Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives

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Description In this book Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche elaborates on key aspects of the view, meditation and action of Dzogchen practice and outlines the way in which confusion arises; the notions of self-existing wisdom, primordial purity and non-conceptuality; the four levels of mind; the three ways of resting the mind; the three aspects of energy; authentication of body, speech and mind; and the actualization of the ground; and presents profound practice methods to deepen one’s understanding and experience. Compiled from a series of retreats led by Rinpoche, Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives discusses Dzogchen (also known as Maha Ati and the Great Perfection) in relation to the nine yana system. The nine yana system is a set of nine successive steps used as a guide for spiritual growth within the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen, while generally presented within the nine yana system is in fact seen as independent of any system, school of thought or philosophy. Recognised as a complete path within itself, Dzogchen emphasizes the notion of sudden or instantaneous enlightenment, or self-liberation. “In Dzogchen practice the beginning and the end are not seen as separate. The very starting point is the end itself. There is no difference between the alpha and omega, in the sense that when you realize Dzogchen, you have not realized anything different from what you already possess.” Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche. About the Author Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX (1955-2012) was born in Nangchen in Kham, eastern Tibet. He was recognized by His Holiness XVI Gyalwang Karmapa as the ninth Traleg tulku and enthroned at the age of two as the supreme abbot of Thrangu Monastery. Rinpoche was taken to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim at the age of four where he was educated with other young tulkus in exile by His Holiness Karmapa. Rinpoche studied under the auspices of His Eminence Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche at Sangngak Choling in Darjeeling. He also studied with a number of other eminent Tibetan teachers during that time and mastered the many Tibetan teachings with the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions in particular. Rinpoche moved to Melbourne Australia in 1980 and commenced studies in comparative religion and philosophy at LaTrobe University. He established E-Vam Institute in Melbourne in 1982 and went on to establish further Centers in Australia, America and New Zealand. Throughout his life Rinpoche gave extensive teachings on many aspects of Buddhist psychology and philosophy, as well as comparative religion, and Buddhist and Western thought. He was an active writer and has many titles to his name. Titles include: the best selling Essence of Buddhism; Karma, What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It Matters, now translated into 5 languages; The Practice of Lojong; Moonbeams of Mahamudra; and many more. Rinpoche's writings are thought provoking, challenging, profound and highly relevant to today's world and its many challenges. Traleg Kyabgon (1955–2012) was the founder of the Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute, which is headquartered in Melbourne. He taught extensively at universities and Buddhist centers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, and is the author of such books as Integral Buddhsim, Song Of Karmapa, Letter To A Friend, King Doha, Essence of Buddhism and Karma: What It Is, What It Isn't, Why It Matters. Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Foreword by Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche Biography of Author Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche Acknowledgements Editor’s Introduction Chapter One: Religion, Spirituality, and Self-Knowledge Chapter Two: The Nine Yana System Chapter Three: Consciousness and Wisdom in Yogacara and Dzogchen Chapter Four: Self-Existing Wisdom Chapter Five: Self-Liberation and How Confusion Arises Chapter Six: Ethics and Meditation Chapter Seven: The Four Yogas, Meditation, and Mental Clarity Chapter Eight: Integration of Bliss, Luminosity, and Reality Chapter Nine: Transcending Self-Image, and the Authentication of Body, Speech, and Mind Chapter Ten: Imagination and the Five Elements and the Four Modes of Resting in Meditation Chapter Eleven: Actualization of the Ground Notes Glossary