FIRESTAR SEASON NOTES
As Utilized by the 5 Mt System of Miryai

This season begins sometime between March 20 and April 4, and lasts about 73 days. Sucess during this five fortnite season can be measured in an increased ability to focus and direct energy into constructive areas.   Long term, multi year measurements of sucess should be seen as a gradual tempering of anger, development of less caustic communication skills, more adept skill in ones chosen trade, proffession or talent arena. The symbol of this constructivily directed energy are the tools of ones trade, workshops and offices.

Introduction into Bon

SEASONAL OVERVIEW

• ABSTRACT: A value of the Fire Path lies in its insight into non duality. Achieving a Dzogchenian Unified View as taught by Yeshey Tsogyal. Reconnecting to one's True Self and interacting with others on that deeper level.
• GOAL: Abiding in Dzogchen. Living in non duality.
• PROBLEM: Dualistic viewpoints engender suffering.
• REASON: Dichotomy of the materialsitc world creates differentiation in worldview.
• HISTORY: Existant since the beginning....
• REMEDY:  Employing rational, reasoning and exercises held dear in Dzogchen.
• METHODOLOGY: A five fortnight practice period designed to go, step by step, thru the various levels that lead toward Dzogchen.
• RYTHYMN: The 72 day practice schedule - 5 & 15 day periods:
• APPROACH:  Let the practices and teachings be adapted to a coed Monastery/Farm Collective/Family/Isolated individual: 4 pronged program applicable to each type of situation and enviroment.
• EXAMPLES: Yeshey Tsogyal. Shinrab Miwo, Padmasambhava and others.
• RECORDS: Bonpo Book of the Dead (+Oral Tradition from Zhang Zhung & misc Dzogchen & Bon);   Life and Visions of Yeshe Tsogyal (+Advice from Lotus Born, Juniper Ridge & misc Vajrayana, some Sikh, Jain & Shaivite); Collection of Studies on Bon
• WEEDING: The recognition and avoidance of pitfalls found in history and texts: Movement away from guru adoration, insane repitition of Ngondro exercies, etc.
• PROCEDURE: During each fortnight let the practicioner utilize the 5 Treasures of Shinrab:
• CONCLUSION:  Upon the conclusion of the fortnight an evaluation of progress should be made made
• INSIGHTS: Notes for future attempts in the following year are advantageous
• PARADOX: The enigmas of this facet and formula of transcendance
• WARNINGS: Avoid self delusion and ego aggrandizement arising from any spiritual experiences or profound understandings during the fornight.
• ENDING:  The closure of the period, giving away merit, owning change, fortnight fast, reset/reboot


Preface

The five divisions—Bon, Shakta/Jain/Sikh, Nyingma, New Translation Schools (Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug), and Dzogchen—span Tibetan and Indian spiritual traditions, each with three historical movements rooted in verifiable histories and practices. These movements, evolving from ancient origins to later syncretic forms, emphasize unity between inner and outer realms through rituals like fire rites, meditations like Dzogchen, and devotional acts like langar, reflecting a shared pursuit of transformation and awareness. Despite distinct trajectories, they converge on ecological and spiritual connectivity, though challenges like historical ambiguity, accessibility, and doctrinal rigidity persist across their expressions.
 

• Zhang Zhung (Shenrab Miwo); Old Bon, New Bon, Naxi, Dragon Text.
• Indus, Harrapan, Yangtze Cultures, Green Man, Shiva, Shakti, Shaivites, Shaktism; Jains, (Mahavira, Buddha, Sidharta); Sikhs, (Nanak).
• Padmasambhava/Nyingma 8th c CE; Yeshe Tzogyal/Mother Lineage; Ngakpas.
• Kagyu 11th c (Meditation/True Nature); Sakya 1073 CE (Develop/Creation Stages); Gelug 1409 CE (Study/discipline).
• Dzogchen (Semde); Dzogchen (Longde); Dzogchen (Menngagde).

 
Outro
These fifteen expressions share strengths in unifying inner and outer worlds through transformative practices—fire rites, meditations, service—rooted in ecological and spiritual awareness, offering paths to enlightenment via disciplined realization. Bon’s prescientific ecology lacks modern validation; Shakta’s union faces celibacy tensions; Jainism’s asceticism limits appeal; Sikhism’s simplicity risks oversimplification; Nyingma’s esotericism challenges newcomers; Kagyu’s oral focus resists codification; Sakya’s complexity narrows reach; Gelug’s rigor may stifle intuition; Dzogchen’s depth demands readiness. Yet, their diverse approaches collectively enrich human spiritual potential.
 
Contrasts of various Paths and Seasonal Focus

 

The Spring Session is designed to extrapolate useful concepts and practices from the Himalalan culture, especially the Bonpo tradition. Its most useful tools lie in its emphasis on mental training and in its concept of "Dzogchen".