Lit up.

The living practice tradition of the Buddha's teachings survives to this day because of two types of transmission- transmission of scripture and transmission of realization.

Transmission of scripture is the living transmission of the repository of Dharma from generation to generation. It is teaching, discussing and practicing the root and practice texts. The transmission of scripture should be wide spread and joyfully given to those who seek it out. 

The transmission of realization occurs between teacher and student. It is the lighting of a torch. Once lit, it burns just as bright and luminous as its source. The source doesn't lose anything, and the newly lit torch has nothing further to gain. 

This transmission of realization is the essence of the practice lineage (sgrub rgyud). It is the transmission of the awakened mind, the direct recognition of our innate buddha heart. In Dzogchen it is the direct realization of our own nature, rigpa as the natural great perfection. 

This lighting of the torch is not easy. It takes time, dedication, effort. It depends on a genuine connection, commitment and karma.

The source torch burns bright and without discrimination, but few torches can really be lit because they don't come prepared.  They are too loose, unkept, or waver once they get close.  Some, being lit, lack the merit to sustain the blaze and burnout. 

You should seek out the transmission of scripture widely and with great enthusiasm.  But for the transmission of realization, you need to get to work.

Ten kinds of spiritual practice.

Forego making plans for the years ahead,

instead devote whatever resources you have 

to your spiritual practice. 

~Longchen Rabjam 

Your practice shouldn't be another project.  It shouldn't be simply another check box to mark at the end of the day.  

Often we confound our spiritual practice with one or two particular activities and then struggle to fit those activities into our day.  

Actually, there are ten types of activities that contribute to the development of your spiritual practice, meaning the opportunity to practice is always readily available.  

1. Copying sacred texts or transcribing teachings

2. Making offerings

3. Being generous

4. Listening to teachings

5. Memorizing teachings

6. Reading scripture

7. Explaining the teachings to others

8. Chanting prayers and liturgies

9. Contemplating teachings

10. Meditating