Pointing Out the Dharmakaya

Abstract

The teachings of mahamudra are the essence of all the Buddha s teachings. Together with the teachings of dzogchen, they comprise what is known as the path of liberation. Traditionally, these teachings are practiced in tandem with deity meditation and the various tantric yogas that comprise the stages of creation and completion of the path of means, the path of method. This was not overly difficult to do in the highly spacious and open conditions of Tibet and other Himalayan countries. But in the very busy, highly stimulating, and stressful conditions of Western life, it is often difficult to find the time, the opportunity, the motivation, and even the willingness to practice the path of method. Practiced without the proper foundation and preparation in shamatha and vipashyana, without proper motivation and training in the practice of bodhichitta, without a substantial accumulation of merit and wisdom, and outside of an appropriate environment, some of the advanced practices of the completion stage can actually lead to even greater stress and, as it states clearly in tantric literature, can endanger one s health and sanity.