Dzogchen Daily Meditation

There are many different types of meditations and methods. But here I will try to simply describe the heart of dzogchen meditation. First, it is very important in distinguishing between mind and awareness. Normally our mind is full of many thoughts and emotions such as the fifty-one mental factors and the eight consciousnesses. However in Dzogchen meditation we do not try to fix or change any of these thoughts. The most important thing is to recognize the true nature of the mind, which we call rigpa – pure awareness. The ordinary mind is like clouds in the sky, always moving and changing. Rigpa is natural clarity like the clear vast sky itself. This distinction is the first thing we need to understand. 

Second, we need to understand the nature of mind used in meditation. When we actually meditate, the state of mind we use is called “uncontrived ordinary awareness.” This uncontrived ordinary awareness means our natural state of knowing that is not corrupted by thoughts of past, present or future. It is a natural awareness free from artificial adjustment caused by hope and fear. We can look at this uncontrived ordinary awareness in two parts. First, the kunzhi or alaya, the fundamental aspect of consciousness. And second, the wisdom of rigpa, which is the luminous radiant nature of our mind. 

Third, we need to understand the function and example of the mind. The function of this mind is not to stop thoughts, but allow them to self-liberate exactly where they arise. For example, the face of a mirror is like rigpa, while the reflections are like our thoughts and mental factors. No matter what is reflected, the mirror never changes. Similarly, just as waves are not separate from the ocean, we must understand that all thoughts are simply the creative energy or our own mind awareness. 

When you meditate, you don’t need to block any of the fifty-one mental factors. Instead recognize that their source is rigpa – the natural state of mind itself. Let your mind simply relax into its natural uncontrived state. If you meditate this way, you will discover the true underlying reality of your own mind. 

A Five Minute Daily Meditation

It is important to practice everyday. If you practice five minutes every day it will be very helpful. The steps are simple. First, one minute for establishing a physical posture and relaxing. Second, maintaining presence for one minute. Third, observing thoughts as they arise for two minutes. Fourth, resting in clarity and emptiness. 

1. Physical Posture and Relaxation - one minute

   1. Sit comfortably with your back straight but relaxed. 

   2. Let go of all expectations and attachment to practice. 

   3. Allow your body and mind to settle naturally.

   4. Let your awareness rest in its natural state.

2. Maintaining Presence - one minute

   1. Apply mindfulness and alertness without being distracted.

   2. Simply gaze inwardly at the nature of your own mind.

   3. You do not need to visualize anything, or focus on a specific object. Just stay present.

3. Observing Thoughts as they Arise - two minutes

   1. Whatever thoughts and mental factors arise, do not try to stop them.

   2. Whatever thoughts and mental factors arise, do not try to follow them.

   3. Let them be like waves dissolving back into the ocean. That is your thoughts self-liberating as they appear.

   4. Recognize that they are simply the creative energy of your own mind.

4. Resting in Clarity & Emptiness - one minute

   1. Rest deeply in the state where clarity and emptiness are in union/inseparable, the clear space left after thoughts self-liberate.

   2. This is the actual uncontrived ordinary awareness.

If you practice these four steps for five minutes everyday, your inner space and your understanding of the natural state of mind will become clearer and more stable. When you do this meditation there are three essential points. First, mindfulness, don’t lose the presence. Second, alertness, monitoring for dullness and agitation when they arise. Third, self-liberation, recognizing thoughts are the energy of rigpa and letting them liberate themselves. 

Just try this practice for five minutes every day. You don’t need to have a deep understanding of the texts or teachings, you don’t need any recitation, mantras, visualizations, or encountering any spiritual state to experience this self-liberation of mind. Simply leave it as it is and become more and more familiar with the space of the union of emptiness and clarity.

May the meaning of the innate, pure, and self-luminous nature of reality be realized without delay, and may the innate purity awaken in the heart of every sentient being.