The Great Seal Mahamudra Meditation-- Instructions By Tilopa to Naropa

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
  • TILOPA'S MAHAMUDRA MEDITATION INSTRUCTIONS TO NAROPA
    Reading by Kenneth F. Thornton II
    Mahamudra is a contemplative Buddhist tradition known for its simplicity. The practice is to be genuine, relaxed, and aware in every situation in life, to accept and appreciate who we are. To engage in its profound methods, we aren’t required to change our lifestyle, and any message contrary to that is not a true Mahamudra teaching. The practice of Mahamudra is an experience of our mind that’s completely free and joyful, no matter what our life brings us. It points us to mind’s true nature.
    The meaning of Mahamudra is found in its name. Maha means “great” and mudra means “symbol” or “seal.” The Great Symbol referred to is the wisdom of emptiness, which is the very nature of our mind and of all phenomena-any object or idea the mind can observe or become aware of. Because it covers the totality of our experience, the Great Symbol is known as the all-encompassing reality from which there is no escape or exception.
    A key figure for the Karma Kagyu lineage is the Indian master Tilopa (988-1069), one of the 84 Mahasiddhas or highly realised yogis. Tilopa is often depicted at the top of the traditional paintings (Tib. thangkas) of the Kagyu refuge trees.
    He first became a monk at the temple of Somapuri in Bengal. It is said that one day, a dakini (female embodiment of wisdom) came to him in a vision and offered him her knowledge. Tilopa requested her teachings and received the initiation into the Chakrasamvara Tantra. He practiced this teaching at Somapuri, but when the monastery saw him take a female consort for the practice of union yoga, he was forced to quit the community.
    Tilopa profited from his expulsion by traveling throughout India, searching out many teachers and learning their methods. He earned his living during this period by grinding sesame seeds (Sanskrit: Til) for oil - giving him the name by which he became known. It is said that he was given direct transmission of Mahamudra by the Buddha Vajradhara (Tib. Dorje Chang), who became his main teacher. Although he chose to live his life in remote and inhospitable regions, his fame as a meditation master brought him excellent students. The most important thing for the Kagyu lineage is Naropa, as he is the one who later on transmitted the teachings to Marpa.

Komentáře • 20