The Circle of the Sun: Heart Essence Of Dzogchen

The Circle of the Sun by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche is a succinct elucidation of the theoretical framework, the pith instructions of Dzogchen. Traleg Kyabgon’s translation and commentary of the 17th century Tibetan Dzogchen master Tsele Natsok Rangdrol, provides a uniquely modern perspective of this ancient text, bringing the theoretical framework of Dzogchen - Tekcho or cutting through, and Thogal or leaping over - to life. It is an excellent companion to his other work on Dzogchen called, Actuality Of Being, that contrasts the Dzogchen approach with the nine yana system and includes a strong practice component and advice for meditation. Circle Of The Sun defines many of the key terms associated with this school and explains the core beliefs and perspectives that direct the practitioner’s path and practices to their final fruition, the uncovering one uncontrived authentic state. Tsele Natsok Rangdrol’s text is considered to be one of the best if not the best summary of Dzogchen teachings in existence. In this book Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche elaborates on key aspects of the view, meditation and action of Dzogchen practice and outlines the way in which confusion arises; the notions of self-existing wisdom, primordial purity and non-conceptuality; the four levels of mind; the three ways of resting the mind; the three aspects of energy; authentication of body, speech and mind; and the actualization of the ground; and presents profound practice methods to deepen one's understanding and experience.Compiled from a series of retreats led by Rinpoche, Actuality of Being: Dzogchen and Tantric Perspectives discusses Dzogchen (also known as Maha Ati and the Great Perfection) in relation to the nine yana system. The nine yana system is a set of nine successive steps used as a guide for spiritual growth within the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen, while generally presented within the nine yana system is in fact seen as independent of any system, school of thought or philosophy. Recognised as a complete path within itself, Dzogchen emphasizes the notion of sudden or instantaneous enlightenment, or self-liberation. “In Dzogchen practice the beginning and the end are not seen as separate. The very starting point is the end itself. There is no difference between the alpha and omega, in the sense that when you realize Dzogchen, you have not realized anything different from what you already possess.” Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche. Rinpoche asks: What is the starting point on the spiritual journey? It is possible that is seeing oneself as inadequate. It is heartening that the Dzogchen and Mahamudra approach says that what one wants to attain is already present. There is no gap between what one is and what one wants to attain.The starting point, which is also the end point of the spiritual journey is having an understanding of the nature of mind. In the original Tibetan text Tsele Natsok Rangdrol's exposition of the Dzogchen path elucidates that the path rests on the practices of trekchö, which means “cutting through,” and thögal, which means “leaping over.” Trekchö practice entails settling the mind in its own natural state without effort and without the rejection of thoughts and emotions. Thögal practice makes use of images and visions to realize the innate wakefulness.