{"id":126608,"date":"2024-06-10T13:05:28","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T18:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/?post_type=blog&p=126608"},"modified":"2024-06-10T13:05:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T18:05:28","slug":"the-path-is-not-linear","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/blog\/meditation-and-buddhism\/the-path-is-not-linear\/","title":{"rendered":"The Path Is Not Linear"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″ el_class=”head-post”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The Path Is Not Linear<\/h1>\n

By Kasumi Kato \u2022 5 min read[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”sharepost”]\n\t\t\t\t

SHARE:\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a>\n\t<\/p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”PATH OF LIBERATION 1 ONLINE RETREAT \u2192” style=”classic” color=”peacoc” size=”sm” align=”left” css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”btn-post” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fevents.tergar.org%2Fevents%2Fdetail%2Fpath-of-liberation-level-1-mind-creates-reality-Mjkx||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”1″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column lms_has_clearfix=”0″][vc_single_image image=”126561″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1716346115066{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}” el_class=”hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”126562″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1716346128497{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}” el_class=”visible-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”subtittle-open-post”]<\/p>\n

My First Path of Liberation Retreat<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I was reflecting on the first time I attended a Path of Liberation retreat. It took place at St. John’s University retreat in Minnesota. At that time, I had just finished all the Joy of Living Levels 1-3 homework requirements, and I was so excited. I felt very inspired to have found the Path of Liberation as it held the promise to discover some part of myself that I really didn\u2019t know about.<\/p>\n

Though I felt so happy to hear the precious teachings, at the same time, I didn’t know what I was doing. When I think back, I realize I didn\u2019t have much clarity about what the practice was about. Rather than resting my mind, I think I was just resting my body!<\/p>\n

I remember that the glimpses of my mind\u2019s true nature were short, and at different times, I wondered, \u201cIs that it? Maybe it\u2019s not. Maybe it is?\u201d There was a lot of monkey-mind talk in my mind![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text el_class=”subtittle-open-post” css=”.vc_custom_1716658694338{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

The Power of Repetition<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the years that followed, I returned to the POL retreats again and again, and with that came a greater understanding of what I needed to recognize. Over time and with repetition, the clarity grew, accompanied by a growing confidence in my practice.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been more than ten years since I started coming to Path of Liberation Levels 1 and 2, and I know I will repeat the levels for the rest of my life! Why? Because it’s not a linear path where we just move in one forward direction. Of course, on the one hand, it is linear in that there are levels that follow and build on each other. But, from the point of view of a practitioner, it’s more of a spiral \u2014 evolving, deepening. Sometimes, we may feel like we are moving forward a few steps; sometimes, we feel we\u2019re not moving forward and we\u2019re repeating the same ground \u2014 that is all okay!<\/p>\n

When I go back to the Path of Liberation, I’ve discovered that Rinpoche is also evolving his teaching approach, so there\u2019s always something I haven\u2019t heard before that is helpful in my practice. It\u2019s not predictable what might resonate. Perhaps what resonates is related to the practices you have been doing before coming to the retreat. And actually, a \u201cnew you\u201d is coming year after year to hear the teachings. A newer version of you is receiving the instructions.<\/p>\n

If we\u2019re fortunate to be in the same room with Rinpoche, I find that there are some things that just \u201cclick,\u201d which may or may not be related to the teaching content. I remember one time it was his gaze! The way he was looking into space deeply affected me. Even in the online setting, what\u2019s amazing is that he is right in front of you! So close. So immediate![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”1″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″ lms_row_bk_offset_section_classes=”bk-qoute-full”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\u201cIt\u2019s been more than ten years since I started coming to Path of Liberation Levels 1 and 2, and I know I will repeat the levels for the rest of my life! Why? Because it\u2019s not a linear path where we just move in one forward direction.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”autorquotepost”]\u2013 Kasumi Kato \u2013
\n<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″ css=”.vc_custom_1716377645137{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column_text el_class=”subtittle-open-post”]<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve done this already!\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, people might say, \u201cWell, I\u2019ve done that level already.\u201d Yes, and when this is the case, I would ask, \u201cHow, then, can we nurture our recognition?\u201d We might have an intellectual understanding of what recognition is, but can we embody this? Are we able to live fully from that place? This is where I want to be honest with my practice and where I am at. It\u2019s like we are encouraged to really ask ourselves: Are we embodying this awareness, loving-kindness and compassion, and wisdom?<\/p>\n

In retreats, there is also the power of sitting with others. We get to be with other practitioners in the same room with our precious teacher. There’s something very special in the room when we chant with others \u2014 something that resonates at the cellular level, to the whole being, in the vibration of reciting the liturgy together.<\/p>\n

I have also found it helpful to hear other people\u2019s questions and experiences, such as, \u201cI don\u2019t know if I recognize or not the nature of mind.\u201d The answers from Rinpoche or the Tergar guides contain nuances that have helped to clarify my doubts and misunderstandings.<\/p>\n

Practice Is Not a Checklist<\/strong><\/h3>\n

And, of course, repeating the Path of Liberation levels is equally true for the Joy of Living levels. I remember one year after I had finished the ngondro or preliminary practices, I asked Rinpoche what I might practice, and he said, \u201cJoy of Living!\u201d I really benefited from that! That was precious, and I still practice Joy of Living, just as Rinpoche does. So, just because we are on the Path of Liberation doesn\u2019t mean we can forget the Joy of Living. In fact, the more of a foundation we build, the easier it is to recognize and nurture that recognition of our own true nature.<\/p>\n

To close, I want to emphasize that although the path may appear \u201clinear,\u201d it\u2019s not like a checklist to \u201ctick off\u201d and move onwards.<\/p>\n

May 2024<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1716659606966{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text el_class=”icon-tittle-post”]<\/p>\n

Mingyur Rinpoche on the Path of Liberation<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V6LR723Glsg” align=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1716659418216{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”1″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″ lms_row_bk_offset_section_classes=”bk-gris-post” css=”.vc_custom_1716659309398{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn” width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs” css=”.vc_custom_1716659127963{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”126609″ img_size=”medium”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n

Kasumi Kato<\/strong> grew up in northern Japan, where she learned to meditate from a young age. She has received extensive training in meditation and yoga, including over a year spent in solitary meditation retreats as well as numerous group retreats. She currently oversees Tergar\u2019s activities in Japan and translates for Mingyur Rinpoche. She holds two Master\u2019s degrees, and spent 15 years teaching Japanese at the University of Wisconsin. She now works for Tergar International as a curriculum expert. In her spare time, she loves to travel and spend time meditating in retreat.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text el_class=”sharepost share-post-center” css=”.vc_custom_1619130357128{padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t

SHARE:\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a>\n\t<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”1″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″ lms_row_bk_offset_section_classes=”bk-cielo-post” css=”.vc_custom_1716659386312{padding-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”free-text-blog”]<\/p>\n

Path of Liberation 1<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”free-text-blog” css=”.vc_custom_1716662511961{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Online Retreat with Mingyur Rinpoche<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”free-text-blog” css=”.vc_custom_1716662951681{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]If you meet the prerequisites or if you\u2019ve participated before and want to deepen your practice, don’t miss this upcoming retreat streamed live from Kathmandu, Nepal, from May 31<\/strong> to June 2.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”txt-link-landing btn-mb20″]REGISTER NOW \u2192<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”126610″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”1″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″ lms_row_bk_offset_section_classes=”bk-cielo-post” css=”.vc_custom_1716659519697{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text el_class=”free-text-blog”]<\/p>\n

Vajrayana Online<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”free-text-blog” css=”.vc_custom_1716645575094{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Study and practice The Way of the Bodhisattva with Mingyur Rinpoche<\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”free-text-blog” css=”.vc_custom_1716645534993{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Purchase lifetime access to this amazing exploration of Shantideva\u2019s masterpiece, including video teachings, guided meditations and an exclusive interview with Pema Ch\u00f6dr\u00f6n.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”txt-link-landing btn-mb20″]START NOW \u2192<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”92706″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”0″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”5\/6″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″ el_class=”head-post”][vc_column_text] The Path Is Not Linear By Kasumi Kato \u2022 5 min read[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”sharepost”][\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”PATH OF LIBERATION 1 ONLINE RETREAT \u2192” style=”classic” color=”peacoc” size=”sm” align=”left” css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”btn-post” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fevents.tergar.org%2Fevents%2Fdetail%2Fpath-of-liberation-level-1-mind-creates-reality-Mjkx||target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/12″ lms_has_clearfix=”0″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row u_row_style=”1″ lms_row_has_bk_offset=”1″ lms_row_bk_columns_offset=”0″ u_row_enrollment_restriction=”0″][vc_column lms_has_clearfix=”0″][vc_single_image image=”126561″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1716346115066{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":126561,"template":"","tags":[168,160,208],"blog":[26],"class_list":["post-126608","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-meditation-practice","tag-path-of-liberation","tag-repetition","blogs-meditation-and-buddhism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/126608"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/126561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126608"},{"taxonomy":"blogs","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/qa.tergar.org\/posts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog?post=126608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}