THE BASIC STEPS TO SKY GAZING MEDITATION
- Assume a comfortable meditative posture outside (during the day or night).
- Look outward at the sky – observe it and inquire about it.
- Recognize it is vast beyond concept.
- As mind observes the sky, look inward at mind – observe and inquire about it.
- Realize it is vast beyond concept.
- With the understanding that both mind and universe are inconceivably boundless entities, allow their space to begin to merge. Be one with the experience.
- Rest in this natural, pristine awareness.
Sky gazing is consider an important meditation practice in the recognition of Dzogchen, the primordial state of pure awareness that is present in every sentient being. The teaching of sky gazing meditation was recently popularized by Tibetan teacher Tarthang Tulku in his 1977 book, “Time, Space & Knowledge: A New Vision of Reality.”
If you would like to dive deeper into the theory and practice of Dzogchen sky gazing then I also recommend you read Lama Surya Das, an American-born lama in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, describing Dzogchen sky-gazing and the essential point of it in his talk on “Sustaining Present Awareness”.
Other than that, it is simply recommended that you spend your time practicing this meditation. The sky itself can be quite mesmerizing, especially on a clear lit night with the stars, moon, satellites and all. Allow yourself to become bewildered and awed by this marvelous spectacle that we so often take for granted. In many ways star gazing can become a process of natural healing and can improve one’s health in both body and mind by alleviating stress and making us better aware of our interconnectedness with the universe.
Studies done by psychology researchers have also shown that when we spend more time with nature we improve our cognitive abilities and memory. Nature walks have also shown to improve the concentration abilities in children. There is no doubt that spending time with nature is a great way to tune ourselves into our natural state of intrinsic and present awareness.
“The real sky is (knowing) that samsara and nirvana are merely an illusory display.”
—Mipham Rinpoche, Quintessential Instructions of Mind, p. 117
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