Meditation for the modern world

“His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Jigme Losel Wangpo, holder of the 400 year old Dzogchen lineage, talks to Gemma Keogh about the ancient Dzogchen meditation practice of resting the mind and how it is essential for developing harmony within the stress of modern life.
   The Dzogchen teachings are amongst the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and are renowned as being very relevant for the modern world. The wisdom of Dzogchen is not based on intellectual understanding, but rather on the principle that when we rest our mind, inner balance and clarity naturally and spontaneously arise.
   The Dzogchen method for resting the mind, although based on profound and secret teachings that have been passed through an unbroken lineage for 400 years, is not complicated or time consuming. His Eminence teaches that to begin with, we can sit in a comfortable position, with our legs crossed or we can sit on a chair with our feet on the floor. Eventually, we will be able to meditate anywhere and at any time. In the preliminary stages of meditation, His Eminence instructs his students to rest their hands on their knees, ‘Hands together encourages thoughts; hands apart helps your thoughts to naturally dissolve‘. Traditionally our eyes remain open, with a relaxed gaze, without fixating on a particular object. Then, with a gentle awareness on our breath, we turn our mind inwards and rest.
   For many, meditating is easier said than done, so His Eminence offers a simple antidote to the mind’s resistance to rest...”

The article, written by Gemma Keogh, continues to show the relevance of Dzogchen meditation to modern living. For details of the UK tour, including public talks and retreats, please go to www.shenpenuk.org.