The Gelug-Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra
Originally published as H. H. the Dalai Lama and Berzin, Alexander. The Gelug/Kagyü Tradition of Mahamudra. Ithaca, Snow Lion, 1997 Order this book directly from Snow Lion Publications Continue reading
The Gelug-Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra
Originally published as H. H. the Dalai Lama and Berzin, Alexander. The Gelug/Kagyü Tradition of Mahamudra. Ithaca, Snow Lion, 1997 Order this book directly from Snow Lion Publications Continue reading
Question Sessions with H. H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama Concerning the Kalachakra Initiation
Dharamsala, India, November 5, 1983; August 13, 1984; January 22, 1985; March 25, 1985; March 26, 1986 translated by Alexander Berzin Continue reading
His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: A Short Commentary on The Three Principal Aspects of the Path (Lam-gtso rnam-gsum) by Tsongkhapa (Tsong-kha-pa Blo-bzang grags-pa) 1983 translated and condensed by Alexander Berzin.
Introduction – As we are here in a special place, we must set a special motivation: the bodhichitta aim to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings. This needs to be completely sincere. Buddha himself attained his enlightenment by the power of his pure bodhichitta aim. All his qualities and attainments were dependent on that enlightening motive. To reach the same attainment, we need to pray to develop such a mind ourselves as much as possible and to have it ever increase.
These last days we have built up some positive force (merit) through these teachings. Let us now continue today with The Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Jey Tsongkhapa. The three refer to renunciation, bodhichitta, and a correct view of voidness.
Renunciation is based on the attitude with which we turn our minds completely away from all wishes for samsara, uncontrollably recurring existence.
Our attainment of liberation is dependent on having such a renunciation. Bodhichitta is the attitude or intention to attain enlightenment to benefit all limited beings (sentient beings). The correct view of voidness is realization of the actual abiding nature of reality.
Concerning the correct view or understanding of voidness, of reality, of non-inherent existence, if it is held by a mind of renunciation, it brings liberation. It brings liberation by eliminating the obscurations that prevent liberation, namely the disturbing emotions and attitudes, the mental factors Continue reading
H. H. the Dalai Lama: Dream Yoga
In order to train in the path that would allow us to transform death, the intermediate state, and rebirth, we have to practice on three occasions: during the waking state, during the sleeping state, and during the death process. This entails integrating the self with spiritual training. Now we have three sets of three:
1.Death, intermediate state, and rebirth.
2. Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya.
3. Sleeping, dreaming, and waking.
In order to achieve the ultimate states of Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya, one must become acquainted with the three stages of death, intermediate state, and rebirth. Continue reading
5 – The Thirty-Seven Practices of the Bodhisattvaby His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Bodhgaya 1974.
Lying refers to the very bad practice of completely deceiving others, cheating them. But if there is some special occasion when, say, life or the Dharma can be protected there is some excuse for not being fully open. Otherwise, we should always try to be truthful. Usually worldly people regard someone who tells lies as clever but this is a stupid form of cleverness. Continue reading
A message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Saka Dawa.
The Buddha Shakyamuni took birth as a prince of the Shakya clan in India. He achieved enlightenment at the age of thirty-six and entered Mahaparinirvana at the age of eighty-one. These three great events took place on the same day of the year, over 2500 years ago, which we celebrate at the season of Wesak. Continue reading