DHARMA READING Corner

Picture courtesy of Belinda Chong

The 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas

Commentary by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Imagine that – 84,000 teachings of the Buddha condensed into 37 compact practices. Only thirty seven steps to the lasting happiness of enlightenment. What are we waiting for?

A handbook to smart living and smart Dharma practice with sublime results, this commentary on Togmay Sangpo’s legendary “37 Practices of Bodhisattvas”, by Geshe Tenzin Zopa is presented in Geshela’s inimitable style of transposing the timeless wisdom of the Buddha, Lama Atisha and the Kadampa masters, into today’s iPad culture and Facebook generation.

At first, I was impatient to gobble up what the mighty 37 practices had to say buy the richness of Geshela-s explanation, peppered with humorous anecdotes and pertinent life-stories, made me naturally slow down; savouring the wise and hugely practical advice; taking in the medicine being prescribed through Geshela’s teachings which is sometimes bitter and sometimes sweet; crying for myself and sentient beings; rejoicing at the human potential. Such is the power of the teachings in this book. If one feels one has no time to enrol in extensive Dharma courses but seeking a frank and plainly worded set of instructions for enlightenment, then THIS is the one to read!

This book is dedicated to the unsurpassable HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khensur Rinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel and Geshe Tenzin Zopa for initiating us into the 37 Steps. Without these unparalleled Gurus, we would be directionless, rudderless, tossed in the ocean of confusion and troubles. To their good health, long lives and fulfilled wishes and may all our actions only please their holy minds.

Huei

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DHARMA READING Corner

Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhicaryavatara)

                                                             Picture courtesy of Belinda Chong

A Commentary by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche said it best: “Buddhas are born from Bodhisattvas; Bodhisattvas are born from Bodhichitta.” The Guide to the Way of Bodhisattva’s Way of Life or in Sanskrit, Bodhicaryavatara, is the most celebrated and spectacular exposition on the mighty altruistic intention and conduct of the Bodhisattva.

To embark on the reading, let alone the study of, the Bodhicaryavatara takes guts. Its 914 verses challenge every fibre in your body, every corner of your mind and when you complete the book, it leaves you feeling embarrassed at having your innermost thoughts and deeds spread out on a page in front of you. Yet, hope is a little brighter because the possibilities are infinite.

Like a captain on a ship built for the high seas, Geshe Tenzin Zopa skilfully steers us through the turbulent waters of our minds, spotlighting our flaws, praising our efforts, showing the way by his explanations on the verses. When the brutal honesty of this text gets too much, Geshela steadfastly keeps us afloat by sharing his personal encounters and finally brings us to shore, soggy and whip-lashed but holding a glow in the heart – one that is inspired to take the first baby-step in the Bodhisattva’s way of life. Such is the kindness of Gurus.

With deep gratitude and undying devotion to our Gurus, HH Dalai Lama, Beloved Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, HE Dagri Rinpoche and the irreplaceable Geshe Tenzin Zopa, please bless us to accomplish the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life for the sake of others and to please your holy minds. This is also dedicated to the swift return of the unmistaken reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel, the Virtuous Friends of all sentient beings.

Huei

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DHARMA READING Corner

Buddhist Tantra
by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

                                                                                             Picture courtesy of Belinda Chong

Editor’s Note

The word “Tantra” is like the smell of durians. You are either drawn to it or you run away from it. There is rarely a neutral view towards it.

I used to think that Buddhist Tantra was mystical rather than logical (I’ve since discovered I’m wrong); more suited for the advanced meditator who could leap high mountains in a single jump, rather than a cement-footed, struggle beginner like myself. There has also been the confusion and occasional criticism surrounding Tantra, the “Secret Vehicle” amongst even the faithful within the Buddhist community. I have received tantric initiations with faith and gratitude for the “seeds” and imprints of these sacred teachings but often wondered how much progress I could make in it.

All of these led to my respectful request to my Teacher, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, for clarification and guidance. Through his great generosity of Dharma, his patience and his experiential wisdom gained through personal retreats and his 25 years with the great Lama yogi Geshe Lama Konchog, Geshela graciously acceded to the request of this dull-witted one, who is quite to gobble up Dharma but slow to practice. Geshela explains in this book – in the simplest of terms – what Buddhist Tantra is, it’s authenticity as part of the Buddha’s teachings, why we need it, what it involves, what its purpose is, giving an overview of its methods.

Clarity, confidence, conviction and yes, joy about Tantra as taught by the Buddha, is what the readers will distill from Geshela’s explanations in this book. It will put the readers on a firm footing on this topic of Buddhist Tantra and inspire those who are already Buddhist Tantra practitioners to strive at this noble Path with vigor.

This book is dedicated to our Gurus, the lifeblood of whatever Dharma practice we have, HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Wish Fulfilling Jewel Geshe Tenzin Zopa. This book is also dedicated to the swift return of the unmistaken reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel.

Huei

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DHARMA READING Corner

Buddhist Tenets

Geshela's Commentary is indisputable. The transcribe notes of the Geshela's Commentary however, are not perfect. This is due to this transcriber's heavy ignorance, faulty faculties (of hearing, understanding and typing) and also patchy recordeding made during the Tenets teachings given at that time in 2007. ALL MISTAKES ARE MINE ALONE.

Some people run away from books on selflessness or emptiness because of the perception that the topis is too dificult to comprehend; the terms overwhelming complex. This myth is shattered in this book. Like a wise and kindly mountain guide, Geshe Tenzin Zopa patiently, gently yet firmly unveils the extraordinary debates of the 4 schools on selflessness, spotlighting the key assertions of each school, using examples we can relate to and finally brings us to the mighty gateway of the Prasangika and skillfully leads us through.

This book is dedicated to HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel and Geshe Tenzin Zopa, the Spiritual Friends of all practitioners; the Illuminators of the profound; the Liberators of all Sentient beings.

With respect and prostration,

Huei

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DHARMA READING Corner

Lam Rim Graduated Path to Enlightenment

Featuring Lama Tsongkhapa’s “Foundation of All Good Qualities” & “Lam Rim Chenmo”

Commentaries by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. The great Nalanda Pandit, Lama Atisha understood this well and with a mighty heart of mercy & compassion, set out to marshal the Buddha’s 84,000 teachings found in hundreds of sutras and thousands of verses into a logical, sequential set of teachings to guide the spiritual seeker on the path, to emerge from ordinariness, to liberation and onto full Buddhahood. This manner of presenting the Buddhadharma come to be called Lam Rim, the Graduated Path to Enlightenment.

With a bodhichitta motivation and courage no less than that of Lama Atisha, our Resident Geshe, the Virtuous Friend Geshe Tenzin Zopa embarked on teaching Lama Tsongkhapa’s two well-known Lam Rim texts – the concise “Foundation of All Good Qualities” and the epic treatise “Lam Rim Chenmo – the Great Treatise on the Stage of the Path”. This book chronicles the commentaries given by Geshela who energized probed, prodded and provoked us in thought so as to initiate within each listener and each reader, a process of awakening – reflection – transformation – realization. Geshela says “Samsara is all upside-down” and the Lam Rim aims to set us the right-way up. Only then is lasting happiness and perfect wisdom within our reach.

This book is dedicated to our Gurus HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche Lundrup Rigsel and Geshe Tenzin Zopa who are our lamps for the path to enlightenment, without whom we would be living meaningless lives that merely exhaust whatever positive karma we have. To these Upholders of the Teachings, we bow down.

Huei

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DHARMA READING Corner

Teachings from Lama Konchog

by Geshe Lama Konchog

Contents

The First Teachings

  A Commentary On The Seven Point – Mind Transformation Practice

The Second Teachings

  A Commentary On The Heart Sutra

The Third Teachings

  A Commentary On Right Effort

Kadampa Teachings

by Geshe Lama Konchog

DHARMA READING Corner

The Yamantaka Short Sadhana Practice

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

Owing to the sacred and deeply symbolic nature of the practices associated with Initiations of the Vajra Vehicle, books on tantra are delicate matters. Without the requisite initiations and the receiving of transmissions on Commentaries, books on many aspects of tantra cannot be read by non-Initiates.

In line with this, the book “Yamantaka Short Sadhana Practice” is intended only for those who have received the Solitary Yamantaka Initiation.

The sole motivation for the publication of this book is in keeping with the great Dharma generosity of Geshe Tenzin Zopa in giving such precious guidance to initiates – to enable us to do our daily sadhana practice correctly and in a meaningful way; to bring practitioners closer to the goal of actualizing Buddhahood to benefit all beings.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, those receiving tantra teachings of this nature, would be required to regard the Lama giving the teachings as Guru and to include that Lama into one’s Merit Field visualizations. I had sought Geshela’s permission to allow me to inform readers on this. In customary humility, Geshela expressed there was no need for this, as he is merely “sharing information” but hoped that readers would practice seriously, sincerely and with the right motivation.

Notwithstanding Geshela declining to be regarded as Guru on account of the teachings here, from our own side as a beginner practitioner, who constantly struggles to know what is right and do right, I humbly and respectfully request each reader of this book – to think through carefully and appropriately honour Geshela who is the Lama giving the tantra teachings here and to repay his profound kindness by upholding the Vows well, practice as best as one can and nurture a warm heart towards all beings – and pray for us to become the fulfilment of all our Guru’s hopes.

Huei

Contents

Introduction to the Solitary Hero Yamantaka Practice

Self Generation to Bless Outer & Inner Offerings

The Extensive Self-Generation

The 8 Stages of Dissolution and 3 Kayas Practice

Doing Yamantaka Retreat

Merit Field of Lineage Gurus (with names)

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Meditation

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

This word “Meditation” is one of those buzz words which everyone thinks they have a correct understanding of. Add to this, the availability of a mountain load of books on how to meditate, some of which guide or some misguide; some make dismally dry reading; whilst some make the reader grasp at it with a distorted understanding of meditation’s true potential and its methods.

In this book, Geshe Tenzin Zopa reveals the Buddha’s indispensible advice on this practice in a refreshing un-complicated manner and makes yummy reading. Meditation is not only for the yogis but a necessary vehicle that each practitioner needs to mount and master, if one is to traverse the rocky road towards enlightenment.

Presenting the essential points on meditation, 6 types of meditation are explored through Geshela’s guidance which is infused with wisdom, compassion and humour. Even routine acts like watching TV can be conducive for meditation! This “Meditation” book implodes all pre-conceived ideas and misconceptions about meditation and unleashes the wondrous power of one’s mind in the pursuit of ultimate happiness.

With profound gratitude to our Gurus for their patience and courage in trying to tame the wild minds of their students, this book is dedicated towards the good health, long life and fulfilment of the holy and temporal wishes of HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Geshe Tenzin Zopa. May all living beings gain full Awakening and accomplish our Gurus holy wishes

Huei

Contents

1. How Buddhism came about

2. Types of Teachings given by the Buddha

3. Why is Meditation Necessary?

4.Calm Abiding (Samatha) Meditation

5. Analytical Meditation

6. Tong Len

7. Deity Yoga

8. Healing Anger Meditation

9. Meditation during Routine Activities

10. Question & Answers on Meditation

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DHARMA READING Corner

Karma & The 12 Links

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

“Karma” is a much used and abused word. Everyone seems to have their own understanding of it and uses this word to suit their own purposes – and often – without any semblance to its true meaning as taught by the one who revealed its essence, the Buddha.

This book is therefore an essential read on this cornerstone topic of Buddhist philosophy. The teachings here are extracted from the Dharma study course led by Geshe Tenzin Zopa, the engaging knowledgeable and straight-talking Resident Teacher at Losang Dragpa Centre.

Karma and the 12 Links of Interdependent Origination unveils how the law of cause and effect operates and worms it way into facet of our existence, life after life. At the same time, it offers us emancipation by providing the method to attain liberation from the confusion, dissatisfaction and unhappiness in our lives. It presents the time-space-mind continuum and places our present and future squarely within our hands and our control.

No more misinformation about “Karma”. No more excuses. No time to lose. Immerse yourself into Karma and the 12 Links.

The merits of this book are dedicated to the long life and accomplished wishes of HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche Lhudrup Rigsel and our Geshe Tenzin Zopa, who have remained with us to guide us, to counsel us, to encourage us, when the Masters of old have long left us wandering in spiritual blindness. These Teachers have remained to dispel the miseries of our world. Such is their kindness to us all.

Huei

Content

Karma

12 Links of Independent Origination

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Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Ask The Geshe

by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

Editor’s Note

Ask the Geshe stares into the core of our burning questions and niggling curiosities. It is a collection of maladies, musings and mind-jolting questions raised to Geshe Tenzin Zopa. Resident Teacher of Losang Dragpa Centre by ordinary people who are in crisis, in search and in hope. The issues range from the Why-Me laments, to how-to-get-rich-quick-pleas, to lab-babies & surrogate motherhood, to relationship problems and philosophical ponderings of what Reality really is. It holds answers to things we want to know about but were afraid to ask or didn’t know whom to ask.

With the classic openness of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Geshe Tenzin Zopa deftly engages with these questions head on – and some of the answers are uncomfortable to receive – yet difficult to refute due to the power of logic. Ask the Geshe clarifies life’s murky waters with the clear light of Buddhist thinking.

Dhama texts use the analogy of life and one’s realized potential as being like a muddy pond through which the perfect, unstained lotus-blossom can emerge and thrive. Let Ask the Geshe and the poignant advice it carries, be the catalyst for your emergence from life’s muddy pond.

This book is dedicated to our Guru’s HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche Lhundrup Rigsel and our Geshe Tenzin Zopa, with our heartfelt thanks and choking relief, for their courage to jump into the muddy pond to fish us out.

Huei, LDC

Content (available in English and Mandarin)

Health & Wealth

Dharma Study & Practices

Relationships

What is the Buddhist view on ...

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1. Health & Wealth

2. Dharma Study & Practices

3. Relationships

4. What is the Buddhist View On...

Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment by Lama Atisha

A concise commentary by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Content

Introduction

The Actual Text – Verse 1 – 68

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Mirror to Your Life

Commentary on Dharmaraksita’s Wheel of Sharp Weapons by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

Trembling in amazement and horror .. it felt like an electric current was running through one’s veins. That’s what reading the verse of the Wheel of Sharp Weapons does to you. Combine that with Geshe Tenzin Zopa’s mastery at clarifying the verses and integrating real life examples into them and you find yourself in the raw – stripped of all hypocrisy, denial and excuses, with nowhere to hide. Such is the potent clarity of “Mirror to Your Life”, Geshela’s commentary on this extraordinary text by Dharmaraksita.

If you want an answer to the “Why Me?” question, this book holds all you need to know. “Can I free myself from misery?” this book says Yes.
During the classes where these teachings were given, LDC students presented summaries of the teachings for the benefit of those who missed the previous class or needed their understanding refreshed. Geshela invited those students to offer their “takeaway lessons” arising from their doing the summaries, to be part of this book and these appear at the back of this volume.
In celebration of the Guru-Buddhas who live amongst us to pull us out of the snake-pit of ordinary existence and with deep gratitude & undying devotion to Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and our Geshe Tenzin Zopa, all efforts in producing this book are dedicated to our Guru’s long lives, excellent health and fulfilled wishes.

Huei

Contents

Preface

Wheel of Sharp Weapons

Takeaway lessons from the Wheel of Sharp Weapons
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DHARMA READING Corner

Whose Truth? The 4 Noble Truths & the Two Truthsby Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

Like the slim arrow that strikes its target, this concise book “Whose Truth?” pierces our lack of awareness of the relevance of the Buddha’s 4 Noble Truths to our lives; of the fact that there ARE Two Truths!

Having interacted with the lay community for many years, Geshe Tenzin Zopa understands only too well, that most of us lack the perseverance to engage in the extensive study of meditation needed to distil the real meaning of the Buddha’s teachings. It would be lost on us if these teachings were delivered in a dry, technical, scholastic manner as is taught in the monastery. Instead, the great patience and skill, Geshela presents the Two Truths (of conventional and ultimate truth) in a manner that is easy for us to understand – especially for those of us who are into quick fixes, compact messaging and instant enlightenment.

Those words are few, the meanings go deep. Take your time to read, contemplate and meditate on what this book unveils.

With prostrations in respect and gratitude to Geshela for being our compass to help us find our way into these profound teachings.

This book is dedicated with devotion to the excellent health, long lives and fulfilled wishes of HH Dalai Lama, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Khenrinpoche and Geshela for their providing us the alphabet to understand Dharma.

Huei

ContentThe Four Noble Truths
- Truth of Suffering
- Truth of the Causes of Suffering
- Truth of Cessation
- Truth of the Path
The Two Truths
- Conventional Truth
- Ultimate Truth
Question & Answer Session on Emptiness

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Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

DHARMA READING Corner

Buddha Nature & Preliminary Prayers and Their Explanations
by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Editor’s Note

Geshe Tenzin Zopa brings Dharma from the monastery & retreat cave straight into our e-chat rooms, our living rooms and the rooms in our minds which we have kept hidden and locked for a long time. Interlacing his teachings with insights into the habits and thinking of urban society, Geshela holds up a mirror to those who hear him teach – an experience that can be both unsettling and illuminating. His wit and incisiveness find their way into these pages.

This book contains the first 2 topics from the 18-topic Dharma course taught at Losang Draga Centre, Malaysia where Geshela is the Resident Teacher. Key points from the Lam Rim and other texts are woven into these early chapters with elaborations to follow in subsequent publications of teachings from this course.

Any errors or confused phasing are mine alone. Had you listened to Geshela directly, the teachings would have been clear to you.

I wish to thank the untiring Khor Yuyin who braved hurried design and formatting work with her sunshine cheer and the generosity of members and supporters of LDC who made the publication of this book possible.

Special dedication to our unsurpassable Lamas, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and His Holiness the Dalai Lama who are the source of all virtue, for their long lives and fulfilled wishes. Gratitude and long life dedication is also made to Geshe Tenzin Zopa, a wise old Lama in a youthful frame.

Yeo Puay Huei

Content
Buddha Nature & Preliminary Prayers and Their Explanations
(1) Refuge Prayers
(2) Prayer to Develop Bodhicitta
(3) The Four Immeasurable Prayers
(4) The Seven-Limbs Prayers

DHARMA READING Corner

The Thousand Buddha Relic Stupa

The worst day of my life was the day that I lost the precious Guru whose kindness is indefinite, more than the tree times’ Buddhas, the precious Dharma Father, Geshe Lama Konchog. I never want to be separated from him. I only want to please him and serve him in accordance with the Buddha wishes of all the Buddhas.In this book I have tried to share with you information about all the relics of body, speech and mind and all the holy objects that are housed in Geshe-la’s stupa. To read the detail contents of this wonderful book please click here to download. This downloading process will take a few minutes.

Blog Version
Copy by Candy Tan
Design by Elenie Tan
Photograph scanning by Belinda Chong

DHARMA READING Corner

LIGHTING THE WAY by The Dalai Lama

About this book – Lighting The Way contains three fundamental Buddhist teachings given by the Dalai Lama to Western students. “Principles of Buddhism” provides the framework for understanding Buddha Shakyamuni’s first and fundamental teachings on the Four Noble Truths, upon which all of his other teachings are based. “Teachings on the Eight Verses of Training the Mind” comments on a classic text within the genre of Tibetan spiritual writing known as lojong (literally, “mind training”). His Holiness often refers to this short work as one of his main sources of inspiration for the practice of compassion. Finally, the Dalai Lama’s commentary on Atisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment discusses in a lucid and inspiring manner one of the most important texts for serious practitioners of Buddhism.

Contents

Principles of Buddhism – The Four Noble Truths

Teachings on The Eight Verses on Training the Mind

Atisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment

DHARMA READING Corner

MIND TRAINING translated by Thupten Jinpa

About this book – The text in Mind Training: The Great Collection represents the flowering of an important spiritual culture dedicated to the perfection of the human heart. That process of perfection requires the radical altruism encapsulated in the famous mind training injunction to “give the victory to others”. In their birthplace of Tibet, these spiritual writings have inspired, nurtured and transformed millions of people across generations.

Contents

Bodhisattva’s Jewel Garland

How Atisa Relinquished His Kingdom

The Story of Atisa’s Voyage to Sumatra

Root Lines of Mahayana Mind Training

Annotated Root Lines of Mahayana Mind Training

Seven-Point Mind Training

A Commentary on the “Seven-Point Mind Training”

The Wheel of Sharp Weapons

The Peacock’s Neutralizing of Poison

Melodies of an Adamantine Song: A Chanting Meditation on Mind Training

Stages of the Heroic Mind

Leveling Out All Conceptions

A Teaching on Taking Afflictions onto the Path

Guru Yoga Mind Training

An Instruction on Purifying Negative Karma

Mahayana Purification of Grudges

Two Yoginis’ Admonition to Atisa to Train His Mind

Kusulu’s Accumulation Mind Training

Mind Training Taking Joys and Pains onto the Path

Sumpa Lotsawa’s Ear-Whispered Mind Training

Bodhisattva Samatabhadra’s Mind Training

Eight Sessions Mind Training

Mind Training Removing Obstacles

Mahayana Mind Training Eliminating Future Adversities

Atisa’s Seven-Point Mind Training

Mind Training in Single Session

Advice to Namdak Tsuknor

Glorious Virvapa’s Mind Training

Eight Verses on Mind Training

A Commentary on “Eight Verses on Mind Training”

The Story of the Repulsive Mendicant

A Commentary on “Leveling Out All Conceptions”

Mahayana Mind Training

Public Explication of Mind Training

Yangonpa’s Instruction on Training the Mind

Guide to the Heart of Dependant Origination

Supplement on the “Oral Tradition”

Root Lines of “Parting from the Four Clingings”

Parting from the Four Clingings

Unmistaken Instructions on “Parting from the Four Clingings”

An Instruction on “Parting from the Four Clingings”

A Key to the Profound Essential Points: A Meditation Guide to “Parting from the Four Clingings”

A Concise Guide to “Parting from the Four Clingings”

DHARMA READING Corner

THE GREAT TREATISE on the STAGES OF THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT by The Lamrin Chenmo Translation Committee

About this book – The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam rim Chen mo) is one of the brightest jewels in the world’s treasury of scared literature. The author, Tsong-kha-pa (1937-1419), completed this masterpiece in 1402 and it soon because one of the most renowned works of spiritual practice and philosophy in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsong-kha-pa took great pains to base his incisive insights on the classical Indian Buddhist literature, illustrating his point with classical citations as well as with sayings of the masters of the earlier Kadampa tradition. In this way the text demonstrates clearly how Tibetan Buddhism carefully preserved and developed the Indian Buddhist Tradition.

Tsong-kha-pa’s text has continued to be essential for any student of Buddhist thought who wants to put the teachings into practice. Because it condense all the exoteric sutra scriptures into a meditation manual that is easy to understand, scholars and practitioners have for centuries relied on its authoritative presentation as a gateway leading to full understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.

The Great Treatise is now translated in its entirety in three volumes, the heart of the Great Treatise, covers the spirit of enlightenment (bodhicitta; byang chub kyi sems) and the deeds of the bodhisattvas, the great beings whose deeds are motivated by this altruistic spirit.

Contents

Volume 1

Atisha

The Greatness of the Teachings

How to Listen to and Explain the Teachings

Relying on the Teacher

The Meditation Session

Refuting Misconceptions About Meditation

A Human Life of Leisure and Opportunity

The Three Types of Persons

Mindfulness of Death

Reflecting on Your Future Life

Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels

The Precepts of Refuge

The General Characteristics of Karma

The Varieties of Karma

Cultivating Ethical Behavior

The Attitude of a Person of Small Capacity

The Eight Types of Suffering

The Six Types of Suffering

Further Meditation on Suffering

The Origin of Suffering

The Twelve Factors of Dependent-Arising

The Attitude of a Person of Medium Capacity

Ascertaining the Nature of the Path Leading to Liberation

The Nature of the Three Trainings

Volume 2

The Stages of the Path for Persons of Great Capacity

Compassion, the Entrance to the Mahayana

The Seven Causes-and Effect Personal Instructions

Exchanging Self and Other

The Ritual for Adopting the Spirit of Enlightenment

Maintaining the Spirit of Enlightenment

An Introduction to the Six Perfections

Training in the Mahayana; Precepts and Perfections

The Perfection of Generosity

How to Give

The Perfection of Ethical Discipline

The Perfection of Patience

The Perfection of Joyous Perseverance

The Perfection of Meditative Stabilization and Wisdom

Helping Others to Mature: The Four Ways to Gather Disciples

Volume 3

Part One Meditative Serenity

Serenity and Insight

Preparing for Meditative Serenity

Focusing Your Mind

Dealing with Laxity and Excitement

Attaining Serenity

Serenity as Part of the Path

Part Two Insight

Why Insight Is Needed

Relying on Definitive Sources

The Stages of Entry into Reality

Misidentifying the Object to Be Negated

Dependent-Arising and Emptiness

Rational Analysis

Valid Establishment

Conventional Existence

Production Is Not Refuted

Not Negating Enough

The Actual Object to Be Negated

Misinterpretations of the Svatantrika/Prasangika Distinction

Refuting Misinterpretations of the Svatantrika/Prasangika Distinction

Our Interpretation of the Svatantrika/Prasangika Distinction

Our Critique of Svatantrika Does Not Hurt Our Own Argument

Analyzing a Chariot

The Person Lacks Intrinsic Nature

Objects Lack Intrinsic Nature

Insight Requires Analysis

Uniting Insight and Serenity

Summary and Conclusion

Note

This section is STRICTLY not for commercial purpose but for the purpose of sharing with students and friends of Geshe Tenzin Zopa worldwide.

Write up “About this book” and “Contents” extracted from the book itself.

Photography / Design by Belinda Chong

DHARMA READING Corner

Whatever dharma books we like to refer to should be from great enlighten beings and from my personal point of view, these books should be from proper unbroken lineage, unstained with broken samayas with the gurus, not too much exaggeration and not too much self comment, rather refer to the root enlightened great masters. This is because the purpose for us to read dharma books is for us to gain proper knowledge which is the unmistaken advice on the stages of the path such as in sutra and tantra. Even though we commemorate the hundreds and thousands of dharma books available for reference, in my opinion one should not refer based on one’s own assumption that it is easy and sounds supportive in one’s way of thinking, rather even though it looks very deep, profound and may face some difficulties in root text of enlightenment beings, there are greater benefits to explore the beneath and valid meaning of the teachings. So that is in general but in today’s language, the most relevant and most complete thing that relates to our lifestyle with deep and complete understanding on the whole stages of the path is to refer to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s books. Although there are many different writers and publishers out there, I will always recommend people His Holiness’s books as they are safe and easy to relate. His Holiness’s books are well polished from every expect in particularly his advise and teachings and one is able to apply into one’s daily practice without any doubt. His Holiness’s books are also available and easily found world wide with topics covering study on stages of the path such as renunciation, bodhicitta, emptiness, loving kindness compassion, six perfections, understanding one’s mind, various methods of meditation, samadhi (single pointed concentration), karma abiding, different methods on mind transformation, different stages on tantric meditation, ground and paths, four noble truths , life and rebirth, cause and effect, twelve dependent origination, heart sutra, etc.

I am happy to share with everyone some of my personal book collections and I will continue to do so from time to time. I am certain these books will be able to benefit everyone from all levels.

AN OPEN HEART by The Dalai Lama

About this book - Compassion – sympathy for the suffering of others and the desire to free from it – is wrested with in all spiritual traditions. Yet how does one actually become a compassionate person? What are the mechanisms by which a selfish heart is transformed into a generous heart? An Open Heart is a clear and simple introduction to the Buddhist path of enlightenment, by its greatest teacher, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Contents

The Desire For Happiness

Meditation, A Beginning

The Material and Immaterial World

Karma

The Afflictions

The Vast and the Profound: Two Aspects of the Path

Compassion

Meditation on emptiness

Cultivating Equanimity

Bodhicitta

Calm Abiding

The Nine Stages of Calm Abiding Meditation

Wisdom

Buddhahood

DHARMA READING Corner

A GUIDE TO THE BODDHISATTVA’S WAY OF LIFE by Shantideva

About this book – Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara (A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life) holds unique place in Mahayana Buddhism akin to that of the Dhammapada in Hinayana Buddhism and the Bhagavadgita in Hinduism. In combining those rare qualities of scholastic precision, spiritual depth and poetical beauty, its appeal extends to a wide audience of Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Composed in India during the 8^th century of the Christian era, it has since been an inspiration to millions of people throughout the world.

Contents

The benefits of the Awaking Mind

Disclosure of Wrongdoing

Full Acceptance of the Awakening Mind

Conscientiousness

Guarding Alertness

Patience

Enthusiasm

Meditation

Wisdom

Dedication

Generating Bodhicitta

DHARMA READING Corner

ESSENCE OF THE HEART SUTRA by The Dalai Lama

About this book - In Essesnce of the Heart Sutra, The Dalai Lama masterfully unpacks the Heart Sutra so that any reader can benefit from its teachings – teachings meant to help us release ourselves from suffering and live with true compassion. Comprised of his “Heart of Wisdom” talks, originally delivered to thousands of listeners in 2001, the book offers the Dalai Lama’s commentary as well as his easy-to-follow overview of Buddhist philosophy that places the sutra within its historical and philosophical content. With additional contributions by scholar and translator Thubten Jinpa, Essence of the Heart Sutra is the authoritative presentation of a text seminal to the world’s religious heritage.

Contents

The Quest for Inner Development

Religion in Today’s World

The Foundations of Buddhism

The Great Vehicle

Freedom from Suffering

The Opening

Entering the Bodhisattva Path

Selfness in Context

Interpreting Emptiness

Developing an Unmistaken View of Reality

Attaining the Result

Generating Bodhicitta

DHARMA READING Corner

THE HEART OF THE BUDDHA’S PATH by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

About this book – In The Heart of the Buddha’s Path the Dalai Lama describes in a clear and simple style how to bring wisdom and compassion into our daily lives. He explores the fundamentals of the Buddha’s teachings, from basic advice on how to deal with anger and other emotions to the importance of compassion.

Contents

Contentment, Joy and Living Well

Facing Death and Dying Well

Dealing with Anger and Emotion

Giving and Receiving: A Practical Way of Directing Love and Compassion

Interdependence, Inter-connectedness and the Nature of Reality

The Challenge for Humanity: An Interfaith Address

Questions and Answers on Various Problems of Modern Age

Note

This section is STRICTLY not for commercial purpose but for the purpose of sharing with students and friends of Geshe Tenzin Zopa worldwide.

Write up “About this book” and “Contents” extracted from the book itself.

Photography / Design by Belinda Chong