75 Cultivating Intelligence in Meditation Practice

Shamatha, Vipashyana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen

Alan says that in the context of shamatha meditation there is a pyramid with the foundation being the ease, relaxation and stillness whereas at the top of the pyramid there is the clarity, vividness and acuity. The practice of vipashyana is all at the top of the pyramid. In practicing vipashyana we are cultivating the psychological factor of prajna, which in Buddhist psychology means discerning intelligence. When prajna is cultivated to its perfection, then it is translated as the perfection of wisdom. As an aside we should understand that intelligence is not by itself virtue. There are four types of intelligence to be cultivated. The first three are sharp, fast and clear intelligences which are part of vipashyana practice and hence explains why it can be demanding. The fourth intelligence is profound intelligence and brings about deep transformation. The meditation is initially guided on the nature of awareness and appearances, followed by resting in our closest approximation of rigpa. Following the meditation practice, Alan comments that the stronger and more stable our shamatha practice then the sharper and clearer the vipashyana will be, which will lead to the realisation of emptiness. Alan then resumes the transmission of the Panchen Rinpoche text from verse 35, and makes a number of comments and clarifications assisting our comprehension and enhancing our practice. Meditation starts at 7:00 ___ Please contribute to make these, and future podcasts freely available.