The Nine Yanas: A Dzogchen Perspective

Begin your exploration of the unique Dzogchen approach to the nine vehicles with Ācārya Malcolm Smith. On the basis of Śrī Siṃha’s Wheel of View and Conduct, you’ll learn about how Dzogchen critiques several foundational tenets of other Buddhist vehicles—from the Śrāvakayāna to the Mahāyāna and the lower tantric vehicles—and presents a path based on recognizing one’s intrinsic purity rather than progressive stages. Malcolm discusses the deviations of the eight lower yānas, the definitive explanation of dharmatā originating from The Great Space of Vajrasattva, and the question of whether the self-originated pristine consciousness explained in Atiyoga leads to true Buddhahood.

Immerse yourself in profound Dzogchen perspectives on the Mahāyoga vehicle. You’ll discover how the Dzogchen system is distinguished from the bases of purification presented in Sakya Lamdrè and the Sarma tantra systems in general. Malcolm presents clearly the view of Mahāyoga, its deviations from the Dzogchen view, and how Dzogchen transcends more consciously effortful approaches to manifesting the self-originated pristine consciousness already present in all sentient beings.

Discover Dzogchen’s refutations of key points in the Anuyoga and Yoga Tantra systems, diving deeper into the path of the dharmatā’s direct perception. You’ll gain familiarity with the deviations of Anuyoga and Yoga Tantra, recognizing the three greatnesses of pristine consciousness,  the five Anuyoga abhisaṃbodhis, and the meaning of Dzogchen practice in the context of the distinction between objectless and object-focused meditations. Malcolm identifies Anuyoga’s view of the basis, the Anuyoga presentation of the three natures, and the faults of the subject–object meditation in Yoga Tantra.

Delve into the Dzogchen perspective on well-known Buddhist concepts such as karma and the ālaya (basis). You’ll learn about the reasoning refuting karmic traces as substantial entities, how the ālaya is a non-existent concept from an ultimate standpoint, and how all phenomena are understood as miraculous displays of bodhichitta (based on understanding the key point of dharmatā). Malcolm explains how Dzogchen does not accept the notion of karma and the ālaya consciousness as the dominant causes of samsaric rebirth, arguing that such an assertion is incompatible with self-originated pristine consciousness.

Examine Dzogchen perspectives on the approaches to meditation and enlightenment explained in the Śrāvakayāna and the Mādhyamaka school. You’ll discover how the Great Perfection view is incompatible with the idea of non-conceptuality leading to Buddhahood and conceptuality obstructing it. Malcolm covers the deviations of Mādhyamaka, the limitations of the meditation methods attributed to particular Indian and Chinese adepts, and the profound Dzogchen view that all phenomena, including even the most heinous acts, are the self-liberated play of dharmatā.

Distinguish Dzogchen’s unique views from those of other Buddhist paths. You’ll confront the key deviations identified in meditational approaches of the Śrāvaka and Pratyekabuddha vehicles such as striving for cessation or differentiating virtue from non-virtue. Malcolm breaks down the specific arguments of Śrī Siṃha and Longchenpa regarding these methods, covering topics including the twelve links of dependent origination, the nature of outer objects, and how Dzogchen avoids denying conventional reality.

Explore further critiques of the Mādhyamaka and Anuyoga vehicles from the Dzogchen viewpoint. You’ll gain greater familiarity with the key deviations in these systems such as the division of the two truths on the basis of conceptual and non-conceptual consciousness and the reliance on methods other than one’s realization of dharmatā to draw forth self-originated pristine consciousness. Malcolm presents Śrī Siṃha’s specific arguments against ideas from these vehicles, covering topics such as non-conceptual samādhi, the flaws in asserting a cause-and-result Buddhahood, and why Dzogchen rejects the Mādhyamaka framework of the two truths.

Continue your journey through the deviations of the lower yānas with Malcolm as your guide. You’ll discover the defining characteristics of the three outer tantras (with Yoga Tantra as the focus) as well as where these vehicles diverge from the Dzogchen standpoint. Malcolm discusses alternate nine yānas presentations (in the Self-Arisen Vidyā Tantra, etc.),  explains the purpose of the siddhāntas of knowable phenomena, and distinguishes Buddhist (e.g., Sarvāstivāda) and non-Buddhist conceptions of self and subtle form.

Join Malcolm again as he considers the radical assertion that authentic Dzogchen sits outside the entire nine yānas system. You’ll learn about the seven key superiorities of Dzogchen, including why virtuous and non-virtuous deeds cannot benefit or harm your true nature (dharmatā), and why your intellectual capacity is irrelevant for realizing that same nature. On the basis of passages in the Sound Tantra commentary and the Tantra Without Syllables, Malcolm confronts the idea that common vehicle practitioners cannot accomplish true Buddhahood as such an accomplishment is possible only through the direct perception of dharmatā.

Conclude your journey by examining Longchenpa’s critiques of the lower yānas in his Perfect Wings of the Great Garuda text. You’ll encounter advice on how to synthesize the entire course into a practical guide for realizing the natural state. Malcolm covers teachings on how to rest in the “naturally settled state” without modifying your experience as well as why effortful striving for liberation and meditations on bliss, clarity, or non-conceptuality are considered deviations from the Dzogchen perspective.