Dharma Wheel

we'd have to see an image to comment, but in general foot or handprints on a thangka signify a master's blessing of the image. Heruka Chakrasamvara is of course the main yidam in the Kagyu lineages, along with Dorje Phagmo, the mother. Depending on the empowerment you received, and the guru you rece...

Off topic, but just saw on FB that a Western student has reportedly left thukdam, with signs. One of Tulku SangNgak's students.

Assuming you are not clairvoyant, would you know the difference between one and the other? This was sort of my point. It all starts with "listening," which is all we can do initially, with any teacher. I include spending time with a guru as "listening," as well. I know you're not implying anything ...

I’ll listen to somebody that has properly studied emptiness, but I’ll follow someone who can sit in it. Assuming you are not clairvoyant, would you know the difference between one and the other? This was sort of my point. It all starts with "listening," which is all we can do initially, with any te...

Kagyu teachers will tell you that Mahamudra, and Dzogchen, are experiential paths, and not philosophical systems. I thought that was universally accepted among all traditions. However on the internet it’s easy to post about ideas and problematic to post about experiences—if you even have any. Sure,...

I'll be brief. Some Kagyu teachers teach Shentong. But most Kagyu teachers will tell you that Mahamudra, and Dzogchen, are experiential paths, and not philosophical systems. Even Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso was clear in this regard. Kagyu teachers, like many Dzogchen teachers (and that includes Kagyu te...

No, as Tsongkhapa’s reformulation of the twin negation shows. IIf it were, Nagarjuna wound not have insisted on the fourfold negation. It doesn't show this. Only in the cartoon Gelug presentation.....where this is all and only a philosophy glass bead game. "You've left existence untouched!" Well, n...

Retreat is essential in all Vajrayana traditions, and all Tibetan lineages have retreats. In the Sakya, LamDre is is certainly practiced in retreat, as well as in daily life, as is Naro Khachoma. Many Sakyapas do shorter retreats specific to various practices as well. The completion stage practices ...

You’re going to have to cite a specific kagyu instruction manual to define what you mean by “Tantric mahamudra” in kagyu. Citing secondary texts that define the thing they’re criticizing will only lead to confusion. Also if it’s a critique of what Gampopa specifically did, you’ll need a text of Gam...

I believe the answer is “yes.” Mahamudra is a “resultant gnosis” as well as a path. It is ultimately Wisdom and would seem to be equivalent to the wisdom resulting from practice of the two stages, but especially that of a conjoined creation and completion outlook. Or so I understand it....

You’re going to have to cite a specific kagyu instruction manual to define what you mean by “Tantric mahamudra” in kagyu. Citing secondary texts that define the thing they’re criticizing will only lead to confusion. Also if it’s a critique of what Gampopa specifically did, you’ll need a text of Gam...

I think we can close the debate on whether or whether not it is correct to practise Mahamudra without any form of transmission/empowerment by a master. Nobody here is doing so and nobody defends this position. The question is, whether or whether not it is correct to practice sutra mahamudra "exclus...

I don't think it is out of line to say, in fact, that Ringu Tulku would be horrified (or perhaps just amused) to be told his view was held up above Kongtrul's. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinopche's quote, earlier, is a very good way to talk about "sutra mahamdura"--there is a "sprinkle of vajra" there. Frankly...

From my perspective, Kagyupas don't teach "Sutra Mahamudra." Kagyu lamas teach Mahamudra. In our day and age, what this means varies by teacher, but I feel confident in saying that Kagyu Lamas teach a variety of methods, from Sutra and Tantra, and use the term "Mahamudra" to denote relating to "natu...

Who said anything about oblivion?

Buddhas reside (in some sense) in wisdom. Wisdom is not oblivion.

Trowo Roza=a form of Gyalwa Gyamtso?

In the Dudjom Tersar, I believe there is an "entrustment" for Damchen Chitor, not an "empowerment." At least that's what Lama Dawa said when He was giving it. I've also received a number of Dudjom Tersar Protector practices, especially Ma Ekadzati, from Loppon Orgyen Tenzin (at Enrico's in Austria)...

Cortland Dahl translated some texts on Ngondro related to this cycle. But it is Nyingthik, so the simple answer is that Khandro Nyingthig contains complete Dzogchen upadesha for the entire path, including liturgical practices and pith instructions on trekcho and Togal.

get out of your head, and look at what is in front of you. If you see arising and ceasing, you need to practice the Dharma. Your thought comes. Your thought goes. You are different than you were yesterday, yes or no? If yes, practice the Dharma. If no--what exactly is not different? Examine well.

I think, nobody can be forced to anything they don't want to do. In my experience with myself & practice impatience is a great hindrance. I realized that I should be be patient with my practice just as I should be patient with a friend who's eager to tell me a long story. Then the practice is able ...