Tibetan Buddhism - Venerated Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

Today we share powerful advice from Master Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (vegetarian) on nonsectarianism. He warns that dividing the Dharma through bias or preference causes great harm to oneself and others. True practice transcends sects and honors the unity of all authentic teachings. We’ll conclude with His advice on meditation, reminding us that disciplined study and reflection lay the foundation for deep realization.

Advice on Nonsectarianism - continuation

“The prophetic guide to one of my Treasures, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes (Sampa Lhündrup), says: Talking out of their own personal likes and dislikes, they disguise mountains of concepts as ‘Uḍḍiyāna’s words.’ Based on predictions made in fake prophecies, self-praising in tone and disparaging of others, the single Dharma community is divided into factions. In these conditions, study and practice are split asunder. Through this inexpiable karma of forsaking the Dharma, great harm comes to oneself, to others, to the teachings, and to beings. Therefore, do not follow after charlatans: this is my heart-advice. […]

Thus, those who wish themselves well should regret and confess any such karma already accrued of forsaking the Dharma. They should vow that, from now on, they will guard against it and refrain from it, even at the cost of their lives. […]

Hence, those who have entered the Victor’s teachings should be entering the gateway of Dharma with the wish to be free from saṃsāra. Furthermore, they should not be thinking only of their own peace and happiness, but should have the overwhelming resolve to awaken for the benefit of others. Thereafter, it is of utmost importance that they strictly keep the rules of the three types of vows. As the supreme scholar Venerable Vasubandhu said: With disciplined study and contemplation, one aptly prepares for meditation. This should be understood. As the world-famous Lord Gampopa said: Beginners strive in listening, contemplation, and meditation, and having become stable, they practice persistently. […]”

Advice on Meditation by Chokgyur Lingpa

“If you want to practice well, You need steadfast renunciation In short, the wish to attain awakening.

Refuge is the root of Dharma You need to entrust and surrender yourself completely To the guru and Three Jewels.

As the cause for attaining unsurpassable awakening, Arouse bodhicitta, the mind set on supreme awakening, And practice solely for the benefit of others. This is profound indeed.

Rest without grasping within the nature of mind. When you realize the uncontrived and unfabricated nature, Then it qualifies as meditation.

Suppressing or chasing after the movement of thoughts Is fruitless rigidity, the worst kind of meditation. Less grasping and attachment is a sign of realization.

Vast pure perception is a sign of realization. Great compassion is a sign of realization. Paying close attention to cause and effect is a sign of realization. The opposites are signs of lack of realization. Dear one, keep this in your heart.”