A Precious Treasury of Elegant Sayings – Treasury of Knowledge by Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen
Translated by Tarthang Tulku

Acquire knowledge though you may die next year.
Although in this life you may not become wise,
In your future birth, if take with you,
It will become a precious thing.

If you are a talented man,
Everyone gathers around you without being called.
A scented flower, though far distant,
Attracts a cloud of swarming bees.

A wise man, though possessed of immense perfections,
Will learn from others,
By such continual practice,
He will at last become omniscient.

If a wise man behaves prudently, Continue reading »

Sakya Pandita

The Questions of the Contemplative Nyimo Gomchen and
the Responses of Sakya Pandita

I reverently bow at the feet of the Holy Guru! The glorious Sakya Pandita wrote the following lines to Nyimo Gomchen, a contemplative filled with faith and spiritual aspiration, applying himself earnestly to his practice: In response to your questions:

What is the cause of renouncing this life?
It is the awareness that the cycle of existence is devoid of essence.
What is the contributing condition for such renunciation?
Seeing the faults of the cycle of existence.
What is the criterion of renunciation?
Mentally turning away from the Eight Mundane Concerns.
What is the sign of renunciation?
Not being affected by the Eight Mundane Concerns even though one encounters them.
What is the criterion for attaining Enlightenment in one life?
Liberating one’s body from aging and death and accomplishing the nature of the Four Bodies of a Buddha. Continue reading »