Naked Seeing

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Buddhism is fundamentally a visual tradition, characterized by practices of visualization, rich visual arts, and literature filled with metaphors of light. Some traditions advocate for visionary practices where meditators seek visions before their eyes. This exploration delves into such practices within the Wheel of Time (Kalacakra) and the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) esoteric traditions, both of which experimented with sensory deprivation and developed yogas involving extended periods in dark rooms or gazing at the open sky. These experiences of seeing were employed to address classic Buddhist inquiries regarding appearances, emptiness, and the nature of reality. Notably, these practices suggest that religious truths might be perceived externally, realized through the eyes rather than solely through internal insight. The author presents the intellectual and literary histories of these practices while examining the meditative techniques and physiology that contribute to their unique visionary experiences. Additionally, the work includes complete English translations of three significant Tibetan texts on vision: a Kalacakra treatise by Yumo Mikyo Dorjé, The Lamp Illuminating Emptiness, a Nyingma Great Perfection text titled The Tantra of the Blazing Lamps, and a Bön Great Perfection work called Advice on the Six Lamps, accompanied by a detailed commentary from Drugom Gyalwa Yungdrung.