Lunar Practice Cycle
In connection with the waxing and waning of the moon, the members of our community engage in a variety of practices dedicated to manifesting the Golden Age.
Throughout the Kalachakra Tantra, there is a great emphasis placed on developing awareness of the distinct cycles of time which correspond to the universal pattern of manifestation and dissolution. This pattern can be seen in the cycles of day and night, birth and death, as well as other examples in the outer, inner and enlightened levels.
During a lunar month, this cycle manifests very clearly as the waxing and waning of the moon. The first half is referred to as the white fortnight and represents the cycle of manifestation which is connected to the masculine aspect of ultimate compassion. The second half of the month is the black fortnight and represents the cycle of dissolution. This is connected to the feminine aspect of ultimate wisdom. In this way, by practicing within this cycle, we learn to balance the masculine and feminine energies of our bodies and minds, thus joining ultimate wisdom and compassion in union.
Practice Cycle
For this reason, members of the Dzokden Community gather to practice at four key points of the lunar cycle. Within a 30 day period, members are encouraged to practice whichever practices they feel most connected with and which suit their particular needs at that time. Try to explore a variety of practices in order to familiarize yourself with different approaches and to cultivate greater flexibility of mind. With that said, the following are just some suggestions for practices that you might like to cultivate:
Waxing Half-Moon
As the moon waxes, we cultivate love and compassion so that we may strengthen our resolve to bring lasting benefit to sentient beings by leading them to enlightenment.
Suggested practices:
Avalokiteshvara
Guru Rinpoche
Medicine Buddha
Seven Point Cause & Effect
Exchanging Self for Others
Connecting with Shambhala
Full-Moon
When the moon reaches its fullest manifestation we turn our minds to our enlightened nature and how to work with its infinite aspects to skillfully accumulate merit.
Suggested practices:
Kalachakra
Guru Puja
Dzambhala
Mandala Offerings
Tsok Offerings
Seven Limbed Prayers
Waning Half-Moon
Then as the moon begins to wane, we focus on purification so that we can clear away any obstacles existing in our minds and thus prepare ourselves to realize our most sacred truth.
Suggested practices:
Vajravega
Vajrapani
Vajrasattva Purification
Green Tara
Prostrations with 35 Buddhas
Protector Practices
New Moon
With the moon dissolved, we reflect on the nature of reality so that we may unravel our delusion and learn to rest our minds in the sublime perfection of wisdom.
Suggested practices:
Manjushri
Prajñaparamita
Chöd
Meditation on Emptiness
Shamatha & Vipashyana
Recitation of Sutras & Tantras
Find when these phase occur in your local area on this website.