Lhatong
Lhathong, in the context of Dzogchen, refers to a higher vision or clear seeing that transcends ordinary perception. It involves resting in the uncontrived nature of the mind, where the true recognition of rigpa or innate suchness occurs. This state of clarity is distinct from shamatha (calm abiding meditation) and vipashyana (insight meditation), emphasizing a non-dual awareness beyond conceptual elaboration[1][2]. Lhathong represents a level of integration where presence merges with movement, creating an unchangeable state undisturbed by mental fluctuations. This practice involves concentration without an object, allowing a non-differentiated appearance to arise in the visual field, leading to a state of consciousness unaffected by mental activity[1]. Ultimately, lhatong signifies a profound realization in Dzogchen that goes beyond conventional perceptions and delves into the essence of mind and awareness.
Citations:
[1] https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?t=15926
[2] https://rywikitexts.tsadra.org/index.php/Gently_Whispered
[3] https://www.shambhala.com/authors/g-n/jeffrey-hopkins.html
[4] https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5512bbfce4b09ee138551125/t/551465e7e4b040381076aae0/1427400167670/Generation%2BPhase%2BTranscription%2BBooklet.pdf
[5] https://libra2.lib.virginia.edu/downloads/6t053g459?filename=DiValerio_DavidMichael_2011.pdf
The practices and techniques mentioned across the provided sources for achieving higher vision or realization in the context of Dzogchen and related traditions include:
1. **Shamatha** (Calm Abiding Meditation) - Focusing on developing a calm, undistracted state of mind[1].
2. **Vipassana** (Insight Meditation) - Insight into the true nature of reality, though it's noted that a direct Dzogchen equivalent might not exist as Dzogchen deals with rigpa[1].
3. **Semdzins** - Specific exercises for recognizing the nature of the mind mentioned in the context of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's teachings[1].
4. **The Four Contemplations of Semde** - A teaching on insight discussed in Dzogchen[1].
5. **The Practice of Shine without Using an Object** - A phase in Shine practice focusing on gazing into space and experiencing emptiness[1].
6. **Gtummo** (Fierce Female Energy) - A practice related to the Indian system of caṇḍālī or kuṇḍalinī yoga, enhancing the realization of non-dual wakefulness[2].
7. **Walking Meditation, Metta Meditation, Samatha/Vipassana Meditation** - General Buddhist practices mentioned for liberation[3].
8. **Contemplation of Emptiness, Contemplation of Death, Watching a Candle Flame, Color Kasina** - Various meditation techniques for mindfulness and insight[3].
9. **Anapansati** (Mindfulness of Breathing) - Remembering this practice every moment of life[3].
10. **Shi-ne** (Samatha without an Object) and **Lhatong** (Finding the Presence of Awareness in All Sensations Simultaneously) - Specific to the Dzogchen tradition[3].
11. **Shikantaza** (Just Sitting), **TWIM** (Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation), **Yoga Nidra/Body Scan**, **Zazen**, **Vipassana** - Various meditation practices from different traditions[3].
12. **Cutting-Through (Trekcho)** - Contemplating and gaining direct awareness of the primordial purity, emptiness, and luminosity of the mind[4].
13. **Transcendence (Tögal)** - Physical, verbal, and mental practices for functioning insightfully within the world from a visionary standpoint[4].
14. **Spontaneous Release of Binds (Khregs Chod)** and **Direct Transcendence (Thod Rgal)** - Direct recognition of the primordial purity of the mind and visionary exercises enhancing direct perception of spontaneous presence[6].
These practices and techniques are aimed at achieving a higher vision or realization within the Dzogchen tradition and related practices, focusing on recognizing the natural state of the mind and achieving liberation.
Citations:
[1] https://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?t=15926
[2] https://brill.com/view/journals/asme/7/1/article-p225_9.xml?language=en
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/16bb7tt/what_meditation_technique_do_you_practice/
[4] https://www.lionsroar.com/empty-pure-luminous-mind-in-dzogchen-and-mahamudra/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Meditation/comments/4h57cq/how_to_practice_lhatong/
[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/7/573
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0FG5j7oy5M
[8] https://www.riotmaterial.com/great-perfection-perspective-on-dzogchen/
[9] https://vajrayananow.com/shi-ne-meditation
[10] https://brill.com/display/book/9789047407218/BP000005.xml
[11] https://vajrayananow.com/the-mind-illuminated-a-journal-days-17-and-18
[12] http://studybuddhism.com/en/advanced-studies/vajrayana/dzogchen-advanced/how-to-meditate-on-dzogchen/steps-of-dzogchen-meditation
[13] https://www.padmasambhava.org/meditation-pith-instructions/
[14] https://aromeditation.org/meditation-faq.html
[15] https://www.aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/n/naljors_ar_01_ncr_eng.php
[16] https://oxfordre.com/religion/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.001.0001/acrefore-9780199340378-e-720?d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore%2F9780199340378.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780199340378-e-720&p=emailAeHQ.S41xklZc
[17] https://vividness.live/dzogchen-a-trackless-path-ken-mcleod-review/comments
[18] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Dzogchen
[19] https://aromeditation.org/learn-dzogchen-meditation-techniques.html
[20] https://www.padmasambhava.org/2017/08/complete-instructions-for-dzogchen-meditation/