This guide explores advanced Buddhist meditation practices, intended for serious practitioners who have a basic understanding of Buddhist concepts. While these teachings traditionally require direct transmission from qualified teachers, this overview provides a theoretical framework for understanding these profound practices.
The Paths to Realization
Buddhist practice offers multiple paths to enlightenment, collectively known as Yoga – a term meaning “union” or more specifically, “to yoke the mind.” While the Buddha primarily taught mastery of tranquility meditation followed by insight practices, our modern context presents unique opportunities and challenges.
Today’s practitioners often come with highly developed analytical minds and some natural insight orientation. This allows for progress with relatively basic tranquility skills, provided one has experienced at least the first jhana (meditative absorption). However, this does not eliminate the need for proper foundation in meditation practice.
The Two Primary Approaches:
- Tranquility-based practice (samatha)
- Bare insight practice (vipassana)
Tranquility Practice and Mental Development
Tranquility meditation develops samadhi, often inadequately translated as “concentration.” True samadhi involves effortless attention rather than forced focus. The key lies not in the intensity of effort but in maintaining gentle, unwavering awareness.
The Process of Development:
- Establishing initial focus
- Developing sustained attention
- Achieving mental absorption
- Refining the experience
Kasinas: Objects of Meditation
Kasinas are physical objects used as meditation supports until the mind develops inner representations. These progress through three stages:
- The physical object (kasina)
- The learning sign (uggaha nimitta)
- The counterpart sign (patibhaga nimitta)
The Ten Kasinas:
- Elemental: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space
- Color: Red, Blue, Yellow, White, Bright Light
Mantras and Verbal Practice
Mantras serve as verbal focal points for meditation, ranging from simple to complex. They can be:
- Single words (like “Bodhi”)
- Complex scriptural passages
- Lists of deities
- Anatomical recitations
The Subtle Body System
The subtle body comprises three main components:
- Channels (nadi)
- Winds (prana)
- Drops (bindu)
The Winds System:
- Five primary winds
- Five secondary winds
Each wind corresponds to specific speech sounds and functions.
The Channel System:
- Central channel
- Branch channels
- Chakra points (energy centers)
The Nature of Clear Light Mind
The ultimate goal is accessing the clear light mind (dharmakaya), achieved when:
- Speech winds settle in the central channel
- Conceptual thought ceases
- Subject-object duality dissolves
Tantra and Continuity
Tantra, meaning “continuity,” represents both:
- The undifferentiated nature of reality
- Methods for realizing this nature through purification practices
The Three Vajras:
- Vajra Body (purified channels)
- Vajra Speech (refined energy winds)
- Vajra Mind (transformed consciousness)
Practical Considerations
Before pursuing advanced practices, practitioners should:
- Establish strong ethical foundations
- Develop basic meditation stability
- Seek qualified guidance
- Understand the commitment required
Glossary
- Bindu: Subtle drops where consciousness manifests
- Dharmakaya: Ultimate Buddha mind
- Jhana: Meditative absorption
- Kasina: Physical object for meditation
- Samadhi: Meditative stability
- Tantra: Continuity; methods of transformation
- Vajra: Diamond-like, indestructible
This text serves as an introduction to these profound practices. Remember that direct transmission from qualified teachers remains essential for serious practice.
Further Reading
- Buddhist Meditation
- Kasina Meditation Guide
- Introduction to Tantric Buddhism
- Understanding Buddhist Mantras
Video Resources:
This fascinating article on Buddhist meditative practices is based on a chapter from “Citrinitas,” the third volume of Dr. Simon Robinson’s groundbreaking series “A Course in Modern Alchemy.” The book represents a unique fusion of Western alchemical traditions with Eastern spiritual practices, offering readers a profound journey into the yellowing stage of the Great Work.
Citrinitas delves deep into advanced spiritual concepts, exploring the subtle body system, the nature of consciousness, and various paths to enlightenment. Dr. Robinson masterfully weaves together Buddhist meditation techniques, tantric practices, and alchemical symbolism to create a comprehensive guide for serious practitioners. The book stands out for its practical approach to traditionally esoteric subjects, making complex spiritual concepts accessible while maintaining their profound depth.
Throughout its pages, Citrinitas guides readers through the transformative journey from basic meditation to advanced practices like Togal, the understanding of mantras and tantras, and the exploration of various jhanic states. The work is particularly valuable for those who have progressed beyond initial spiritual awakening and seek deeper understanding of the inner mysteries.