In this episode, Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and Dzogchen teacher, reflects on the guru-disciple relationship, the power of devotion, and the practice of guru yoga. He offers insights on assessing a Dzogchen teacher's authenticity and shares his own journey and endorsements. Topics include establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu, the role of bodhicitta, and the significance of following instructions.
The significance of the Guru-disciple relationship in Dzokchen and its various forms.
The importance of applying the instructions received from Dzokchen teachers and embodying the teachings in practice and daily life.
The simplicity and practicality of the Dzokchen path, emphasizing being present, working with circumstances, and practicing Guru yoga.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Guru-Disciple Relationship in Dzokchen
Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdrel Foundation, explains the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship in Dzokchen. He details the various forms this relationship can take and shares his own special connection with Dzokchen master teacher Namkai Norbu Rinpoche. Evans emphasizes the power of devotion and describes the practice of Guru yoga. He provides advice on how to assess the authenticity and motivation of a Dzokchen teacher. Evans reflects on his own journey as a Dzokchen teacher and the significance of the endorsements he received from his gurus. He offers heart advice to those who wish to practice Dzokchen.
Deepening the Relationship with Namkai Norbu Rinpoche
Joe Evans shares the pivotal moment in his evolution as a practitioner when he decided to deepen his relationship with Namkai Norbu Rinpoche. Evans describes the significant impact of encountering Norbu Rinpoche's teachings through webcasts and the decision to dedicate himself more seriously to Dzokchen. He recalls his interactions with Acharya Malcolm Smith and describes the role of relationships in establishing a deep connection to the teacher. Evans emphasizes the importance of applying the instructions received from one's teachers and embodying the meaning of the transmission in one's practice and daily life.
The Essence of Establishing a Relationship with a Teacher
Joe Evans explains the significance of the teacher-student relationship in the Dzokchen tradition. He clarifies that establishing a relationship with a teacher means receiving the transmission of the intimate instructions and applying them in one's life. Evans highlights that the relationship is founded on collaboration, with the teacher guiding the student in integrating the teachings' meaning into their experiences. He notes that the relationship can occur through one-on-one interactions or within a larger group context, like webcasts. Evans emphasizes the importance of the student's commitment to practice, continuously honoring the transmission throughout their life.
Living a Zogchen Path in Daily Life
Joe Evans discusses living the Zogchen path in daily life and the simplicity of the practice. He highlights the significance of being present and mindful, applying the teachings in every moment. Evans emphasizes working with circumstances and respecting others, recognizing that one's own liberation is intertwined with the well-being of all sentient beings. He suggests practicing Guru yoga as a means of reconnecting with the transmission and purifying samayas. Evans acknowledges the challenges of integrating the teachings into daily life but emphasizes the importance of doing one's best and continuously applying the instructions received from teachers.
Transition to Online Sanghas
Due to the collapse of certain online forums and the shift to decentralized platforms, practitioners are now engaging with their own sanghas in a more direct way, utilizing technology to interact and support each other on their spiritual paths.
The Journey of Becoming a Teacher
The process of becoming a meditation teacher often involves a blend of formal training and organic growth, where diligent practice and maintenance of commitments to teachers play crucial roles. The title of 'llama' bestowed by students can signify their recognition of a teacher's ability to authentically benefit them, while the teacher's responsibility is to guide and share teachings until all students awaken.
In this episode I am once again joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl.
Joe explains the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen, details the various forms it may take, and reveals his own special relationship with Dzogchen master teacher Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.
Joe considers the power of devotion, describes the practice of guru yoga, advises on how to assess a Dzogchen teacher’s authenticity and motivation.
Joe also discusses his own journey as a Dzogchen teacher, reflects on the significance of the endorsements he has received from his gurus Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche and Acharya Malcolm Smith, and offers his heart advice to those who wish to practice Dzogchen.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep232-dzogchen-devotion-joe-evans-2
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics Include:
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - A significant evolution in Joe’s practice
05:39 - Establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu
05:55 - Guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen
11:15 - Does your teacher need to know who you are?
13:03 - A common Dzogchen confusion
14:35 - Sudden or gradual?
16:27 - 1-1 time with Namkhai Norbu
18:20 - Namkhai Norbu’s powers of knowing
20:21 - The role of bodhicitta
22:18 - The practice of guru yoga
27:35 - How to assess a Dzogchen teacher
32:27 - The power of following instructions
33:47 - The most significant teaching Joe has received
36:31 - Being a hidden yogi
37:28 - Insufficient practice
39:38 - Simple advice for the Dzogchen aspirant
41:24 - Namkhai Norbu’s three pieces of advice
44:00 - Facing difficulty and mistakes on the path
46:51 - The power of devotion
50:39 - Meeting Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche
56:38 - Meeting Acharya Malcolm Smith
01:01:53 - The period of internet message boards about Buddhism
01:04:52 - Flame wars and schisms
01:05:51 - Joe’s unusual endorsements to teach Dzogchen
01:13:20 - Joe’s reason for teaching
01:16:06 - Joe examines his own motivation
01:19:16 - What does an endorsement to teach Dzogchen mean?
01:24:03 - Why Joe uses the title ‘Lama’
01:26:31 - Demystifying the experience of teaching the Dharma
01:29:26 - Joe’s heart advice to those interested in practicing Dzogchen
01:31:34 - Where does Joe’s confidence in Dzogchen come from?
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Previous episode with Joe Evans:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans
To find out more about Joe Evans, visit:
- https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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