state of pure presence, beyond intellectual construction. Meditation involves practicing to recognize one's own true nature, the non-dual condition of the calm state and its natural energy. Behavior means integrating meditation into all daily activities, continuing in the state of pure presence in every circumstance, which constitutes total realization.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Dzogchen Tantra Self-perfected state Samsara State of enlightenment |
| Key finding | Proposes that Dzogchen realization involves three aspects: view as direct experience of pure presence, meditation as understanding non-dual nature, and behavior as integrating this state into daily life. |
Abstract
“The Mirror: Advice on the Presence of Awareness” (dran pa dang shes bzhin gyi gdams pa me long ma) is a short text that describes the essence of the Dzogchen teaching (rdzogs chen, total perfection). Concerning the way to establish this point of view (lta ba), the main point is to have a direct understanding through the experience of our primordial state of pure presence, beyond any mental or intellectual construction. With regard to meditation (sgom pa), this involves practicing in order to be sure to understand our own true nature, the non-dual condition of the calm state (the essence of the mind) and movement (its natural energy). Behavior (spyod pa) is the integration of meditation in all our daily activities, continuing in the state of pure presence in every circumstance of life. This is the total realization.