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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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Vajrayana, however, both are important, especially the<br />

aspect of energy. Why? In rebirth within the six realms<br />

the eighth consciousness (alaya-vijnana) appears to be<br />

the master. But what transports this consciousness?<br />

How can it move? The answer is that movement takes<br />

place by means of the subtle life energy which is bound<br />

up with the consciousness <strong>and</strong> cannot be easily<br />

separated. All the innate or natural sorrow (sahaja-klesa)<br />

is caused by this energy. (Note: this is purely a<br />

Vajrayana explanation, <strong>and</strong> nothing is said about it in<br />

the exoteric yanas.)<br />

How does this natural sorrow originate? It comes from<br />

the presence of avidya itself, which has been with us<br />

since beginningless time. It has always been with us, is<br />

difficult to destroy, <strong>and</strong> is held on to by the eight<br />

consciousnesses. But in the Vajrayana, there are some<br />

methods in the position of consequence (Buddhahood),<br />

to transmute these natural sorrows <strong>and</strong> false views by<br />

the practice of wisdom-energy. Therefore, in the<br />

Vajrayana, it is easy to get enlightenment in this life. It<br />

is for this reason that so many methods concern the<br />

breath. One may find these in our chapters on the<br />

Vajrayana.<br />

"If we were to enumerate <strong>and</strong> explain all the<br />

breathing doctrines," said Mr. Chen smiling, "we<br />

would not be able to finish them tonight!"<br />

In the Hinayana, detailed instructions for breathing<br />

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