The Pointing Out Way of Tibetan Buddhist MeditationLevel 3A Course: Garab rDorje Teachings

Thupten Kalsang Rinpoche & Daniel Brown, Ph.D.

Course Outline

Day 1: 6-9pm Basic principles of intensive concentration meditationReview of the 7-point postureIntroduction to concentration using the 3-point breathOrdinary vs. extraordinary forms of practiceDeepening concentration: Intensifying & Easing upFactors that potentiate practiceConcentration using the 7-point objectConcentration with supportan overview of the state

Day 2

10:00am-12:30am PadmaSambhava Guru Yoga: Establishing the view of awakened awarenessReinforcing the view of awakened awareness between the interval of breathsTraditional essence tradition concentration training2:00-4:30pm Concentration without supportKeeping the mind in a non-elaborated state at the subtle levelAutomatic concentrationOne-pointed concentrationTracking the imprint of the meditation object throughout the flow of vibrancyServiceable concentrationStabilizing concentration using the mind-perspectiveMahamudra movement & stillness meditation

7:00-9:00pmReview of emptiness of self, reality-construction, and time

Day 310am-12:30pmThe yoga of one tasteAutomatic emptiness

2:00-4:30pmOverview of Great Completion (Dzogs chen) meditationThoroughly Cutting Through Dzogs chen practice

7:00-9:00pmGarab rDorjes recognizing own face instructionsMirror instructions Lions gazeGarab rDorje's PHAT instructionsDay 410:00am-12:30pmPadma Sambhava's Metaphors practiceUnpacking the instructions on settling the mind in its natural state--Padma Sambhava's "Don't change anything" instructions2:00-4:30pmDeveloping/nurturing awakened awareness (rig pa)Re-establishing the conditions of thoroughly cutting throughIncreasing frequency and duration of operating in awakened awarenessIdentifying 'favorite clouds' emptiness vs. liveness practiceThe reification of self, out thereness, time, thought, emotionsRecognizing duality at the moment of occurrenceMa rig pa as rig pa7:00-9:00pmDeveloping metacognitive awarenessWhat is my basis-of-operation this moment?Deepening the heart connection with the teacherPreventing going off trackDifferentiating ever-prevent, non-dual, and awakened awareness

Day 5

10:00am-12:30pmSpecial states (bliss, luminosity, & stillness) as enhancements of rig paDeveloping awakened awareness at all times/all situationsDealing with seeming external appearancePadma Sambhava's condensed instructions--emptiness of time up to liveliness practiceEnhancing metacognitive awareness of rig pa at all timesMixing rig pa with everyday activities--structured mixing practicesLiveliness practice2:00-4:30pmLiveliness of seeming external appearancesLiveliness of seeming internal thought and emotionsOverview of Buddha-trainingAutomatic dharmakaya release & dharmadhatu exhaustionNon-ordinary perception--the wisdom energiesClear light bodyCracking the egg shell--Buddha fields and Buddha bodies

7:00-9:00pmPracticing with the inseparable, non-dual pair of groundless-ground and brilliant awakened awarenessAutomatic dharmakaya release (rang 'grol)

Day 6 Transmission teaching by Rahob Tulku

10:00-12:30pmOverview of lineage and Dzogs Cehn practice the Nine Levels of Great Completion Practice-- Ati Practice

2:00-4:30pmGarab rDorje's Three Essential PointsThe view--setting up the infinite vast expanse of awakenedMediation as non-meditation on and off the pillow at all times and all situations; light rays of knowledge and love7:00-9:00pmDeepening automatic dharmakaya release (DB)Day 7 Continued transmission teaching by Rahob Tulku10:00-12:30pm Activity--sprouting the seeds of Buddhahood via automatic dharamakaya release--leaving no karmic trace2:00-4:30pmGuru Yoga teachingsBodhicittta7:00-9:00pm Firmly establishing automatic dharmakaya release (DB)King of samadhi as the foundation for Buddha training practices

Day 810:00-12:30pmOffering of merit and closing blessing with Rahob Tulku, Thupten Kalsang Rinpoche