One Step at a Time

Pema Dragpa November 15, 2019

“In our region of eastern Tibet there was a renowned teacher, a hermitage yogi who was humble, simple, and very realized. His name was Ahnsok. People would go to him and ask, “Could you please give me the instructions that will usher my mind?” This was the way people in our area asked for Dzogchen instructions. Ahnsok was old and his voice was not so strong; when he spoke it was like a whisper. He would say, “Yes, I will give you the instructions that will usher your mind, but first you have to do some preparation.” Preparation meant to practice Ngondro, particularly bodhichitta. Ahnsok always said, “If you’re not ready, if your mind is not prepared, even if I pour the ushering instructions into your mind, it won’t help. The ushering instructions and your mind will go in two different directions.” If you pour fresh milk into an unclean bowl, the milk will be spoiled—this was the example he used.”

Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches

The Beauty of Awakened Mind Dzogchen Lineage of the Great Master Shigpo Dudtsi (pg 39)

Photo of Padma Samye Ling pathway leading up to the main temple in 2006, before the baby trees grew up.