Dzogchen Mandala - Dharma Students

A relatively small number of Seekers ultimately emerge within the Mandala through making a commitment to the Dharma and the practice of Dzogchen. These individuals attend retreats, participate in local practice groups, and in other ways engage with others within the Mandala gradually coming to be known by other students and Teachers alike. These individuals are self-identifying as Students of the Dharma. They may request permission of the Teacher as part of the making of this commitment, or they may assume such permission has been effectively granted due to their continuing commitment and involvement with the Dzogchen Mandala at this level.

THE TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES OF THE DHARMA STUDENT LEVEL

The teachings offered at the first and outer level of the Mandala recognize the wide variety of interests, skills, practices, commitments, and paths, which are brought through the various gates by those entering the Mandala. The emphasis is therefore on establishing a broad but clear understanding of the Dharma while introducing Dzogchen and a variety of supportive practices. The actual teachings at this level focus most directly the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Four Mind Changers, the Three Enlightenment Trainings (Ethics, Meditation, Wisdom); on Bodhicitta and awakening the heart of unconditional love; on generosity and selfless giving; on the meaning and purpose of life; on sacred relationships; on creating a spiritual life; on integrating the Dharma with daily life; on Buddhism as it exists in the West and many other similar subjects. Additionally practices are introduced which are considered fundamental to the teachings and other practices presented within the Mandala. These include Trekchod, Lojong, Breath and Energy Yoga, and offering practices.

THE VOWS AND COMMITMENTS OF THE DHARMA STUDENT

Although no specific ritual or public declaration is required for one to become “Dharma Student,” it is understood that a Student will take refuge vows with Lama Surya Das or one of the associated teachers at some point. Additionally, they make certain commitments in order to maintain their chosen place within the Dzogchen Mandala. These commitments include:

1) following the five precepts which are refraining from

a. taking life

b. lying

c. stealing

d. sexual harming

e. intoxication

2) developing sila (moral self-discipline) on all levels

a. outer: ethics, honesty, moderation, simplicity, nonharming, mindfulness

b. inner: character development, integrity, self-knowledge and awareness

c. ultimate: authenticity, genuineness, oneness

3) actively pursuing opportunities to study with Lama Surya Das and his associate teachers whether at workshops and conferences, through CyberDharma programs, or in whatever other ways are available to the Student, but certainly including participation from time to time in the Intensive Retreats sponsored by the Dzogchen Foundation each year, or a reasonable equivalent thereto

4) utilizing the books, tapes, monographs of Lama Surya Das and the associated teachers, and relying on the lists of readings, practices, and the like recommended to facilitate one’s study of the Dharma

5) maintaining membership in Dzogchen Foundation

Note: whenever vows and commitments are discussed herein it is important to remember that each individual’s experience will vary over time. It is important to state “intentions” as if they have been “accomplished” fully, but the essential objective is a continual striving to achieve, maintain, and deepen commitments and vows over time.

THE AMERICAN NGÖNDRO OF THE DHARMA STUDENT

Students within the Dzogchen Mandala engage in a broad range of fundamental practices which are integrated into their daily lives. Collectively these practices constitute “the American Ngondro,” which consists of “The Six Building Blocks of a Spiritual Life,” “The Ten Essential Practices,” and the “Ten Transcendental Virtues/Perfections.” These are all part and parcel of the basic Buddhist teachings of the Three Enlightenment Trainings: ethics, meditation, wisdom and love.

The Six Building Blocks of a Spiritual Life are

Alone:

1)        Daily spiritual practice

2)        Dharma Study

3)        Personal inner growth work

With others:

4)        Sangha, group practice

5)        Practice with teachers, mentors, elders

6)        Seva, karma yoga, service

The Ten Essential Practices are

1)        meditation and mindfulness

2)        chanting

3)        prayer

4)         yoga

5)        self-inquiry

6)        virtue, morality

7)        self-care, healthy living, simplifying one’s life

8)        non-violence (ahimsa)

9)        environmentalism

10)        right livelihood

The Ten Transcendental Virtues/Perfections are

1)        generosity

2)        virtue, ethics, morality, self-discipline (sila)

3)        patience

4)        joyous effort

5)        contemplation

6)        wisdom and love

7)        skillful means

8)        power, inner strength

9)        inspiration, blessings

10)        pristine awareness

REFER TO ILLUSTRATION TWO:

THE FIRST (DHARMA STUDENT) LEVEL OF THE MANDALA

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Page Version: 06-Jun-2003 05:38