QUESTION
Good morning, Venerable Robina.
I trust you are well. I have a question that I would be grateful to have answered.
I was reciting Six Sessions Guru Yoga this morning and out of the blue some phrase uttered by Donald Trump interrupted my mind. The words weren’t disturbing other than the fact that it makes me wonder how this happens. How does a random thought intrude on the mind? Is this the coarse mind interrupting the subtle mind?
It’s not unusual when I meditate to stray from concentration. This was different and it was the first time I recognized its occurrence because it was joltingly loud.
What am I missing?
Thank you for any insight you can offer.
With great respect and love,
N
ANSWER
Dear N,
Good to hear from you.
When you say “concentrate” I don’t know what level you’re meaning. You say “is this the coarse mind interrupting the subtle mind,” so what do you mean by “subtle”?
Please explain what level of concentration, then we can discuss.
All the best,
Robina
QUESTION
Dear Robina,
Thank you for your reply.
That alone might help clarify my question. If not, I will put it in the context of the moment. During Six Sessions Yoga, after manifesting as the deity out of emptiness, I practice igniting the fiery short a at my navel and stabilize the subtle state of mind – the level of concentration you asked about.
You are very kind to take the time to reply.
Yours in the Dharma,
N
ANSWER
Thank you, N.
You say “subtle” but can you be more precise? Using the nine stages of concentration in the classical instructions for developing calm abiding, which stage would you suggest you have accomplished?
R
QUESTION
With some consistency, I would say between the 5th and 6th states, according to the way Lama Yeshe describes things. I have not entirely stabilized the subtle state of mind.
Many thanks
N
ANSWER
Have you received empowerments into any Highest Yoga Tantra practice, N?
QUESTION
Yes. Yamantaka and others.
ANSWER
Okay.
Who gave you the instructions for the inner fire meditation you mention? Which lama?
QUESTION
My root lama.
ANSWER
Okay, N, now I have some background for your question.
If indeed you get your mind to a level of subtlety “between the 5th and 6th states,” then that would be pretty subtle indeed.
A good meditator would accomplish this after many, many months of intense effort in full-time isolated retreat devoted only to the development of single-pointed concentration.
And if it is that, then it seems you’d be able to stay in concentration pretty effortlessly for quite a while – and you’d be pretty blissful!
If it is that, then I think no way can a coarse thought such as you mention just pop up.
All the best,
Robina
QUESTION
Thank you for your time in this.
I am not at that level, then!
But I’m not dead yet!
And will persevere thanks to you and all who have come before and all who will come after.
All the best,
N
ANSWER
Keep practicing, N!