Meditating on Pure Form

[TJ Rivard]

I am taking September to do Lesson #1, and I have incorporated the meditation on Olma Lung Ring and transforming ordinary beings into their pure form. This is very difficult for me for some reason, maybe because I have a hard time seeing myself in a pure form. The very human and relative part of myself and others always qualifies my vision of them. Part of what I am having trouble with is simply the idea of what the pure form of beings is. I understand it in the abstract as an unconditionally compassionate being or perhaps even someone who feels complete equanimity with her surroundings, but I struggle with actually breaking open and accepting this.

Can anyone discuss the idea behind the pure form meditation and what it should look like? Thank you for your time.

Blessings,
TJ

[Nick Tichawa]

Hi TJ, this is a good question — I will let Rinpoche know when he is done with retreat, and perhaps he can answer. Things I have heard Rinpoche and other geshes say include:

On a practical level, you can continue practicing by visualizing yourself and those around you as simple beings of light, just like the Buddhas. Practice energetically experiencing others’ essential aspects of peace, compassion, and wisdom. Spend time visualizing their bodies shining with bright, transparent light.

In several of the following ngondro practices you will do, we visualize the liquid light of the Buddhas of the refuge field being emanated to ourself and all sentient beings. The dütsi fills our bodies, gradually transforming us into beings of pure light. These visualization practices, especially if we can connect deeply with the energetic experience, help us become flexible – they open our minds up to deeply experience spirituality.

Over time, this can become natural and unforced. It is ultimately just seeing past the conventional, emotional, karmic forms of other beings and actually perceiving each being’s true, perfect, essential nature.

It’s definitely a gradual process for most (including me). 🙂

[TJ Rivard]

Thank you, Nick. This is helpful, especially (if I may interpret a little of what you’re saying) not expecting too much of myself and working in small steps. Thank you also for letting Rinpoche know as well.

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