Meditation: Shravaka Approach

The following guided meditation is based upon my interpretation of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche's

"Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness."

1. Conceptual
Taking Refuge & Arousing Bodhicitta

Focus: Watching the clinging to an emotional self that is:
1) single, 2) permanent, and 3) independent.

Vehicle: Hinayana/Basic Foundation (relieving personal suffering)

Phase #1: Dreams - The relative and absolute aspects of "self" in dreams.

Phase #2: Skandhas - Looking for "self" in Mind and Body

* Form:
Where in the body is the self?
[examine singularity = one versus many]
Note: If "self" is located in the brain, what part of the brain is removed to avoid suffering.

* Feeling:
Is the "self" liking, disliking or indifference?
[complex, constantly changing, and dependent!]

* Perception:
Is the "self" the recognitions of things?
[complex, constantly changing, and dependent!]
See Meditation and the Sixth sense/consciousness.

* Mental Constructions/Intellect:
Is the "self" the samskaras?
[complex, constantly changing, and dependent!]
Note: Kleshas, Karmic winds, "Fangs of ego."
See the Seventh sense/consciousness.

* Consciousnesses:
Is the "self" the "moment-to-moment" stream of mental activity?
[complex, constantly changing, dependent!]
See the Eighth sense/consciousness.

2. Non-Conceptual
Now sit in "emptiness meditation," cf. "Naked Awareness, Calm Abiding"


3. Conceptual
Sealing the Merit with Emptiness

For a justification of this attempted preliminary step in the alignment of Dzogchen, Mahamudra, and Madyamika guided meditations see:

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche commentary "Song of Karmapa," pp. 92-95. [ISBN 962-7341-14-2 (PBK)]

Tai Situ Rinpoche's commentary "The Third Karmapa's Mahamudra Prayer," pp. 83-84. [ISBN 1-55939-169-3]

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's commentary "The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje's Aspirational Prayer for Mahamudra," pp. 44-45. [ISBN 1-877294-18-7]

See also Lama Surya Das' "Swooping Down From Above"

Note: Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso's "Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness" is obtainable as -
[ISBN 1-877294-01-2].