Rigzin

Rigzin, a devoted practitioner of Buddhism, found her connection to the spiritual path in a unique and intuitive manner, not through a conscious decision but a profound realization. While studying art in college and exploring East Indian art, she was drawn to Buddhism during a trip to India. Visiting significant Buddhist sites, including Gaya where the Buddha attained enlightenment, Rigzin felt a deep connection to the teachings and decided to devote her life to Buddhism.

During her journey, Rigzin attended a ten-day Vipassana retreat and encountered Tibetan Buddhist teachings, eventually taking vows. Despite searching for a personal teacher for a couple of years, she was cautious about mystical experiences and the potential distractions they could bring. Her initial teacher in India was physically distant, and it took time before she found a mentor who deeply resonated with her.

Rigzin’s reluctance to emphasize mystical experiences stemmed from her teacher’s guidance, discouraging attachment to such phenomena. She believed that genuine progress in Buddhism required a focus on deepening compassion rather than getting sidetracked by mystical encounters. Despite the profound and unusual connection she experienced with her eventual teacher, Rigzin acknowledged the rarity of such connections and the importance of having a grounded mentor to guide practitioners through their spiritual journeys. The toughness of her teacher played a crucial role in shaping Rigzin’s path, underscoring the value of disciplined guidance on the Buddhist journey.

Rigzin emphasizes the importance of daily spiritual practice, viewing it as a continuous commitment rather than a mere one-hour ritual. Despite her unconventional approach in other aspects of life, Rigzin adheres to a traditional practice rooted in a lineage. She recognizes that she didn’t invent this path but learned from those who came before her, following their example.

Stressing the significance of practicing every day, Rigzin acknowledges the challenges people face in maintaining consistency. Drawing from the wisdom of the lineage, she points out that there are no shortcuts in spiritual growth and that results come from dedicated, daily efforts. While acknowledging the existence of various practices and awakened individuals, Rigzin asserts the value of her lineage, highlighting the tangible results seen in revered figures like His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Rigzin reflects on her experience with a three-year retreat, considering it a transformative but challenging period. She acknowledges the difficulty of closing off external influences during such a retreat, emphasizing the necessity to work with one’s mind in that isolated space.

Rigzin reflects on the challenges of balancing a worldly life with a spiritual one, having designed her entire life around her practice. She expresses the ongoing struggle to find time for an extended practice, feeling a sense of urgency as her life approaches its later stages. Despite the temptation to disappear into retreat, Rigzin believes there is still worldly work to be done.

Rigzin discusses her transition from a period of extended retreat to a more worldly life, a shift prompted by guidance from her mentors in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Despite being taught to prioritize continuous retreats, she felt the need to integrate her practice into the world around 20 years ago. This decision led her to embrace performance art, a realm unfamiliar to her at the time.

Originally an artist, Rigzin’s involvement with other artists eventually evolved into her participation in large-scale shows, where she would sing on stage. The challenge of performing in front of an audience appealed to her as a test of maintaining her practice amidst chaos, akin to the unpredictable nature of death. Rigzin views the stage as a space to hold her meditation and connect with the lineage, emphasizing the transformative power of the practice in preparing for death.

Her approach to performance art becomes a unique way to cultivate and test her practice. By intentionally placing herself in chaotic environments, like music festivals, Rigzin aims to hold onto her meditative state amid external turmoil. She underscores the importance of imbuing one’s consciousness with the teachings and vows, emphasizing that this deep-rooted practice becomes a source of support during challenging moments, particularly in the face of death.

Rigzin engages in a complex discussion on the controversial topic of how Tibetan Buddhism has adapted to the West. She acknowledges the contentious nature of the issue, expressing uncertainty about being the ideal spokesperson. In the traditional Tibetan approach, the teacher holds a pivotal role, with the transmission of knowledge extending from mind to mind and heart to heart, going beyond ordinary concepts. Rigzin emphasizes the necessity of unwavering faith and devotion, acknowledging the potential for abuse.

The teacher-student connection is deemed precious for spiritual development but is acknowledged as murky, particularly in Western contexts. Rigzin points out the challenges of maintaining a pure connection while avoiding exploitation. She underlines the importance of examining the qualities of the teacher and the guidelines for selecting a teacher or accepting a student.

The discussion delves into the concept of Guru devotion, using the example of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a flawless figure who embodies compassion. Rigzin emphasizes that the connection with the teacher is crucial and requires careful examination. She cites the tireless devotion of figures like His Holiness and her own teacher, highlighting their continuous efforts in practicing and working for the benefit of others.