“What is important in Dzogchen is one really has to observe oneself, and see what one’s own condition of body, voice and mind is. Then one discovers exactly how one is conditioned in every sense, and how one is closed up by one’s limits in the cage of dualism. This means confronting all of one’s problems, which may not be easy or pleasant. There are many practical problems: of work, of living conditions, getting enough to eat, or actual physical problems. These could be called the problems of the body.

Then there are the problems of the voice or energy; nervousness, and other kinds of sickness.

Mental problems are so many, and can be so subtle and hard to see.; there are all kinds of games we play with our egos. But the result of all this effort is that we build ourselves a cage, without even maybe realizing we are doing it. So the very first thing that has to be done is to discover the cage, and that can only be done by observing oneself all the time. This is another reason why the mirror is an important symbol in dzogchen. It serves to remind us to observe one’s own condition at all times.

Glasses are for looking outwards at external objects; an example of dualism. The principle in dzogchen is the mirror: We should look at it to discover ourselves. When we look into a mirror, it reflects our condition. If we have a very good pair of glasses or binoculars, even if we can see very far away and discover many different details, we are still looking outwards. So; this is the principle: knowing the difference between looking outwards dualistically and observing oneself in order to discover one’s own condition. In Dzogchen, whether we refer to the way or seeing or to practices, the principle is always to discover ourselves.

Some people know how to relax the body a little by lying down on the bed by doing some breathing exercises. But these are relative ways of relaxing, because this kind of relaxation is at the relative level linked to time, and time is linked to secondary conditions. Now I am relaxed. Everyone comes to me and says, “Happy Christmas”. They bring me cakes or presents. Why should I get uptight? The circumstances are very positive. But tomorrow it might begin to snow. Maybe I shall not be able to walk. Someone may come up to me and instead of giving me presents, gets into an argument with me. Certainly in those conditions it is more difficult to relax. Conditions in the relative level are connected to time, so everything changes. You may be able to relax your body, speech and mind, but it will always be provisional. That’s why the teaching is necessary. You could say that the Dzogchen teachings are a way of relaxing totally.

By observing oneself, one can discover one’s cage. But then one must really want to come out of the cage. It is not enough just to know about it.”

– Chogyal Namkhai Norbu