9.1  VIPASSANA FOR ALL SENTIENT CREATURES

TEACHING VIPASSANA

In the Vajrayogini meditations the most important phase is that in which the Feminine Principle, which are the natural human programs of the Life Force, make a transition in a way in which they are fully available as expressions of the Masculine Principle (Heruka).

When the melding begins to take effect then there arises in daily life a great impulse to go further in helping all sentient creatures in a way far more profound than is accessible just by the meditations of Compassion, Benevolent Affect, Equanimity and Gladness.

Sherab (Ninette) then began to question our own teachings at the Seminary. My teachings had always been related to the greater states of Nirvana and the Vajrayogini practice was essentially similar.

The question really was... "What about the billions of people in the world that have severe suffering and have neither the opportunity, good fortune or the capacity to enter the Dharma at a higher level?"

Chan teachings do not attend directly to this problem, only to the greater task of Universal Suffering. On the other hand, my early Theravada experiences and Sherab's understanding of Vipassana held a key.

She decided that Vipassana must be taught for the benefit of those who had little inclination or opportunity to reach higher. We wrote up the lessons with care, going beyond the elementary Vipassana generally taught. Using Buddha's texts we evolved what we believed was closer to the Theravada original, including the Mindfulness taught in our Indian and Sri Lankan voyages.

Sherab began teaching and added to the actual course a special presence at the Seminary, a closeness to students of a great teacher which was unparalleled. She dealt in personal interviews with each student's personal problems giving Dharma advice and solutions.

I personally will remain always with great reverence for her Dharma Dedication and vigour.

At the same time, failing to pass beyond in Vajrayana to a full union in the Void of Vajrayogini and Heruka, she began to explore Chan access for herself.