Expert: Alex Wilding - 8/30/2009

Question
I am very attracted to Tibetan Buddhism and would like to take refuge - however I am wondering if the fact that I cannot visualize at all would be a major impediment.  Is there a way to practice without that ability?

Thank you

Answer
Hi Helen,
I am sure it is no problem - lot's of people are like that. Often, trying too hard and hoping for too much make the problem a lot worse!
Yes, you'll find a few people/texts who take a kind of "athletic" view and say you must be able to visualize a mandala of 108 deities in every detail and full realism. But they are rare. Thrangu Rinpoche, for instance, stresses that we visualize with our minds, not our eyes, so of course things are more "swimmy".
If you are worried about it at all - as you obviously are, at least a bit - then have an interview with any lama that you think might be someone who will teach you (that does not have to be the refuge-granting lama, by the way - refuge is in the Buddha, Dharma and noble Sangha) and make sure they understand your feelings. The chances are very hight that they will say "of course", but you will yourself feel better if you have had that reassurance personally.
Good luck!
AW