On this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das explores the threefold path of Natural Great Perfection in Dzogchen practice.
Show Notes
Heart Sutra (Opening) – “Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha.” Surya Das introduces the Prajnaparamita mantra, also known as the Heart Sutra.
“It’s said that wherever the Prajnaparamita mantra is chanted that transformative blessings will be realized by whoever practices it and all connected to them. It’s a very beautiful intention to hold all in our big heart, prayers and practice; our bodhicitta, the noble heart.”
The Threefold Natural Great Perfection (4:05) – Surya Das discusses the combined practice of insight, meditation, and action found in Dzogchen Buddhism. He shows us how to apply the practice to any circumstance and realize the inherent freedom, purity, and perfection of being that is our true nature of Great Perfection.
“This unified view that we are talking about here in the non-dual Dzogchen practice, not the general Buddhist path of progressive development but in the swooping down above with the bigger picture – the view. The ground is the view and the meditation is the path of non-meditation, of getting used to leaving it as it is. The fruit is the natural Buddha activity of the great perfection.”
Discover More: Surya Das further explores seeing through the illusion and simply enjoying the view with Dzogchen non-meditation on Ep. 2 of Awakening Now.
Getting There (28:15) –Surya Das answers an audience question about the Bodhisattva path.
“That’s why the Bodhisattva practices wisdom, not just helping others. To see the unreal nature of everything and works to have a better dream for everyone; practicing being there while getting there every step of the way.”
Discover More: Jack Kornfield gives us practices to walk our own Bodhisattva path on Ep.59 of the Heart Wisdom Podcast.
The Middle Way (38:55) – How do we find the middle way among all of the variables that any given situation presents? Surya Das talks about the role of awareness in making skillful decisions.
“Be Like a living Buddha, not a stone statue in the garden. Awareness of thinking and mindfulness of mind is the way we do it.”
The Flow of All Things (48:40) – We reflect on the ever-flowing nature of the spiritual path.
“A flame might look stable, but a flame is a living dancing thing if you look at a little closer.”
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