"Since the second propagation on the Buddist doctrine in Tibet, in which teachings of non-Indian origin were dismissed, the ancient Nyingma teachings had been severely suppressed. Therefore the teachings of the Dzogchen system of the Nyingma [and Bonpo] traditions received the greater attention of the three great Rimay masters." (Kongtrul:1995..pg 28)..."The rimay movement began in Kham and leaned more to the shamanic and popular rather than to the centralized, clerical, heirarchical, and academic of the central Tibetan school. (Samuel: 1993..pg 543)..."

DZOGCHEN....."The Dzogchen presentation of the origin of cyclic existence is unique in that it defines the universe as primordial purity. Kongtrul clearly states that the Dzogchen system stands at the summit of spirituality." (Kongtrul: 1995..pg 54)..

"Dzogchen is not simply a teaching, not another philosophy, not another elaborate system, not a seductive clutch of techniques. Dzogchen is a state, the primordial state...that is the heart essence...of all spiritual paths....Dzogchen was not widely taught in Tibet...this is the time for Dzogchen to spread." (Sogyal: 1992..Pg 150-151)...

"The Dzogchen teachings are neither a philosophy, nor a religious doctrine, nor a cultural tradition. To practice Dzogchen it is not necessary to convert to either Buddhism or Bon." (Norbu: 1996..pg 28)...

."Dzogchen is like a homeopathic, rather than an allopathic process. The state of immediate present awareness is the sole antidote." (Reynolds: 1996..pg 151)...

"Both the Nyingma and Bon lineages of Dzogchen originated in the Iranian Central Asian borderlands (Uddiyana and sTag-gzig)." (Reynolds: 1996..pg 227)..

"From the 11th century onwards in Tibet, Dzogchen remained an ever controversial subject." (Karmay: 1975..pg 214)...

Photism, the interation of darkness and light, plays a major role in Dzogchen...

SEMINAL HEART MOVEMENT...."Began in the 11th Century in Tibet and was systematized in the 14th Century by Longchenpa (1308-1363). A reformulation of Dzogchen. "The Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle" is a veritable encyclopedia of Seminal Heart thought and practice." (Lopez: 1997...pg 293)...

RIMAY (Rime, Ris med) : "Jamgon Kongtrul's (1813-1899) background was Bonpo (his father was an illustrous lama of the Khyungpo, or Garuda clan..[Kongtrul: 1995..pg 15]) and both he and Jamyang Kyentse were particularly open to the Bon tradition. The most significant Bon teacher in the Rimay movement was Shardza Trashi Gyantsen (1859-1935)". [Samuel:1993..p.542]....

"Since the second propagation on the Buddist doctrine in Tibet, in which teachings of non-Indian origin were dismissed, the ancient Nyingma teachings had been severely suppressed. Therefore the teachings of the Dzogchen system of the Nyingma [and Bonpo] traditions received the greater attention of the three great Rimay masters." (Kongtrul:1995..pg 28)...

"The rimay movement began in Kham and leaned more to the shamanic and popular rather than to the centralized, clerical, heirarchical, and academic of the central Tibetan school. (Samuel: 1993..pg 543)...

"You might want to know why it is that lowering your gaze pacifies thoughts. The reason is most clearly explained in Dzogchen commentaries, where it is explained that there is a physical connection between the channels or nerves of the eyes and the channel of the heart. The channel that goes from the heart to the eyes is called the crystal kati channel. Because of the physical connection between the eyes and the heart, there is a particularly intimate connection - if one considers all the various sense organs - between the eyes and conceptual thought. Therefore, your eyes in a sense are the gates for conceptual thought, as well as for visual perception. This is also why, in the practice of Dzogchen itself, when working with the visions of the forty-two peaceful and fifty-eight wrathful deities, these visions can arise in the first place."

�

Buddhist and Bonpo Dzogchen Meditation �

1.��Self-Liberation�by John Myrdhin Reynolds Nova Spivack says: � "A good text on Trekchod meditation, by my friend John Reynolds, a wonderful Dzogchen scholar and yogi." �

2.��Naked Awareness�by Karma Chagme Nova Spivack says: � "The only Nyingma translation in English to provide complete details on Togyal practice, including the stages of the visions and how to develop them. Dense and challenging reading for advanced students" �

3.��The Practice of Dzogchen�by Longchen Rabjam Nova Spivack says: � "Advanced, essential, not-for-beginners introduction to theory of Dzogchen by Longchenpa, the most brilliant scholar and Dzogchen master, one of the most complete in-depth Dzogchen sourcebooks" �

4.��The Philosophical View of the Great Perfection in the Tibetan Bon Religion (Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy)�by Donatella Rossi Nova Spivack says: � "Detailed presentation of the correct philosophical view of White Bon Dzogchen --� Very useful for all Dzogchen students regardless of lineage!" �

5.��Heart Drops of Dharmakaya: Dzogchen Practice of the Bon Tradition�by Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Nova Spivack says: � "Essential advanced reading for serious Dzogchenpas---if you can find a copy---details the methods and path of Togyal and higher practices" �

6.��Natural Liberation: Padmasambhava's Teachings on the Six Bardos�by Padmasambhava Nova Spivack says: � "Wonderful text on Dzogchen, includes unusual Trekchod training methods not found in other texts, also includes Dzogchen teachings on Togyal, and practices for death. This book is essential reading." �

7.��The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of the Dzogchen Semde�by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Nova Spivack says: � "A fundamental, previously very secret text, on the philosophical view of Semde, the "mind series" of Dzogchen teachings: Advanced text!" �

8.��Buddhahood Without Meditation: A Visionary Account Known As Refining Apparent Phenomena (Nang-jang)�by Dudjom Lingpa Nova Spivack says: � "Visonary account of secret mind-terma transmissions of Trekchod view and methods: Advanced" �

9.��Primordial Experience: An Introduction to rDzogs-chen Meditation�by Manjusrimitra Nova Spivack says: � "Detailed, precise teachings on Dzogchen from one of Garab Dorje's main Indian disciples -- more essential reading." �

10.��As It Is Vol. 1 (As It Is)�by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche Nova Spivack says: � "Practical and direct teachings on how to apply Trekchod by a great Nyingma-Kagyu master" �

11.��As It Is, Vol. 2�by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche Nova Spivack says: � "The second volume of the above collection, even better than the first!" �

12.��Lady of the Lotus-Born�by Gyalwa Changchub Nova Spivack says: � "Spiritual autobiography of the greatest female Dzogchen master, full of useful advice for advanced students" �

13.��Wonders of the Natural Mind, New Edition�by Tenzin Wangyal Nova Spivack says: � "Experiential biography of a leading Bonpo lama's early Dzogchen training, including dark retreat, nature of mind, and visionary practices" �

14.��Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light�by Norbu Namkhai Nova Spivack says: � "Dream yoga from the Nyingma+Bonpo perspective with Norbu's special methods" �

15.��The Golden Letters�by John Myrdhin Reynolds Nova Spivack says: � "Garab Dorje's Three Statements that sum up the Dzogchen path: This text focuses on Trekchod but there's a good footnote or two on Togyal!" �

16.��The Flight of the Garuda: Teachings of the Dzokchen Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism�by Keith Dowman Nova Spivack says: � "Poetic songs of heart-advice for Trekchod view and practice" �

17.��A Spacious Path to Freedom: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and Atiyoga�by Karma Chagme Nova Spivack says: � "Introductory teachings on Trekchod with extensive practical commentary by Gyatrul Rinpoche" �

18.��Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection�by The Dalai Lama Nova Spivack says: � "Scholarly lectures on Trekchod view by the Dalai Lama, a true non-sectarian master: Another fascinating and impressive gem from his brilliant mind" �

19.��The Dzogchen Primer: An Anthology of Writings by Masters of the Great Perfection�by Marcia Binder Schmidt Nova Spivack says: � "A collection of begginner and intermediate level talks and texts by various masters, providing theory and advice for aspiring Dzogchen students" �

20.��You Are the Eyes of the World�by Longchenpa Nova Spivack says: � "Poetic verses on Trekchod view; good intro to Dzogchen view for beginners; heart-advice for advanced students" �

21.��The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen (Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy)�by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Nova Spivack says: � "Norbu's fascinating and entertaining spiritual biography including stories of his masters and explanations on the difference between Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen approaches." �

22.��The Life of Shabkar: The Autobiography of a Tibetan Yogin�by Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol Nova Spivack says: � "A spiritual autobiography of a great Dzogchen yogi, gives the flavor of old-Tibet and his life as a wandering sage immersed in realization" �

23.��Natural Great Perfection�by Nyoshul Khenpo Nova Spivack says: � "Songs of realization and heart-advice from a great recent scholar and yogi who spent many years just wandering aimlessly around India in a state of high-realization" �

24.��Carefree Dignity: Discourses on Training in the Nature of Mind�by Tsoknyi Rinpoche Nova Spivack says: � "Beginner text on applying Trekchod contemplation to daily life" �

25.��Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State�by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Nova Spivack says: � "A good beginner introduction to the view and practice of Dzogchen" �