Transformation Through Dzogchen: A Personal Journey
Hey there! Have you ever embarked on a journey that completely transformed your life? Well, let me share my own experience with you. It's about my adventure into Dzogchen—a path in Buddhist Tantra that truly reshaped my perspective on life. While I’m still a Zen priest, my study and practice revolve around Dzogchen.
The Beginning: A Retreat and Revelation
This all started a few years back on Galliano Island, where I got initiated by Lama Mark. It was powerful, involving a ten-day solo silent retreat. Imagine being completely alone and silent for that long—sounds intense, right? At first, I didn't quite grasp the gravity of what I was getting into. It was just another thing on my to-do list.
One day, Lama Mark assigned me 100,000 prostrations, 100,000 Vajrasattvas, and 100,000 Guru Yogas. My initial reaction? "Holy shit, that's a lot!" Turns out, it wasn't really as daunting as it sounded, but it felt huge at the time. In the first few months—or maybe the first year—I managed about 20,000. And then life happened.
Life Happens: A Roller Coaster
Like many of us, my life took some wild turns. COVID struck, my long-term relationship ended, and I decided to leave my job and house in Winnipeg to travel the world and start a new business. What I didn't realize back then was how these tantric practices were quietly empowering me. Leaving an 18-year relationship wasn't easy, but I believe the practices made it possible. They helped me find the strength I didn't know I had.
Eventually, life picked me up again and tossed me back into the whirlpool of everyday stuff—samsara, as Buddhists call it—filled with suffering, joy, and tons of learning.🌀 I discovered something crucial: persistence wasn't really my strong suit. So, those rigorous practices started to fade over time.
The Magick of Tantra: Unseen But Powerful
During my travels, I also stumbled upon a fascinating discovery—magick. Yep, you read that right. I learned that the tantric path integrates magickal techniques, even if they don't spell it out for you. The prostrations I used to think were just initiatory practices? They are the path. They are the transformation.
Now, imagine visualizing a beautiful refuge tree filled with gurus, deities, dakinis, buddhas, and dharmapalas. Each character represents an important facet of consciousness, and they are all aspects of Buddha mind. This visualization, done in exquisite detail, trains your imaginal faculties—an essential part of magick. 🌳✨
And that's just the beginning!
Physical and Mental Transformation
The physical part of prostrations was equally transformative. Imagine bending down, putting your head near the ground, sliding forward, and repeating this up-and-down motion. It might sound simple, but it activates something incredible in your body. Think about how Taoism talks about activating cranial sacral pumps—it gets the cranial spinal fluid moving and straightens out kinks in your spine. It’s like yoga but with a twist.
Plus, these physical actions align with your intentions, amplifying your sacral energy—the energy of creation and manifestation.🧘♀️ Combine that with chanting, prayer, and invocation, and you’ve got a full-circle practice that not only meditates and visualizes but also invokes energies into your being.
Realizing the Path
When I first started, I didn't recognize the depth of this practice. Over the years, I eventually got it. It was like a light bulb going off: "Oh wow, this is cool!" But guess what? I still didn't go back to it immediately. Life, right? 😅
However, recently, I returned to these practices, and it was like everything started falling into place. Suddenly, I gained so much clarity—about what I want to do, where I want to go, who I am, all of it.
Sharing the Journey
Now, I want to help you do the same. Imagine healing from past traumas, gaining clarity in your life and relationships, and understanding the why's and how's of your existence. It’s my greatest wish to assist you in this transformative journey.
I don't see myself as a traditional teacher doling out instructions; instead, I've walked this path and continue to walk it, learning and growing. I'm here to share my journey, hoping it resonates with you and inspires you to find your own clarity and transformation.
Conclusion
So, there it is—a snapshot of my journey through Dzogchen and the powerful transformations it has brought into my life. If you’ve ever wondered whether such practices can truly change your life, I’m living proof that they can. Sometimes, it's not about where you end up but about the steps you take and what you learn along the way.🌟
I look forward to connecting with you and helping you find the same clarity and peace. Let’s embark on this journey together, shall we? 🙏