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“When we begin to practice meditation, we’re always surprised how fast the mind runs. Yet even though it seems to be running very fast, it’s actually slowing down. Here Shigpo Dudtsi follows the instructions of the great Dzogchen master Vimalamitra, as he explains the five stages of Shamatha practice. The first stage is “like a stream running down a steep mountain.” This describes the experience of beginning meditators very well—their thoughts are boisterous, and they keep coming and going without cessation. It’s tempting to judge this as being wrong, and to willfully strive to achieve a quiet and peaceful mind. But we don’t have to choose one over the other. Having thoughts is mind, and the absence of thoughts is also mind. In both cases, the nature of the mind is emptiness.
The purpose of Shamatha practice is to regulate the mind in order to make it stable and transparent to itself. Focus your mind for a short time, and then look directly at it. Once you behold your empty, open mind, simply rest in it. At this point there’s no need to regulate anything, and you should release the regulator too. Relax and let your mind do whatever it wants to do. This is one way to discover and experience the empty nature of mind.”
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches
The Beauty of Awakened Mind: Dzogchen Lineage of the Great Master Shigpo Dudtsi (pg 78)
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“Meditating on the nature of the mind is something you can do anytime. You do not have to go somewhere special to acquire the nature of the mind; you do not need to buy it from a store or dig it up from the earth; it is always available. During meditation you do not need to think any particular thoughts or make any effort to change what you are. Just simply maintain where you are and what you are, without trying to do anything unusual. If you meditate by simply maintaining the natural state, then everything unnatural will be removed. You do not have to do anything except remain on your cushion. In one sense this is something of a joke, but in another sense it is true. You simply relax on your cushion, and that’s it!”
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches
The Buddhist Path
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