How to Integrate the Dzogchen View into Daily Life

The essence of dzogchen practice is to recognize and maintain the natural primordial awareness. And in between, all activities of body, speech, and mind depend on realizing that all experiences are the play of mind. This foundational practice is the direct recognition of the nature of mind. 

How do we practice? Each day, take two or three minutes to look directly at your own awareness. If you can take 15 to 20 minutes to look directly at your own mind each day, that is even better. At that time, do not analyze, do not control or change anything. Just rest in the openness. Whatever thoughts and feelings arise, simply try to recognize their inherent nature. That is the first step. 

The second step is to pay attention to that awareness that exists in between thoughts, or the instant awareness that occurs as soon as a feeling or emotion arises. However, before the conceptual mind jumps into labeling or reactivity, it is very important to notice this non-conceptual space which is the direct gateway or path to the celestial palace of pure rigpa king.

The thought arises continuously one after another. The important thing is that between the first and second thought, when the first thought has gone and the second thought has not yet arisen, you need to find that space. That space which is absent of the first thought and the next second thought. That space is the pure nonconceptual space. We need to connect with that space. Try to feel that space and rest in that space. Maintain that space for as long as you are able. That space is the door of pure rigpa, natural state of mind, or Kuntuzangpo. That is the second step.

The third step is when you suddenly hear a sound or name, don’t follow after the meaning. Don’t follow after the meaning such as “good or bad” of that sound. Don’t follow the labeling such as “this is a bird sound.” “This is a human talking.” “This is a great sound.” “This sound makes me crazy.”

Instead, pay attention to the bare clarity of the awareness of the consciousness that hears the sounds. Pay attention to who is hearing the sound? And connect with that. That is our meditation, our Dzogchen conduct. This is what is meant by non-conduct and non-meditation. There is nothing to do, but to turn and look directly at who is hearing the sound. 

Similarly, when anger suddenly arises in your mind, instead of following the anger try to recognize the base of the mind in which the anger arises. By practicing these three steps, you will remain in your natural state without fixating on anything. This is not ordinary meditation. This is how you practice dzogchen meditation, and become under the blessing of the dzogchen view, Kuntuzangpo.