Main focus in study & practice

For the last few years, we have intensively studied traditional texts and contemplated the basics of the Dharma at Ekayana. Only rarely free teaching was taking place, i.e. without a textual basis. And a retreat in the Green Tree usually includes 1-2 hours of study per day. So actually study of the basics was not lacking, one would think. But the question arises, how sustainable was the study? Whether what has been heard has really reached the inner self and is retrievable there.

Our focus so far has been on silent meditation practice in the style of Mahamudra, with complete transmissions from the Ocean of True Sense and the Moonbeams of Mahamudra, and deep insights into the fourfold cultivation of awareness (Satipaṭṭhāna) and the cultivation of awareness with the in-breath and out-breath (Anapanasati). Alt-hough study and practice have already been interwoven in class, further, more in-depth personal study, contemplation and meditation are absolutely necessary – it must not just be a passive absorption. Numerous transcripts and audios are available for such deepening.

We have also studied together the “Mind Training in Seven Points” (Lodjong), the “Jew-ellery of Liberation” and the “Precious Garland of Gampopa”, the “Entering the Way of the Bodhisattvas” by Shantideva and much more. In the process, we have studied in depth the Four Immeasurables (love, compassion, joy and equanimity), the mind of awakening (bodhicitta) and the practice of accepting and giving (tonglen).

As far as Vajrayana practice is concerned, we worked through the Mahamudra ngöndro with the “Light of the True Sense” and Gendün Rinpoche’s explanations, the commen-taries on the guru yogas of Milarepa and Karma Pakshi, as well as on the yidams Avalokiteśvara (Chenresig), Green and White Tara, Vajrasattva, Medicine Buddha, Amitabha and the practice of Chöd, to name the most important. Also important were the teachings on the integration of Vajrayana and Mahamudra by Karma Chakme from the “Mountain Dharma” collection. For all these topics, well-prepared study material is available in German and/or English and not infrequently even in French.

For me (Lhündrup) there is now a feeling of rounding off: I have actually passed on all the transmissions we have received from Gendün Rinpoche to practitioners in the past years – and not only in the traditional 3 and 6 year retreats in France, but also here in the Green Tree and in the many courses outside. The translated practice texts and commentaries, as well as the many transcripts and audios you have made, are available to all – a real treasure!

Now comes a time of integration of the rich material that we have already studied and will study again – but differently. As usual, we will look at all the listed topics from a practical perspective and, if possible, express everything in our native language. However, we will proceed at a slower pace, exchanging as much as possible in small groups.

How do I understand this instruction? What do I not understand? How does it change my inner attitude and view of things? How does this help me in meditation and action? What do I find difficult? Where do I feel motivated?

It is always first about a correct understanding of what is heard and read (the view), then about personal practice (the meditation) and finally about concrete action, with the ever-present wish that this may contribute to the benefit of all – in other words, the three practice steps that are at the heart of Mahamudra.