Dzogchen and Mahamudra are considered the most direct paths. On these “swift paths“, there are more risks and pitfalls to the student. With any Dzogchen or Mahamudra teachings on this site, the warnings below apply…

Pointing Out Instructions:

First and foremost, the teacher introduces the student to the nature of mind through pointing out instructions. These instructions include words and symbols, but they also include a telepathic, mind-to-mind component, known as a “wang” in Tibetan.  This direct connection is essential to the student’s progress. Without it, only conceptual understanding arises in the student’s mind and this can actually act as a hinderance to further progress.

Historically, transmissions were given only in person, when teacher and student were in the same place, at the same time. Today, in this Kali Yuga, technology has sped up the pace and connectivity of the world and some Dzogchen Lamas have begun live-streaming their pointing out instructions. This is an experiment to see if the connection can be made across distances. A step further – and even more tentative – is the question of whether the connection could also be made across time (for example, via pre-recorded video). Currently, most Lamas suspect that transmission does not work this way and that student and teacher must at least be participating at the same time.

Further Risks:

In addition to the hinderance of intellectualization, there are other practical risks to be aware of. Both Dzogchen and Mahamudra work directly with the alchemy of raw emotions, energy, and mind. There will be inner upheavals, wacky meditative experiences (nyam), and extreme highs and lows. Please take this into consideration if you have a history of mental health issues or are experiencing significant emotional distress. This practice is not for everyone.

If the Mahayana path is like hiking a trail up a mountain, then Dzogchen is  like climbing a sheer rock wall – it is a direct route with many more pitfalls. THINGS CAN GO WRONG!

Recommendations:

• Get pointing out instructions from a qualified teacher before embarking on Dzogchen and Mahamudra. A teacher can address pressing questions as they arise and give you a map and tools for the journey. As practitioners, we can rely on those who have hiked the trail before us.
  
  
• Do not expect to travel this path guided only by books and the internet! Use the internet to find a teacher, then connect with them.
  
  
• The responsibility to take care of your own mind rests with you; not the lama, not your mom, not your cat. So, take it upon yourself to be safe and use common sense.
  
  

With great power, comes great responsibility. In this case, the responsibility is to your own naturally luminous mind.