From where you're standing, you can't see the view.

In the Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions, a lot of people get very excited about the pointing out instructions.

They've heard about them in the life stories of great masters of the past. They've read about the introduction to the nature of the mind in books, maybe even listened to some apps that talk about them.

It seems like a pretty big deal, and so when you finally get the chance to receive pointing out instructions it is good to be prepared.

The thing most people overlook is that they think the pointing out instruction is happening for them, or to them. Like you are being given a gift and now you have it.

But it's not like that at all.

What is being pointed out or introduced is something that has been there all the time, but that we haven't recognized. We already have buddhanature, it is already naturally present, but we don't experience the freedom and opportunity that it's presence gives us.

What is being pointed out is the view, that our natural condition is stainless, non-dual, ever-present awareness. To recognize that view, we need to be in a position to be receptive enough to the instruction when it is being pointed out.

Here's an example.

Imagine you go on a hike hoping to see an amazing view at the end. You are ready to have the peak experience, and you have found a good guide to lead you there quickly and safely. You want to get there quickly so you pack light, skipping a few of the items on the packing list.

You make good progress early on along the path but because you are in a hurry you want to rush and get there as soon as possible. You and the guide pick up pace. The guide appreciates your enthusiasm and so you quickly approach the summit.

As you near the summit you get to the final stretch, which is straight up a rocky face. Your guide brings out their ropes and gear, puts on a harness, and helmet. They are well prepared and you can tell they have traveled this path many times before.

But you have nothing you need for the final ascent.

You are right there, so close to the summit, but you cannot make it to the top to see the view for yourself.

From where you're standing, you can't see the view.

The guide told you to train for this. They told you to do the preliminary practices necessary. But you thought it would all be taken care of by the guide. But the guide cannot do the final stretch for you, that depends on your experience, your skills, your mastery.

They can show you the way, but you must travel it.

This is about how the Dzogchen pointing out instruction works.

Be prepared. Be deliberate. Do the work.