Linda: Alchemical Lecture Thursday PM, April 30

Alchemical Lecture
Thursday PM, April 30

The first part of this lecture was a continuation of the visualization of purification, in which one visualizes that one is being cleansed of all imperfections.

From the point of union of the deities’ blissful play
Flows nectar-clouds of bodhichitta,
Flowing like fine particles of camphor.
Of myself and all beings through the three realms
Our karma and delusion, the causes of suffering,
Illness, harmful spirits, negativities, obscurations, and transgressions
I implore you to purify them utterly.

The nectar, flowing from the union of the deities (feminine aspect is wisdom, masculine aspect is method) flows down upon the crown (purification of the body), through the throat (purification of speech), through the heart (purification of the mind in the heart), through the naval and then spreading to all parts of the body like the branches and leaves of a tree.

One visualizes our negativities leaving through the lower openings of the body: the pores, excrement, urine, and soles of the feet. First, one visualizes that all illnesses in the form of rotten blood and pus leave from these openings. Then, one visualizes that all harmful spirits that wish to harm the body are seen as animals such as a fish, turtle, snake ?,?, lice, or lice eggs leave the body by the same means. Then one visualizes the negativities and obscurations accumulated through our body, mind, and speech as liquid residues, black residues, or black liquid as leaving the body. Finally, one visualizes that one’s transgressions to the 3 vows (ordained, bodhisattva, secret) in the form of dark and murky clouds or as purple smoke as leaving the body through the pores of lower openings. One recites the 100 Syllable Mantra will making this visualization of purification.

Next, one visualizes one’s being as being completely filled with the pure nectar of heavenly bliss, that you are perfectly clear and pervaded with this essence. Also, the negativities have to go somewhere. One visualizes them as going under ground through a crack in the earth. There, the Lord of Death, Yama, surrounded by many beings await your karmic debts. The negativities one does has to be paid for. It is true, metaphysically, that Yama and these beings are illusions, but they can still lead one to the lower realms and create obstacles. So in visualizing this aspect, one is visualizing that you are giving them whatever they want. And you visualize the negativities as going into the mouth and waiting arms of Yama where they will be transformed into whatever these beings want. Thus, they are satisfied, your karmic debts are paid, the beings are happy and content and will disappear into the earth and the earth closes. Now, you are a pure, clear body and filled with white colored nectar, and there are no karmic negativities or obscurations. Again, one visualizes this while reciting the 100 syllable mantra.

The next part of this lecture was intensely (even more intensely) alchemical. Due to the detailed and exact nature of the symbolism and the fact that this is my first introduction to this symbolism, I think it is best to not put it into writing. For those interested in the details of this part of the alchemical teachings, which is the first touch into tantric practice, I will be happy to share my notes, such as they are, with the caveats in place of my limited experience and understanding. This teaching discusses the 5 chakras, and one has visualizations at each level that will lead to various empowerments, relief of obscurations, and plants the seeds of future Buddha bodies. This practice is immensely powerful and detailed, and requires many years of study under the supervision of a true spiritual teacher and leads to a profound understanding, particularly of the subtle mind, and is referred to as the Primordial Wisdom.

These teachings have been extremely secret, though in this day of modern technology, some of these teachings have been made available. This lecture touched on some of these teachings, as much as could be discussed in a common lecture. The present lamas felt that many misunderstandings were occurring because of the availability of some of the teachings in museums and libraries. They felt that it was more dangerous to give no teachings than to give just a little explanation, and that to pretend that there were no secret teachings and only the law was more dangerous than admitting that there are secret teachings. They consider this introduction an antidote to wrong views, and the hope that one would not practice any spiritual teachings, especially those of such a sublime nature without the guidance of a true spiritual master.