MAHAMUDRA & DZOGCHEN:
At some point in our practice, we reach the point where we can perform what are called "formless" meditations.
Basically, at this stage in our practice, our understanding of appearance versus reality, and our understanding of Bliss and Voidness are such that we can rest in our BuddhaNature and view the world as the play of enlightened energies. This is what's involved in the practice of "formless" meditations.
In the Nyingma or "old school" teachings in Tibetan Buddhism, these were taught in the Dzogchen tradition. Dzogchen means "Great Perfection". This is similar to Chinese Chan Buddhism and Japanese Zen. It involves 2 steps.
In the first step, there is a pointing out ceremony where the spiritual teacher creates the circumstances for the student to perceive their true nature. In the second step, the student tries to reconnect to this nature and work between their ordinary reality and this true nature. They attempt to view everything as an expression of its true nature.
In the other schools of Tibetan Buddhism, they teach Mahamudra. Mahamudra means "Great Seal". Mahamudra involves seeing everthing as having a single taste in its ultimate nature. That taste is inseparable Bliss and Voidness.
The goal in both the practices of Dzogchen and Mahamudra is to actually live and operate from the point of view of the Dharmakaya or truth body of the Buddha. As we become accustomed to experiencing this state, our familiarity with this state increases. We also begin to expand our awareness of this state and our use of this awareness beyond our meditation periods and into our day to day life.
This represents the culmination of Tibetan Buddhist Practices. With each of these practices, there are many possibilities to eliminate suffering and increase our peace and joy. If we practice these techniques well right from the very beginning of the first level practices, we will see changes happening day by day, month by month, and year by year.
This path is not difficult, and with continuous attempts to work with the teachings, we will obtain many benefits both for this life and beyond.
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