Longdé

Longdé is a major scriptural division within the Dzogchen teachings. It is part of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen itself is considered the pinnacle of a ninefold division of practice. Longdé is often translated as the "Space Division" or "Space Series." This name highlights the concept of emptiness or spaciousness. This spaciousness describes the Natural State of being. Within the Dzogchen system, there are three main series of teachings. These include semde, menngagde, and longdé. Each series offers a different approach to understanding reality.

Scholars find longdé difficult to define with a single set of rules. Some thinkers see it as nearly identical to the earlier semde, or Mind Series. Others place it doctrinally between the Mind Series and the Instruction Section. The term "space" in these texts describes the true nature of the mind. This nature is compared to physical space in several ways. Space is present everywhere and requires no effort to reach. It is immense and encompasses everything. It has no center or periphery and cannot be transcended. Space is also considered eternal and uncaused.

A central theme in longdé is the doctrine of the "Nine Spaces." These nine spaces include View, Behavior, Mandala, Initiation, and Commitment. They also include Activity, Accomplishment, Levels-Paths, and Fruition. These categories refer to features of Buddhist tantra. However, longdé suggests these elements are already complete within one's true nature. This perspective makes gradualist or tantric practices seem unnecessary. For instance, one does not need to create a mental mandala. When the true nature of the mind is realized, all perceptions are the mandala. Similarly, realizing one's nature acts as its own initiation. This allows Dzogchen to transcend traditional tantra.

The history of the Space Series reflects developments between the 11th and 14th centuries. One notable tradition within this division is the Vajra Bridge, or rdo rje zam pa. This tradition includes many tantric rites involving Heruka and three Dakinis. However, commentaries explain these rites are only auxiliary practices. They are secondary to the main practice of Great Perfection contemplation. The main goal is to contemplate the nature of the mind. This is often practiced outside of a formalized tantric context. 'Dzeng Dharmabodhi was a key figure in this tradition. He lived from 1052 to 1168.

'Dzeng Dharmabodhi's student, Kun-bzang rdo-rje, wrote many commentaries on the Vajra Bridge. The primary tantra of this tradition was titled Secret Wisdom. This tradition uses a specific way of contemplation called "non-meditation." This method introduces the true nature of mind through four specific signs. These signs are non-conceptuality, clarity, bliss, and inseparability. The inseparability is the experience of the first three signs combined. Some Vajra Bridge texts also use subtle body yogas of winds, known as vayus. These yogas are described as simple and effortless. They are considered less coarse than the wind yogas found in Sarma tantras.

Many important tantras belong to the Space Division. The "king" of these tantras is Samantabhadra’s Royal Tantra of All-Inclusive Vastness. Other texts include the "King of Infinite Vast Space" and the "Total Space of Samantabhadra." Other titles include "Manifestation of the Creative Energy of Spiritual Awareness" and "Wheel of Key Instructions." There are also texts like "Array of the Exalted Path" and "Vajrasattva Equal to the Limits of Space." Other listed works include "Secret Pristine Awareness" and the "Wheel of Precious Gems." Some scholars, such as Thondup and Talbott, note there are only seven extant texts. These seven texts are collected in the Nyingma Gyubum.

Longdé connects to broader systems of Buddhist thought and practice. It sits in a unique position within the Nyingma school's hierarchy. Some Space Series tantras, like "Equal to the End of Sky," do not prescribe specific techniques. They do not require physical postures or structured meditative exercises. This makes them very similar to the Mind Series Tantras. Additionally, there is a terma text within the Space Class. This text is found in the Chokling Tersar cycle of Orgyen Chokgyur Lingpa. This shows how the Space Division continues to be a part of living traditions.