Hello Khandro - la , I have begun the accumulations with the 5 Dakini Journey and i am wondering about the visualisations and 'front projection'. My visualisation is not very good but at first I was visualising a flat image of the 5 dakinis in front on me- then that became a more 3-D image and then in the last session this imagery sort of covered me or I felt I became Buddha Dakini in the middle and the 4 other dakinis moving around me - like an internalised projection. I am not sure if this is meant to happen or if it's 'wrong' or 'right' and if I need to keep it as a front projection at this stage. Thank you.
Dakini's Whisper
Thank you for your question.
As a beginner practitioner, it’s important to stick to the traditional visualization process which in this case is front-generation. The self-generation of Five Dakinis is not the main purpose of this practice.
First, establish yourself as Prajnaparamita with four arms and one face, the body in golden color…etc. (as described in the text) in the nature of light, awakened presence. While maintaining that awareness, you come to the front-generation of the Five Dakinis. Here you focus on each Dakini, imagining that each one is just in front of you, a bit above you. Get a sense of each Dakini as a living presence in front of you, then develop the precision and clarity to add to that slowly as you practice. Stay focused on front-generation.
We have been visualizing since we were born, no? So, if we can tap into that natural ability, general visualization should not be too difficult. For example, if I ask you to visualize a beloved, you can do that, right? Not only does a visual image arise, but you can imagine other attributes associated with him or her, including a feeling and mood. The same thing applies here. I could say lots more about "visualization" but one important thing to remember is that the more your mind is relaxed, clear, and spacious, the easier it gets.
Thank you for clarifying that and the extra advice on visualisation in general. I think my mind is so heavily involved as a beginner learning new methods. I value your comments about a more relaxed opening to the experience. I will also focus a bit more on the prajnaparamita self-generation at the beginning and having that quality hold the practice :)