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The Dharma Compass

The dharma compass is a reality-mind-body energy flow chart of an individual, moment by moment.


How do we see ourselves?


Moment by moment, our view of the world and of ourselves is either clear or distorted. Based on this view, our mentation (mental activity or action) is also either clear and sovereign (the first type of mentation) or distorted (the second type of mentation). When we sincerely wish to see the world and ourselves more clearly, we engage in aspirational mentation, which is the third type of mentation.


What would we like to experience?


As a result of our view of ourselves and the world, and our subsequent mental activity, the physical events of our lives take shape. These physical events fall into two primary zones, that of sustainability (sovereign or inspired) or that of dissipation (unreliable or nihilistic). It is obvious which types of events we prefer to experience.


What is the point of this practice?


As we put into practice the principles of dharma, and experience the benefits of doing so, our sincere appreciation for dharma teachers naturally emerges and deepens. Whether we believe the realm and experience of revelation is even real or possible, upon dedicated investigation, we realize that the dharma comes into our lives in no other way than through individual discoverers who confess to direct, visceral experiences of a revelatory nature. Even so, the uniqueness and preciousness of dharma lineages lies in the fact that while the great masters attest personally to transcendent discovery, they still do not impose the behavior models associated with their discoveries upon us in an unsolicited fashion. Rather, the humbly invite us and encourage us to test for ourselves whether or not the cultivation of clear view does, in fact, systematically and irrefutably produce a more meaningful, purposeful, and inspired life.


Terms Defined


Bodhicitta

Bodhicitta is a Sanskrit word that is traditionally translated as “mind of enlightenment”. In contemporary terms, bodhicitta is a force that orients us toward complete clarity about our nature, origin, and purpose. Like a muscle, bodhicitta can be strengthened over time to be a continuous, “default” state of being.

Like “love”, bodhicitta emerges spontaneously as a result of feeling deeply connected to and identified with others. This “feeling-wish” is primarily triggered through observing our loved ones endure unnecessary pain and suffering.

Specifically, where bodhicitta differs from love is that it includes a heartfelt commitment to become capable of bringing maximum benefit to others. As the arising of bodhicitta ripens, it compels the practitioner to aspire to single-mindedly realize the truth in a direct and visceral way. 


Merit

Merit is like a “spiritual currency” that, when earned, affords us entrance into “clear view” and the ascending loop of the Dharma Compass. We accumulate merit when we perform consistent actions of body (performance), speech (expression), and mind (mentation) that reflect a clear view of reality — and are therefore of benefit to ourselves and others simultaneously. Merit is a measure of competence to serve others. Like work experience, the more merit we have, the more “job opportunities” we will receive to steward others and our environment in a significant and meaningful way.


Sovereignty

In the context of the Dharma Compass, the word “sovereignty” is specifically used to refer to the maximum evolutionary potential of a human being. When this potential becomes manifest, we call this “the fruit of the path”. Sovereignty is the permanently-established ability to continually shape one’s actions of body, speech, and mind in a manner that is securely anchored in a completely clear view of reality and that maximally serves and benefits others. The distinguishing feature of a sovereign being is a sense of identification with others and the environment as an integral part of oneself. Where we are identified, our love and effort naturally flows. This is why love and effort made to steward others are such fundamental and universal teachings – they are the necessary components required for us to manifest our full human potential.


Accompanying Memorization Exercises


  • The zone of dissipation does not inherently or eternally exist. It only comes into existence temporarily as a result of specific types of actions of body and mind.


  • The zone of sustainability does not inherently or eternally exist. It only comes into existence temporarily as a result of specific types of actions of body and mind.


  • When we know what types of actions cause/create dissipation, we are free to avoid it.


  • When we know what types of actions cause/create sustainability, we are free to reside in it.


  • If the actions of mind and body that create dissipation are absent, dissipation cannot exist.


  • If the actions of mind and body that create sustainability are absent, sustainability cannot exist.

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