H.H. Dalai Lama: 3 Principal Aspects of the Path

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: Renunciation has two directions of looking. On the one hand, with such an attitude, we look down at the suffering of samsara, with no interest in it, and we feel disgust and the wish to be rid of it completely. On the other hand, we look up at liberation and wish to attain it.

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: Renunciation has two directions of looking. On the one hand, with such an attitude, we look down at the suffering of samsara, with no interest in it, and we feel disgust and the wish to be rid of it completely. On the other hand, we look up at liberation and wish to attain it.

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

Sua Santità il Dalai Lama: “Different factors are involved in the ability to recognize the dream as dream.”.

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 – H.H. Dalai Lama: The Thirty-Seven Practices of the Bodhisattva

His Holiness the Dalai Lama: It becomes clear to us that it is indispensable to take responsibilities for other sentient beings, and we must therefore reach buddhahood for their benefit and in order to acquire a full ability to help them effortlessly and spontaneously.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama: It becomes clear to us that it is indispensable to take responsibilities for other sentient beings, and we must therefore reach buddhahood for their benefit and in order to acquire a full ability to help them effortlessly and spontaneously.

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 »

His Holiness the Dalai Lama: The Birthright of All Beings

His Holiness the Dalai Lama: The Birthright of All Beings

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 »