Sukhasiddhi, an 11th-century yogini and master of Vajrayana Buddhism, shares her incredible journey from a struggling housewife to a revered teacher. She discusses the transformative path of embracing non-conceptual awareness, highlighting her awakening experiences under the guidance of her guru, Virupa. The conversation delves into the concept of 'non-meditation,' encouraging listeners to transcend conceptual thought and rediscover their natural state of being. Her insights into compassion and generosity offer a timeless perspective on spiritual growth.
True awakening in Vajrayana Buddhism is achieved by releasing the need to meditate and letting go of conceptual thoughts.
Disengaging from the six senses and focusing on pure awareness facilitates a profound state of relaxation and clarity.
Deep dives
The Path Beyond Conceptual Thinking
Disengaging from the objects of the six senses is essential for transcending conceptual thought and realizing ultimate reality. The teachings emphasize that true awakening occurs not through traditional meditation, but rather by releasing the need to meditate and letting go of mind-made concepts. It suggests that conventional meditation can lead to a cycle of delusion, binding individuals to the illusions of samsara. By cutting off the root of conceptual thinking and focusing on nothingness, one can experience a profound state of relaxation and clarity.
Embracing the Nature of Mind
The practice involves resting in the uncontrived nature of the mind, free from elaboration or alteration, and simply preserving awareness. It highlights the importance of remaining unstained by intrusive thoughts and external circumstances, fostering a state of pure awareness. The teachings encourage practitioners to tame the root of their mental activity, suggesting that liberation lies in the acceptance of empty space and the absence of conceptualization. This approach promotes a deeply relaxed state of being, where one can truly experience the essence of their mind without distractions.
Sukhasiddhi (flourished 11th Century) was an Indian teacher of Vajrayana Buddhism, a yogini and master of meditation. She was born in west Kashmir to a large, poor family. Sukhasiddhi arrived at tantric Buddhism late in life. She lived as an impoverished housewife and mother of six children until the age of fifty-nine. She was thrown out of her home by her husband and children, who were irate at what they considered her misplaced generosity to a stranger who came begging at their door.
She traveled to Oḍḍiyāna, thought to be the land of dakas and dakinis, and there she met Virupa, a mahasiddha who became her guru. Very quickly Sukhasiddhi became completely realized and together with Niguma, as well as Rāhula, Maitripada and Vajrasapana, was the root teacher of the Tibetan yogi Khungpo Naljor, who founded the Shangpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. She is one of 84 known Mahasiddas.
First section translated from the Tibetan by Sherab Drime (Thomas Roth)
Music: Space Azure - Foundations I -
https://azurestudios.bandcamp.com/alb...
Art: Lasha Mutual - "Sukhasiddi with flowers and clouds" - With thanks to Lasha for permission to use her art for this channel. For more of her beautiful art see here: https://lashamutual.com/
🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.