Belonging to the set of instructions known as the Seven Excellent Interdependent Connections (rten ‘brel rab bdun ma), this text by the great Kagyü teacher Pema Karpo (1527–1592) explains meditative equipoise, which is “the dependent arising that gives rise to excellent qualities”, and post-meditation, which is the “dependent arising for perfecting the capacity”.
Summary:
“A Casket of Sacred Dharma” by the Buddhist master Pema Karpo offers a detailed guide to meditating on dependent arising, the fundamental Buddhist concept that all phenomena arise in interdependence. It outlines two distinct stages of meditation: meditative equipoise and post- meditation.
The first stage, meditative equipoise, emphasizes cultivating a state of mental equanimity and non-conceptual awareness, achieved through specific physical posture,visualizations, and techniques for quieting the mind.
The second stage, post-meditation, focuses on accepting and releasing mental distractions as they arise, recognizing their inherent emptiness and interconnectedness.
Throughout the text, Pema Karpo weaves in numerous quotations from renowned Buddhist masters and scriptures, emphasizing the shared understanding of these practices within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, especially within the Kagyü lineage.
The overall goal of the meditation practice is to cultivate an understanding of emptiness and interconnectedness and ultimately attain buddhahood for the benefit of all beings.
Key Topics:
Dependent arising
Meditative equipoise
Post-meditation
Mind essence
Bodhicitta
Biography:
Kunkhyen Pema Karpo (1527–1592 CE) was the fourth Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He was the most famous and learned of all the Gyalwang Drukpas. During his lifetime, he was known as the grand lama amongst all grand lamas, and was a teacher to many lamas and disciples all over Tibet.
Pema Karpo authored twenty-four volumes writing on philosophy, logic, literature, history, and astrology which have since formed a widely studied corpus of work. He is also quite famous for his writings on Mahamudra.
He founded Druk Sangag Choeling monastery at Jar in southern Tibet, establishing it as the new seat of the Drukpa lineage.
This omniscient master was the first Gyalwang Drukpa to concoct the famous enlightenment pill known as Ja-Tsukma, utilizing esoteric ingredients offered by the dakinis. Before he died, Pema Karpo promised that he would have two incarnations to propagate the spiritual teachings. In accordance with this prophecy, two incarnations were discovered.