As previously stated, Buddhism offers three paths to realization: the study of Madhyamaka, the practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus, and the practice of Dzogchen or Mahamudra. Now, let's focus on the practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus and whether it is advisable for us to engage in it. The practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus is recommended for ordained monks and nuns or some lay practitioners in Tibet who have access to a qualified guru and a clean, tranquil environment. However, if one doesn't have these resources, it is not advisable to engage in this practice. Instead, they can opt for other forms of meditation and mindfulness practices that are more accessible and beneficial for their spiritual growth.
Tibet is known for its clean and tranquil environment, unlike China or the US. This is due to the vast pastures with herds of yaks and sheep, which contribute to the simplicity and straightforwardness of the Tibetan people. In addition, Tibetans do not have to constantly check various social media platforms like WeChat, Facebook, or Twitter, as they are not as heavily reliant on smartphones as people in modern times. However, this is changing for many Tibetans, as they too are starting to use smartphones.
The practice of visualizing the central channel requires a lot of time and well-trained meditative concentration. Unfortunately, with the increasing use of smartphones, the minds of people are becoming more scattered and distracted by too many things. This makes it difficult for anyone, including Tibetans, to practice meditative concentration effectively.
If a person has been practicing the visualization of the central channel for three years without success, it may be because they did not dedicate enough time to the practice. Perhaps they only spent a few minutes each day on it, which is not enough. It is crucial to spend a significant amount of time on this practice to understand it fully and apply it correctly. If one wants to clearly visualize the central channel and bring the qi into it, they need to be dedicated and patient.
It is important to exercise caution when practicing Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus, as there are potential risks involved. For instance, there are eight subtle secondary channels on the heart chakra that should never be entered by the Qi. If the Qi accidentally enters these channels, it can result in a mental disorder, known as the Qi into the Heart Channel. I have personally witnessed this happening when a man approached my guru with unbearable chest pain and requested to be stabbed with a Vajrakila to alleviate the pain.
Therefore, it is crucial to be aware that practicing Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus can be precarious. Generally, there are several prerequisites that need to be met before attempting this practice. Firstly, an experienced practitioner should guide the process. Secondly, the person practicing it must have a strong foundation, such as completing the five inner preliminaries with supreme quality and maintaining pure discipline and vows. Without these prerequisites, the Qi may move freely, and if it enters the wrong heart channels, it can lead to mental instability.
As Chinese people, do we possess the necessary merit to follow great masters continually? Living in the Tibetan plateau can be overwhelming for many of us. Our comfortable living conditions have made us accustomed to a certain level of convenience, and we may not be able to endure the hardships that come with living in the plateau. As a result, practicing Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus may be challenging since the prerequisites are not easy to fulfill.
Although there are many great Tibetan masters in the US and Europe, they rarely teach the practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus. Instead, their teachings primarily focus on three aspects: studying and contemplating the theory of Madhyamaka, using Mahamudra methods to experience one's awareness, or directly cutting into the view of Dzogchen. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that the practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus may be challenging for us.
However, it is not impossible to pursue this practice. If you have a great master and are determined to succeed, or if you are financially well-off and do not have to worry about making ends meet, then you can pursue this practice. Nevertheless, it is crucial to keep in mind that the practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus requires significant commitment and effort to achieve success.
The practice of Nadis, Pranas, and Bindus is a pathway to profound joy for those who pursue it. With diligent effort and practice, practitioners can experience an inexplicable sense of happiness and even develop extraordinary abilities beyond imagination. The story of Milarepa's practice of Tummo, also known as Mahamudra of Bliss and Emptiness, is a testament to the immense joy this practice can bring. Milarepa, despite living a life of solitude in a cave and subsisting on nothing but castor, achieved a state of tremendous joy through his practice, which is a source of inspiration for us all.
In contrast, modern life can be overwhelming and full of suffering. We are constantly busy, worried, and tormented by our desires and emotions. Yet, we can take solace in the fact that joy and fulfillment are attainable through spiritual practices like Mahamudra of Bliss and Emptiness.
However, meeting the rigorous criteria for practicing Mahamudra of Bliss and Emptiness can be challenging for most of us living in modern society. Nevertheless, there are alternative options, such as Luminous Mahamudra, a method that emphasizes experiencing the mind through meditative concentration. By following the guidance of a guru, practitioners can calm their minds, examine them step by step, and gradually uncover the nature of the mind. This makes it an accessible option for those seeking the benefits of meditation in their daily lives.
Dzogchen, a meditation practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, stands out as it doesn't rely on experiencing the mind. Instead, the practice involves following the guru's instructions with faith and devotion. The practitioner should already have a strong foundation of renunciation and Bodhicitta, as well as a peaceful and gentle mental state and physical body. They should also have some practical experience with meditative concentration. If these criteria are met, the task becomes much easier. The guru will provide direct guidance on the nature of the mind and its essence, leaving the practitioner with the simple task of recognizing it. In this way, Dzogchen is an accessible and powerful meditation practice for those who are ready and willing to follow the guidance of a guru.
Excerpted from: The Relationship Between Buddhist Theory and Practice
