tankaler

Tankaler is a Zen Buddhist meditation technique that originated in the Tibetan tradition. The word "tankaler" is derived from the Tibetan phrase "tong-pa nyi-zer," which translates to "citta-vritti-nirodha" or "cessation of the mental stream."

In tankaler meditation, the practitioner focuses on the end of the breath, first upon inhalation, and then upon exhalation. As the breath moves outward, the practitioner focuses their consciousness on the end of the breath. This practice is said to help still the mind and observe the subtle movements of the mental stream.

Tankaler is a part of the dzogchen tradition, which is a system of spiritual exercises used to attain enlightenment in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. In dzogchen, tankaler is grouped within the category of anu yoga, which are practices that involve the observation of the fluctuations of consciousness.

The goal of tankaler practice is to gain insight into the nature of the mind, as well as to cut the clear streams of samsaric existence. By abandoning the dualistic way of thinking and stopping the tendency to think of a self, the practitioner seeks to bring about a more enlightened state by observing the reality of the mind. Tankaler meditation technique is a highly advanced practice, and practitioners go through different stages of dzogchen practice before masterfully practicing the tankaler technique.

Due to its nature, tankaler practice requires a strong foundation in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and rigorous spiritual practice, under the guidance of a qualified lama (teacher).