Kagyu

[Clarifications by Dr. Berzin are included within square brackets.] Homage Homage to my Gurus. The author, the Third Karmapa, was an extremely learned master who wrote many profound texts that became the core of the Karma Kagyu teachings. Rangjung Dorje (Self-arisen Vajra) was...

Introduction I make heartfelt obeisance to the precious Kagyu line. Although manifestly enlightened countless ages ago, you have been emanating in whatever bodies have been suited for taming those needing to be tamed, so that even hearing your names eliminates the fears of...

Introduction Mahamudra is a Sanskrit word and it means “the great seal,” and when we talk about a seal, we’re talking about these things that they used to have, where you dipped it in wax and then you made a stamp on something, and it guarantees the authenticity of a document...

The next set of prayers are prayers not to be confused about the practice of the path. This is divided into two sections: Prayers to not be confused about the words concerning meditationPrayers to not be confused about the meaning of the words. Prayer Not To Be Confused about...

The Essential Points Concerning the Body and Mind As for the actual fundamental part, there are two (sections): a stilled and settled state of shamatha and an exceptionally perceptive state of vipashyana. As for the first, in general, there are many methods for developing...

Review We've spoke about how on any spiritual journey, like going on a caravan, we need to make preparation for the various things that we’re going to bring with us on our journey. And so what’s usually referred to as the preliminary practices are the preparation – it’s the...

Examining the Essential Nature of the Settled Mind The second (main section) is the exceptionally perceptive state of vipashyana. Have the essential points of your body posture be as before; but, in this case, as your way of gazing is extremely important, direct your eyes,...

Recap of the Previous Session  Previously, we discussed how the Buddha-families speak of various groups of factors we all have that will either transform into various aspects of a Buddha or account for the fact that we can have these factors of a Buddha. We saw that there were...

The Establishment of the Pagmodru Hegemony Dorje-Gyalpo (1110 – 1170), a highly educated monk from Kham, disciple of the Kagyu master Gampopa, arrived in Central Tibet in 1158. He was given the name “Pagmodrupa” (Phag-mo gru-pa), meaning “One from Sow’s Ferry,” since he...

Combining Mahamudra with Other Sutra and Tantra Practices and with the Four Types of Behavior As for the third part, the concluding material, there are also the actions for enhancing your progress. When, without meandering, you have totally immersed yourself in the mental hold...