Yoga of Meditation

The Yoga of Meditation

from the Four Yogas of the Khandro Nyingtik

Homage to glorious Samantabhadra!

The way in which a yogi approaches the yoga of meditation has six parts: (1) the essence of meditation, (2) the manner of meditating, (3) the definition [of meditation], (4) its subdivisions, (5) the method of practice, and (6) names for meditation.

1. Essence

This has three parts: (1) the object of meditation, (2) the process of meditation, and (3) special methods. The object of meditation is to cultivate the view that was described earlier. The process of meditation is to abide by that continuously. The special methods are the postures, gazes and so on, as set out in the instruction manual. The Luminous Expanse says:

The essence of meditation is threefold:
Object, process and methods of meditation.

2. Manner

The manner of meditating is to practise without laziness or indifference. The same text says:

Avoiding laziness and indifference,
Continuously abide in meditation.

3. Definition

Meditation means to remain constantly in meditative concentration. A tantra says, "Since the definition of meditation is abiding…"

4. Subdivisions

There are three types of meditation: 1) method-based meditation, (2) wisdom-based meditation, and (3) meditation based on indivisible method and wisdom.

Method-based meditation is inconceivable and is not taught in this context. Here, it is meditation based on indivisible method and wisdom that is taught. A tantra says:

Although there are many types of meditation,
The meditation based on the method of union,
The meditation based on wisdom itself,
And the meditation of indivisible method and wisdom
Are supremely profound meditative forms.

5. Method of Practice

The four methods of practice are related to the yogas during the four sessions. First, there are morning and afternoon sessions.

Morning Sessions

The first of these is divided into three. From first light until sunrise carry out recitations, read texts, and so forth. From sunrise until mid-morning maintain the practice of Tögal. During the noon session, offer prostrations and circumambulations, and rest.

Afternoon Sessions

In the afternoon session continue Tögal practice. In the early evening offer torma and carry out your daily recitations.

Twilight Sessions

The twilight session is divided into three. In the first session, meditate on death and impermanence. In the second, practice generation stage and mantra recitation. In the final session, fall asleep.

Early Morning Sessions

Then, during the first early morning session, pray to the guru. In the next, abide by the meaning of Trekchö.

This is how the whole period of day and night is divided into ten sessions.

It is very important to begin each session by generating bodhicitta, setting your mind on supreme awakening, and to conclude each session by sealing it with dedication.

A tantra says:

In order to establish virtuous practice,
Train in the yoga of the four sessions.

6. Names

If one were to apply a name to such practice one might call it "the meditation that unites daytime and nighttime", because it does not permit laziness. A tantra says, "Devoting day and night to Dharma, let meditation be united."

This is the yoga of the continuous application of meditation.

Ithi. Samaya. Gya. Gya. Gya. Let it be virtuous!

| Translated by Adam Pearcey with the generous support of the Tsadra Foundation, 2025.

Bibliography

Tibetan Editions

"thun bzhi’i rnal 'byor las/ sgom pa’i rnal 'byor" In snying thig ya bzhi. 13 vols. Delhi: Sherab Gyaltsen Lama, 1975. Vol. 10: 520–523 (2 folios)

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