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.
- Recognize 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
Is it like, we have to awe at God's creation?
It's more like we become God's creation.
Gazing at the heavens costs you nothing but it can give you a constant source of enjoyment. It's always relaxing to look up at the night sky. I think it is equivalent of sitting on a deserted beach and watching the waves rolls as it approaches the shores.
Michelle Rowe
"Perth Lasik Laser Eye"
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Meditation is fast becoming a healing tool. I find sky gazing meditation experience very soothing to our senses. It relieves stress and cleanse our inner self. Just try it yourself and you'll experience what I mean.
Crystal Rogers
Gyms New Jersey
We used to go to the lake and lay on the hood of our cars and gaze into the heavens for hours on end. It was some of the most relaxing times I can remember from my youth. I forget to do that now, since life seems to have taken over my life! Tonight, if the weather is clear, I will have to find a spot, sit back and implement some of sky gazing meditation techniques . Release some of the stress.
Thank you,
Charlie
Procera Reviews
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I've always wanted to try meditation, but my mind is always wandering. Not sure I could keep still long enough or block all thought out.
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Gazing at the sky is probably one of the most relaxing things that I have ever done. I can just lay there for hours and see so many different things in the sky that I feel so relaxed by the time I am done. It's kind of hard to do in the winter months when it is cold out, but in the summer it is a great experience.
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