In this chapter from Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up, Alan Wallace provides us with a foundational understanding for the way shamatha meditation is understood in the Tibetan tradition.

Alan Wallace guides us through Düdjom Lingpa’s explanation and critique of various approaches to meditation. You can follow along as he reads from the root text, The Foolish Dharma of an Idiot Clothed in Mud and Feathers, starting on page 145.

The practice session for this lesson called “Settling the Mind in Its Natural State by Way of the Sensory Present” was originally recorded in association with this teaching.

Lama Alan Wallace explores how we can understand of the nature of the mind and come to enter the authentic path.

In this reading from Stilling the Mind, Alan Wallace discusses the practice of taking the mind as the path and underscores the primacy of the mind.

In the brief teaching above, Alan Wallace instructs us in the practice of merging the mind with space. After watching this, engage in 24 minutes of silent practice; you may use the audio recording below to time your practice or another timer of your choice.

Alan Wallace comments on the three uncommon preliminary practices.

Alan Wallace guides us in the practice of settling the mind in its natural state. Find a comfortable, quiet place to sit and follow along with the recording below.

Lama Alan Wallace guides us through the uncommon preliminary practices and discusses the practice of taking the mind as the path.

In this third chapter from Stilling the Mind, Alan Wallace provides greater context for beginning Dzogchen practice and comments on the qualifications of a student on this path and on bodhichitta.

In the video above, Alan Wallace discusses shamatha in more detail and provides us with guidance for a silent meditation session. After watching the teaching, you may choose to practice for a 24-minute session on your own, or use the silent track below (marked by bells at the beginning and end) to help time the session.