Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Schrödinger’s Yidam
Posts: 7885
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:13 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Schrödinger’s Yidam »

Is the “third turning” gzhan stong or just Yogācāra? Seems only Yogācāra is being referenced in the excerpt despite the assertion that his use of “third turning” is supposed to be a reference to gzhan song
3rd Turning can be interpreted as Mind Only or Empty of Other. Here Rinpoche is interpreting it as Empty of Other.
In any case, gzhan stong as a view in itself is at odds with Dzogchen...
Kongtrul was a Shentonpa/Dzogchenpa, as are all Karma Kagyu Dzogchen practitioners.
however describing Dzogchen as a Madhyamaka-Yogācāra synthesis is perfectly acceptable.
Of course. There is more than one way to skin a cat. (Just don’t ask me why somebody would want to skin a cat in the first place.)
1.The problem isn’t ‘ignorance’. The problem is the mind you have right now. (H.H. Karmapa XVII @NYC 2/4/18)
2. I support Mingyur R and HHDL in their positions against lama abuse.
3. Student: Lama, I thought I might die but then I realized that the 3 Jewels would protect me.
Lama: Even If you had died the 3 Jewels would still have protected you. (DW post by Fortyeightvows)
Malcolm
Posts: 42974
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 2:19 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Malcolm »

Nine of these passages support your claim.
krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 7:02 am
smcj wrote: Wed Jul 18, 2018 8:23 pm Page 300 of "The Big Red Book" in the chapter titled "Superiority of Atiyoga". Remember, he is not discussing sutra here. He is discussing Dzogchen and why it is superior to the lower 8 yanas.

Also worthy of note is the fact that he says that Nagarjuna/2nd Turning and Asanga/3rd Turning are both contained in Dzogchen. That is to be expected and does not negate my point. All Shentong view includes Nagarjuna. Elsewhere he explains that his interpretation of the 3rd Turning is "Great Madhyamaka" (a.k.a Shentong). Interestingly he includes the Dharmadhaturstava ("In Praise of Dharmadhatu") as one of Nagarjuna's. It certainly is not like Nagarjuna's other writings.

Now concerning this natural expression of the Great Perfection: The Sugata, during the intermediate promulgation of the transmitted precepts*, did not reveal the structure of the fundamental reality, though he did extensively teach the inconceivable, abiding nature without referring to symbols of elaborate conception. And, during the final promulgation**, though he did reveal the structure of the fundamental reality, he did not teach the characteristic path through which it is actualized. Therefore, the conclusive intention of the Two Promulgators*** actually abides without contradiction in the nature of the Great Perfection. This intention comprises the unaltered intention of the Collection of Madhyamaka Reasoning,, which consists of the commentaries on the intermediate promulgation by the sublime and supreme Nagarjuna; and his [Collection of Eulogies] including the Eulogy to the Expanse of Reality****, and the commentaries by the regent Maitreya, the sublime and supreme Asanga, and his brother [Vasabandhu] and so forth, which together form the intention of the final [promulgation]. If one were to ask why this is the case, it is because these masters did not claim anything other than the profound abiding nature of natural reality, and because the Great Perfection itself is none other than that.
(bolding/underlining mine)

So he says, "... during the intermediate promulgation of the transmitted precepts, did not reveal the structure of the fundamental reality".

But he then say of Asanga/Vasabandhu, "....because these masters did not claim anything other than the profound abiding nature of natural reality...,"

So he accepts the 3rd Turning as being "profound abiding nature of natural reality, and because the Great Perfection itself is none other than that.

So Dudjom R. had no problem utilizing the 3 Turning paradigm to explain and define how Dzogchen is superior to the other yanas. Since he saw it as appropriate, so do I.


*****

*a.k.a. The 2nd Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
**a.k.a. The 3rd Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
*** Nagarjuna and Asanga
****Available in English as "In Praise of Dharmadhatu"

******

All this is in regards to Dudjom R's interpretation of Dzogchen. Evidently he is an outlier in this among Nyingmapas. However Kongtrul also has a Shentong view of Dzogchen, and he is not an outlier among Karma Kagyupas. So at least one major school supports that idea within the context of Dzogchen specifically.
Is the “third turning” gzhan stong or just Yogācāra? Seems only Yogācāra is being referenced in the excerpt despite the assertion that his use of “third turning” is supposed to be a reference to gzhan stong.

In any case, gzhan stong as a view in itself is at odds with Dzogchen... however describing Dzogchen as a Madhyamaka-Yogācāra synthesis is perfectly acceptable.
User avatar
Dorje Shedrub
Posts: 438
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:23 pm
Location: Indiana, USA

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Dorje Shedrub »

Didn't HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche teach Shentong?

DS
Homage to the Precious Dzogchen Master
🙏🌺🙏 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
🙏🌺🙏
User avatar
dzogchungpa
Posts: 6333
Joined: Sat May 28, 2011 10:50 pm

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by dzogchungpa »

Dorje Shedrub wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 5:20 pm Didn't HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche teach Shentong?

DS

Apparently. In a footnote to "The Buddha From Dolpo" Stearns relates the following story:
In the late 1970s I once asked Dezhung Rinpoché for his opinion about the shentong teachings upheld at that time in the different Tibetan traditions. Rinpoché replied that members of the Nyingma and Kagyü traditions had to accept (khas len dgos red) the shentong view because it was the view of Dudjom Rinpoché, Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoché, and Kalu Rinpoché. When I asked about followers of the Sakya tradition, Dezhung Rinpoché laughed and said they had to keep an open mind about the topic (dag snang dgos red) . When I asked about the Geluk position, Rinpoché exclaimed that they viewed the shentong teachings as the “enemy of the doctrine” (bstan pa’i dgra bo red) .
Schrödinger’s Yidam
Posts: 7885
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:13 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Schrödinger’s Yidam »

When I asked about followers of the Sakya tradition, Dezhung Rinpoché laughed and said they had to keep an open mind about the topic (dag snang dgos red)
The first time I heard about was from Dezhung R. He was teaching at a Kalu R center, so I guess he thought it appropriate to do so.

From what I can tell Dudjom R and Dilgo Khyentse R were outliers among Nyingmapa in this regard. Either outliers or groundbreakers, depending on how things happen going forward.
1.The problem isn’t ‘ignorance’. The problem is the mind you have right now. (H.H. Karmapa XVII @NYC 2/4/18)
2. I support Mingyur R and HHDL in their positions against lama abuse.
3. Student: Lama, I thought I might die but then I realized that the 3 Jewels would protect me.
Lama: Even If you had died the 3 Jewels would still have protected you. (DW post by Fortyeightvows)
LoveFromColorado
Posts: 148
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2018 5:10 pm

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by LoveFromColorado »

Not to interject on the conversation here, but I am curious about shentong as this is the first I have heard of it. It sounds like the major difference is that rangtong (also new to me) is the predominant view that states all phenomena are empty both relatively and ultimately. Shentong appears to indicate that ultimate reality is "empty only of other" and is the absolute Buddha nature beyond dependent origination. Is this accurate? If so, is this something that is taught today in Dzogchen? I have not had an encounter with such a discussion on emptiness in this respect yet (or at least that I was aware of).

Thank you!!
User avatar
treehuggingoctopus
Posts: 2507
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 6:26 pm
Location: EU

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by treehuggingoctopus »

smcj wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 7:34 pmFrom what I can tell Dudjom R and Dilgo Khyentse R were outliers among Nyingmapa in this regard. Either outliers or groundbreakers, depending on how things happen going forward.
Not really. Plenty of shentongs out there, some of them quite different from others, plenty of Nyingma teachers expressing warm feelings towards some of them (TUR!), plenty of Nyingma teachers being silent on the issue, plenty of Nyingma teachers being somewhat skeptical of them in general. And it has been like that for quite some time.
Générosité de l’invisible.
Notre gratitude est infinie.
Le critère est l’hospitalité.

Edmond Jabès
krodha
Posts: 2733
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:30 pm

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by krodha »

Malcolm wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 4:25 pm Nine of these passages support your claim.
Mine or smcj’s?
Malcolm
Posts: 42974
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 2:19 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Malcolm »

krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 10:35 pm
Malcolm wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 4:25 pm Nine of these passages support your claim.
Mine or smcj’s?
smcj's...his claim that Dudjom R subordinates Dzogchen to sutrayāna madhyamaka of any kind.
Malcolm
Posts: 42974
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 2:19 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Malcolm »

smcj wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 1:05 pm
Is the “third turning” gzhan stong or just Yogācāra? Seems only Yogācāra is being referenced in the excerpt despite the assertion that his use of “third turning” is supposed to be a reference to gzhan song
3rd Turning can be interpreted as Mind Only or Empty of Other.
It can also be understood as restatement of the second turning, i.e., I said this was definitive, and yes, it is definitive.
Schrödinger’s Yidam
Posts: 7885
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:13 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Schrödinger’s Yidam »

Malcolm wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:52 am
krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 10:35 pm
Malcolm wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 4:25 pm Nine of these passages support your claim.
Mine or smcj’s?
smcj's...his claim that Dudjom R subordinates Dzogchen to sutrayāna madhyamaka of any kind.
I do not claim that he “subordinates” Dzogchen at all.
I claim he uses Great Madhyamaka/Shentong to declare the superiority of Dzogchen.
1.The problem isn’t ‘ignorance’. The problem is the mind you have right now. (H.H. Karmapa XVII @NYC 2/4/18)
2. I support Mingyur R and HHDL in their positions against lama abuse.
3. Student: Lama, I thought I might die but then I realized that the 3 Jewels would protect me.
Lama: Even If you had died the 3 Jewels would still have protected you. (DW post by Fortyeightvows)
Malcolm
Posts: 42974
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 2:19 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Malcolm »

smcj wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 3:39 am
Malcolm wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:52 am
krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 10:35 pm
Mine or smcj’s?
smcj's...his claim that Dudjom R subordinates Dzogchen to sutrayāna madhyamaka of any kind.
I do not claim that he “subordinates” Dzogchen at all.
I claim he uses Great Madhyamaka/Shentong to declare the superiority of Dzogchen.
There is no need to do this. This is like saying a lion’s roar needs to be amplified by a dog’s bark.
User avatar
aflatun
Posts: 139
Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:21 am
Location: Bay Area, CA

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by aflatun »

Malcolm wrote: Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:59 pm "Primordial state" is how ChNN translates the term "gzhi." "Gzhi" simply refer to something we have not realized. If there is some real primordial state, then how does it exist, in whom does it exist, and in what way does it exist, without falling into the four extremes. If it does not exist by way of any of the four extremes, for what reason then it is a fault to say there is no basis? Actually, the assertion that there is no basis is precisely the meaning of Dzogchen, Mahāmudra, and Prajñāpāramitā.
Love it, i.e. MMK XXII.15-16...
"People often get too quick to say 'there's no self. There's no self...no self...no self.' There is self, there is focal point, its not yours. That's what not self is."

Ninoslav Ñāṇamoli
Senses and the Thought-1, 42:53

"Those who create constructs about the Buddha,
Who is beyond construction and without exhaustion,
Are thereby damaged by their constructs;
They fail to see the Thus-Gone.

That which is the nature of the Thus-Gone
Is also the nature of this world.
There is no nature of the Thus-Gone.
There is no nature of the world."

Nagarjuna
MMK XXII.15-16
User avatar
Matt J
Posts: 1440
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:29 am
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Matt J »

I struggle to see any difference between shentong and a Madhyamaka-Yogacara synthesis. If I recall correctly, Brunnholzl makes the argument that what is called shentong is simply that.
krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 7:02 am In any case, gzhan stong as a view in itself is at odds with Dzogchen... however describing Dzogchen as a Madhyamaka-Yogācāra synthesis is perfectly acceptable.
"The world is made of stories, not atoms."
--- Muriel Rukeyser
A Ah Sha Sa Ma Ha
Posts: 1494
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 2:01 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by A Ah Sha Sa Ma Ha »

amazing isn’t it...no beginning...no ending...it doesn’t compute in human logic...yet it makes perfect sense...
krodha
Posts: 2733
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:30 pm

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by krodha »

Matt J wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:42 pm I struggle to see any difference between shentong and a Madhyamaka-Yogacara synthesis. If I recall correctly, Brunnholzl makes the argument that what is called shentong is simply that.
krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 7:02 am In any case, gzhan stong as a view in itself is at odds with Dzogchen... however describing Dzogchen as a Madhyamaka-Yogācāra synthesis is perfectly acceptable.
The defining and novel aspects of gzhan stong are its mapping of the three natures of Yogācāra over the two truths, which ends up compromising the intention of both Yogācāra (3N) and Madhyamaka (2T).

Also gzhan stong’s interpretation of Buddha qualities and the kāyas, specifically how they are treated in the basis, path and result schematic is absolutely in conflict with Dzogchen. Gzhan stong states that the kāyas are fully formed at the time of the basis and are fully established at the time of the result, nothing like this is found in Dzogchen.

Then there is gzhan stong’s novel interpretation of the five treatises, which is unrelated to Dzogchen but a sticking point for many.

Dzogchen synthesizes Yogācāra and Madhyamaka quite well. The same cannot be said for gzhan stong, which is wrought with numerous issues.
Simon E.
Posts: 7652
Joined: Tue May 15, 2012 11:09 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Simon E. »

Kunga Lhadzom wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:45 pm amazing isn’t it...no beginning...no ending...it doesn’t compute in human logic...yet it makes perfect sense...
Not computing in terms of human logic has never stopped anyone yet from running it all through the ol' P.C. Sandi... :smile:
“You don’t know it. You just know about it. That is not the same thing.”

Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to me.
Schrödinger’s Yidam
Posts: 7885
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 6:13 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Schrödinger’s Yidam »

I do not believe that there is a definitive right way to put this. Ultimately the “other shore” is ineffable, and once you arrive the Dharma is just the words your boat was built from.

I like Shentong because it says Reality has the positive qualities of Buddha Nature. There’s a version of Rangtong that says the same thing without positing a separate substratum. Maybe I’ll migrate over there soon.
1.The problem isn’t ‘ignorance’. The problem is the mind you have right now. (H.H. Karmapa XVII @NYC 2/4/18)
2. I support Mingyur R and HHDL in their positions against lama abuse.
3. Student: Lama, I thought I might die but then I realized that the 3 Jewels would protect me.
Lama: Even If you had died the 3 Jewels would still have protected you. (DW post by Fortyeightvows)
User avatar
Matt J
Posts: 1440
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:29 am
Location: Denver, CO

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Matt J »

I have really come around to the Shentong presentation via the Kagyu presentation. First, it seems to be based in experience rather than logic and dialectics. Second, it really enhances the sense of compassion one has both for oneself and for all sentient beings. I have often found a lot of Nyingma presentations to be very well reasoned, but dry and somewhat distant. On the other hands, Kagyu presentations seem more emotionally approachable.

I have also found, in my own personal experience, that Kagyu centers and people I meet overall tend to be warmer and kinder than others.
smcj wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 4:02 pm I do not believe that there is a definitive right way to put this. Ultimately the “other shore” is ineffable, and once you arrive the Dharma is just the words your boat was built from.

I like Shentong because it says Reality has the positive qualities of Buddha Nature. There’s a version of Rangtong that says the same thing without positing a separate substratum. Maybe I’ll migrate over there soon.
"The world is made of stories, not atoms."
--- Muriel Rukeyser
Malcolm
Posts: 42974
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 2:19 am

Re: Immutable Nature of the Primordial State

Post by Malcolm »

Matt J wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:42 pm I struggle to see any difference between shentong and a Madhyamaka-Yogacara synthesis. If I recall correctly, Brunnholzl makes the argument that what is called shentong is simply that.
krodha wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 7:02 am In any case, gzhan stong as a view in itself is at odds with Dzogchen... however describing Dzogchen as a Madhyamaka-Yogācāra synthesis is perfectly acceptable.
Well. The actual difference is that the Yogācāra Madhyamakas do not use the three own natures doctrine.
Post Reply

Return to “Dzogchen”