Tantra Illuminated with Dr. Christopher Wallis Tantra Meets Dzogchen with Ācārya Malcolm Smith
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Nov 7, 2025 In this enlightening conversation, Ācārya Malcolm Smith, a seasoned Dzogchen practitioner and translator, explores profound intersections between Tantra and Dzogchen. He shares insights from his transformative three-year retreat and the philosophical nuances of direct recognition in awakening. The duo delves into concepts like emptiness, the role of Tibetan cosmologies, and the dynamic interplay of delusion and reality. Smith emphasizes the importance of understanding delusion for liberation, alongside rich discussions on Dzogchen’s unique practices and the nature of consciousness.
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From Nagarjuna To Three-Year Retreat
- Malcolm Smith described his path from reading Nagarjuna and working at a bookstore to deep study and three-year retreat in Tibetan practice.
- His personal journey showed how intellectual inquiry can lead into intense contemplative training and Dzogchen interest.
Intensity Of A Traditional Three-Year Retreat
- Malcolm recounted a three-year solitary retreat with the last 18 months completely silent and eight to ten hours of sadhana daily.
- He counted massive mantra repetitions, including 400,000 Hevajra root mantras and additional essence mantras.
Dzogchen Rejects 'Cure Concepts With Concepts'
- Dzogchen debates rejected the need for conceptual creation-stage practice and argued you cannot cure concepts with more concepts.
- Sri Singha's faction advocated going directly to completion-stage resting in the nature of mind.
