Difference between Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen
Tibetan Buddhism encompasses multiple vehicles of practice. Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen each offer distinct approaches, yet they ultimately aim toward the same realization of enlightenment.
Ordinary perception
Self-liberation of thoughts
In Dzogchen, thoughts are not enemies to be suppressed, nor distractions to be eliminated. Instead, they are seen as natural expressions of awareness that can liberate themselves the moment they arise.
Use of sky gazing
Sky gazing is one of the most distinctive practices of the Longde series. It harnesses the vastness of the sky as a direct support for recognizing and stabilizing awareness.
Recognizing awareness in sensory experiences
Longde teachings emphasize that awareness is not separate from sensory perception. Recognizing awareness within sensory experiences helps practitioners see that everything arises within rigpa’s openness.