Vajrayana Buddhism, often referred to as the "Diamond Vehicle" or "Thunderbolt Vehicle," offers a profound approach to becoming familiar with our ordinary (*) mind, or non-ordinary state of consciousness.
(*) [in this context ordinary is more like primordial, unfabricated, natural - editorial note]
The ordinary mind is not something extraordinary, outside of ourselves, or unattainable. It is the jewel within each of us. It is not about finding peace in the present moment; it is about awakening to a whole new dimension of experience. It is the natural state of our mind when it is free from distractions and disturbances; where perceptions transcend the ordinary and wisdom arises. The problem is that when we look for it, it is so easy and so close that we have trouble recognizing it. This ancient tradition, primarily practiced in Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizes recognizing direct experiences of the mind's true nature, or ordinary mind through meditative practices and ritual. In Vajrayana Buddhism, becoming familiar with these non-ordinary states of consciousness are seen as a powerful tool for achieving a stable mind that is not tossed about by habitual patterns of thoughts and emotions. It is like a mirror reflecting the world without distortion. This method works by shifting our perspective through the concepts of view, meditation, and application.
The view or (or "drishti") in Vajrayana Buddhism, lays out a clear understanding of the fundamental nature of all phenomena. The view provides the theoretical foundation for understanding reality and consciousness. Central to this view is the understanding of the two truths: the relative truth and the ultimate truth. Relative truth refers to everyday, dualistic experiences, where we see our nature as being singular, independent and permanent, while the ultimate truth refers to the realization of emptiness (“shunyata”) and the inherent Buddha-nature present in all beings.
Non-ordinary states of consciousness are considered glimpses into the ultimate truth, where the limitations presented by our clouded and deluded mind are transcended, revealing the luminous, empty nature of reality, which is the ordinary mind. These moments are seen as windows into the fundamental qualities of clarity, peace, and non-duality inherent in the ordinary mind. As we continue to practice, we begin to understand that these experiences are not separate from daily reality but rather deeper layers of the same continuum of consciousness that we are able to tap into.
Meditation (“gom” in Tibetan) is the primary method for accessing and stabilizing non-ordinary states of consciousness. The Tibetan meaning for gom is “to become familiar with”, to become familiar with our minds. But what is meditation, really? Two misconceptions are that meditation is blissing out, and that we have to clear the mind of all thoughts. These may come as a result of meditation, but they are not the essence. The essence of meditation is awareness. It is about being fully present with whatever arises in our experience. It is a way of making friends with our thoughts and emotions and accepting ourselves as we are. A step by step meditation practice can train the mind to be still and clear, and creates a platform for deeper awareness to unfold ultimately leading a practitioner to embody a kind of self-illuminating awareness. To begin cultivating a recognition of our ordinary mind, we can start with simple mindfulness practices. One of the most effective ways to do this is to focus on our breath. By focusing on a single object, like the breath, we quiet the constant mental chatter allowing the inner cultivation of a more clear and stable consciousness.
Our breath is always with us and its rhythm can help anchor us in the present moment. By paying attention to the sensation of breathing in and out, we gently train our mind to stay focused and present. As we sit quietly, thoughts and emotions will inevitably arise. Allow everything to come. Do not suppress or chase anything away, but rather observe your thoughts and emotions without attachment. Just like clouds pass through the sky without altering the nature of the sky, so too our thoughts and emotions come and go without changing the fundamental essence of our mind. This practice of non-judgemental awareness helps us develop a sense of equanimity and balance.
Over time, meditation practices can help chip away at the ego driven dualistic mind by shifting a practitioner's perception of how the world is experienced.
An essential stepping stone along the path is loving-kindness meditation. In this practice, we generate feelings of compassion and love for ourselves and others. We begin by extending these warm wishes to ourselves by silently reciting simple phrases like: “May I be happy and free from suffering. May I have the causes of happiness. May I be free from the causes of suffering.” Gradually, we extend this circle of compassion to include our loved ones, acquaintances and even those who we find difficult. This helps to soften our heart and dissolve the barriers between us and others, revealing the interconnectedness of all beings. This helps us to recognize and slowly dissolve the ordinary sense of self leading to experiences of non-dual awareness and heightened states of consciousness.
During meditation, we may encounter restlessness, drowsiness or doubt. Our choice is to either see these as obstacles or as opportunities to deepen our practice. If restlessness comes, we can bring our attention back to the breath. If we experience drowsiness, we can open our eyes and reconnect with our intention to meditate for the benefit of all beings. When doubt clouds our mind, we can remind ourselves of the benefits of meditation and the wisdom of all those who have journeyed the path before us.
Ultimately, the foundation of the Buddhist path is to alleviate suffering. Central to this is the concept of dukkha. Through daily practice we begin to let go of the clinging to desires and impermanent experiences that are at the root of our suffering. As we begin to let go of patterns of attachment and aversion, there may be a greater sense of ease and spaciousness in our daily activities. The application of all of this is showing up and approaching our actions and interactions with skillful means. When facing challenging situations we can do so with a calm and clear mind allowing for more thoughtful responsiveness and less reactivity. Being able to cut through illusions and misconceptions, leads to equanimity and the gradual illumination of our true nature.
As you approach your meditation journey it is important to do so with a sense of kindness and patience. There is no need to rush or strive for perfection. Each moment of practice, no matter how brief, contributes to the cultivation of the ordinary mind. It is not a distant goal but rather a gradual recognition of habitual patterns of thoughts and emotions that can be released and transformed. By focusing on awareness, cultivating loving-kindness and compassion for all beings, and not turning away from the challenges along the way, our ordinary mind is gradually revealed. We discover that true happiness and well-being are already within us, always within our reach.
The Vajrayana Buddhist perspective offers a rich and intricate understanding of non-ordinary states of consciousness, emphasizing their potential to reveal the true nature of mind and reality. Through this structured approach of view, meditation, and application, practitioners can access their ordinary mind, gain transformative insights, and integrate these insights into a life of wisdom and compassion. In doing so, we advance our spiritual journey and contribute to the well-being of all beings.
