A Few Words in the End

Khenpo Sodargye:

In The Meaning Instructions on Three Virtues of Relaxation in the Natural State of The Mind , Longchen Rabjam presents a series of meditation courses. What we have been studying is its initial ninety-two meditations associated with the outer common teachings of Sutrayana. At the end of his book, Longchenpa lists practices of different levels of intensity: The most abbreviated version is to meditate on one instruction each day; the median version is to meditate on one instruction for three days; and the extensive version is to meditate on one instruction for seven days. If you meditate on one instruction per day, it will take three months to finish these ninety-two meditations.

During this teaching, some of you may have started practicing, others not yet. In any case, I would encourage you to make this practice your daily homework, and devote at least three months each year at the pace of one instruction per day. By doing so, you definitely will see a shift in your mindset.

At the Larung Academy, a few thousand Tibetan nuns have begun this series of meditations with impressive results. As well, a sizable group of practitioners here at the Victorious Subdue-Mara Land (the Han practitioners’ group) of Larung, and members of the Bodhi Institute at various places in the world, have also followed suit. Indeed, when these instructions are put into actual practice, the realization of precious human existence, impermanence, and bodhicitta will arise at different degrees.

Without practice, the teachings will remain theoretical only and can’t be of help at life’s crucial junctures, much like a doctor who excels at explaining pharmacological principles but can’t even write a simple prescription. Wouldn’t that be absurd!

From the Sutrayana, the Causal Vehicle of Characteristics,

Here are the legacies of the Buddhas of the three times,

The great feats accomplishing benefit for oneself and others,

And perfecting both temporary and ultimate happiness.

The essential meaning of all the sutras and shastras ,

Summarized in the Guide I have compiled here,

May it lead all sentient beings to enter the path of liberation,

And spontaneously accomplish kayas, wisdom, and activities.

This is the end of the meditation instruction of the Causal Vehicle of Characteristics, the first part of the Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind in Great Perfection.