My sincere apologies in advance for asking a question that may be common knowledge for many here - but I sincerely have no idea about this, and it's something that I'd really like to understand... Also, if there is a thread here that covers this, then I've missed it - then once again, pls. point me in the direction of Sherwood Forest. I've been diligent in reading almost everything in this forum that is even remotely interesting to me and I haven't seen any definitive discussion about this w/ regards to Dzogchen.Karma is a misperception based on the illusion of personal "doership". No one makes choices nor does anyone act. All is the flow of dependent origination in which no "doer" or "chooser" can be found. That being the case, free will is impossible. (Jax)
So having said that - How does free will, or the lack thereof thereof correspond to Dzogchen view?
I understand, conceptually at least, the idea of absolute vs. relative truth - but still have no idea whether or not it is as Jax says in the view of Dzogchen, even with the idea of realtive vs. ultimate.
(Jax - I'm *not* knocking you, or doubting you a priori, I really enjoy your posts and I'm glad you're back and that you brought this up)
I've heard this idea - of no individual will b/c there's no self etc. etc. expressed many times in Advaita and Neo-Advaita circles - but I've never heard this from my teacher - in fact - the opposite insofar as I understand this idea - He has made comments like:
"If there is nothing to do, then why not just go to the beach, why are we here on retreat?" (While on the Isle of Margarita, one of the most beautiful places in the world) -
Granted - this is in response to the idea that some people who follow Dzogchen teachings misunderstand - i.e. - The idea of "nothing to do" - Which of course, does not mean that there's literally nothing to do for a rank beginner who isn't able to relax in awareness of the base - but all the same, it (to me) also speaks to the law of cause and effect - and the need, at least until our understanding is perfect, to apply methods, observe assiduously the law of karma, etc. etc. etc.
If my teacher, in whom I have complete trust, says there is something to do - then to me, that of necessity indicates that there is choice on some level, in that doing. Even if it is only on the level of appearances.
But then, if is true that on even on the level of appearances we really have NO choice, and everything is the "flow of DO" as Jax neatly put it, then seriously, why not just relax and enjoy the ride b/c then there really is nothing to be done whatsoever - if I (false imputation or not) can't even effect that chain of Dependent Origination.