EMERGENCEA 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
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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