H.H.D.L. Teachings in Bodhgaya (2023)

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Wherever the Buddha’s teaching has not spread wherever it has spread but has declined may I, moved by great compassion, clearly elucidate this treasury of excellent benefit and happiness for all.

H.H. Dalai Lama

Bodhgaya, Bihar, India – During three days in Dec. 2023 C.E. His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave teachings at the Kalachakra Ground. Exerpts here follow:

Day 1

“Whatever kind of discourse is being given,” His Holiness began, addressing the crowd [gathered at Bodhgaya, Bihar, India], “it’s important that we first check our motivation. This applies to both the teacher and the taught. We should avoid the eight worldly concerns. The teacher should neither be selfish nor only in search of peace. Disciples should not be absorbed by the pleasures of this life. All should seek to benefit others.”

“We’ll recite the verse for taking refuge and cultivating the awakening mind of bodhichitta. The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are the objects of refuge and the reason we turn to them is to attain unsurpassable enlightenment in order to be able to lead all sentient beings to liberation.”

“Having met with the teaching of Buddha Shakyamuni, it’s good to recognize that whatever he taught was rooted in his own experience. He had overcome all mental afflictions and the obstructions to knowledge that are their residue. As is written in the ‘Sublime Continuum’ (Uttaratantra), all sentient beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood, but their minds are shrouded in defilements.”

“Since the defilements are not of the same nature as the mind, they can be eliminated and the intrinsic, luminous, clear light nature of the mind can be made manifest. This means that we can achieve the omniscient state that the Buddha has reached.”

“Defilements leave residual stains that function as obstructions to knowledge, but they too can be overcome. Because the nature of the mind is clear light, it is stainless by nature. It is by purifying our minds that we can achieve the same state as the Buddha. And it is possible to purify our minds because the various defilements are adventitious and temporary, while the intrinsic nature of the mind is clear and knowing. It is clear light.”

“From my own experience, having reflected long on the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the wisdom understanding emptiness —method and wisdom— I infer that mental defilements are only temporary. They do not obscure our minds forever. Although I have not developed single-pointed concentration, I think that of the five-fold path I can achieve the path of preparation.”

“The antidotes to our mental defilements and obstructions to knowledge are two— bodhichitta and an understanding of emptiness. If we develop these we can achieve Buddhahood as Shakyamuni has done. We can cultivate the courage and determination to do so because the basic nature of the Buddha’s mind and our minds is the same. The mind we have now will ultimately become the mind of a Buddha.”

“Today, the teaching is focussed on ‘In Praise of the Dharmdhatu’ by Nagarjuna. The text begins with homage to the dharmadhatu that is the Buddha nature that abides in every sentient being. But because they aren’t aware of it, they spin through the cycle of existence. However, when what gives rise to the cycle of existence is purified, it becomes nirvana and likewise, dharmakaya, the Truth Body of a Buddha. The empty nature of the Buddha’s mind and our minds is just the same. We can have confidence that because dharmadhatu is stainless, it is possible to attain the Dharmakaya.”

“We regard things as having independent existence, which is to cling to ignorance. We must recall instead that the nature of the mind is empty, and things are merely designated. As long as the clear light nature of the mind is shrouded in defilements, we remain sentient beings. When they are removed, we become enlightened.”

“We’ve gathered here in this sacred location where enlightenment took place,” His Holiness observed, “and we’ve gone through this text ‘In Praise of Dharmadhatu’. On my part, I do my best to cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta and an understanding of emptiness every day, not with a view to this life alone, but, as the famous verse says, ‘as long as space remains’. I urge you my Dharma friends to do the same as best you can.”

Day 2

“Today, in this very special place, Vajra-asana, the seat of enlightenment,” His Holiness observed, “people have gathered from many different countries and have the opportunity to make prayers. All sentient beings are the same in not wanting the slightest suffering, and, especially in the case of human beings, seeking joy.”

“As human beings we have the ability to look for reliable methods to overcome suffering and generate happiness. However, far too often, we look at things from a narrow point of view and only end up making ourselves unhappy. We lose our way in pursuit of short-term gratification.”

“No other creatures are quite like human beings, who, although intelligent, create suffering for themselves and others. We’ve seen the horrors of the first and second world wars and yet there are those who would have us prepare for the third. We pour energy and resources into constructing sophisticated weapons whose only purpose is destruction.”

“We need to be aware of the mistakes we have made and engage instead in practices that will create happiness and reduce suffering for everyone. We must work to avert war and forgo the use of weapons. We should no longer think in terms of complete victory for ourselves and the abject defeat of our adversaries. We must avoid thinking of our fellow human beings in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and seek to live in peace and harmony with each other.”

“The real root of happiness is having a compassionate mind. If we just let ourselves be flung here and there by anger and hatred, there’ll be no peace in the world. But if we cultivate a warm-hearted attitude towards others there will be hope.”

“We had no weapons in our hands when we were born. Indeed, at that time we were nurtured by our mother’s love and affection. We would do well to keep this experience alive as we grow up.”

“It’s both sad and unfortunate that so many people seem set on killing each other. How much better it would be if they focussed instead on creating a loving atmosphere around them. Because we want to be happy and not to suffer, we should work to cultivate ‘karuna’, compassion, within. Then we’ll contribute to peace in the world. If we have love and compassion in our hearts, we’ll be on good terms with those around us. We have a responsibility to create peace in the world. This means doing our best to build peace within and without.”

“Today,” His Holiness announced, “we’ll cultivate the all-encompassing yoga mind. Most of us here are Buddhists, who pray to reach Buddhahood. The first syllable of the Tibetan word for Buddha—Sang—indicates that he has overcome all defilements. The second syllable—gyé—refers to his having acquired all qualities. So, our goal is to reduce the defilements in our minds and acquire all good qualities, thinking not only of ourselves, but of all sentient beings. The more we focus on the welfare of others, the more positive qualities we accrue.”

When it came to cultivating the all-encompassing yoga mind His Holiness advised his listeners to focus on the thought of bringing benefit to all sentient beings, infinite as the expanse of space, aspiring to lead them all to the state of Buddhahood. This amounts to generating conventional bodhichitta. His Holiness prompted the disciples to visualize this mind transforming into a moon disk at their hearts.

Next, His Holiness reminded them that although things appear to exist independently and objectively, they are actually dependent on other factors and exist as merely designated. He added that we too are all dependently arisen and have no objective status. Even the Buddha only exists in terms of designation.

His Holiness advised his listeners to imagine this thought of ultimate bodhichitta, the insight that all phenomena lack of inherent existence, arising in the form of a white, five-spoked vajra standing upright on the moon disk they had already imagined at their hearts. He asked them to repeat: Om sarva yogacitta utpatayami Then, to stabilize their minds and make the mind of all-encompassing yoga firm he asked them to recite: Om surate samaya satvam ho siddhi vajra yatha sukham.

“What I’ve learned about these two practices I’ve reflected and meditated on over many years. And I’ve seen the impact they have had on my mind. If you also cultivate these practices well, you’ll be able to embark on the path to enlightenment in this life.

“It’s because I recall emptiness and cultivate the awakening mind of bodhichitta from the moment I wake every morning that I am relaxed and at ease. Please keep this in mind. That’s all.

Tashi delek.”

Day 3

“The Buddha, like a majestic mountain possessed of all qualities, became a Buddha as a result of accumulating merit and wisdom for three countless aeons. He attained Buddhahood beneath the Bodhi Tree near here. He was a teacher who revealed the truth and the path to it as they are.

“When we say I take refuge in the Buddha, we acknowledge the possibility of overcoming all defilements—attaining their true cessation. When the Buddha told us, ‘You are your own master’, he meant that we must practice. His powerful statement tells us that the future is in our hands. It’s not that anyone else can or should practice on our behalf. We spin through the cycle of existence because our minds are unruly. There are antidotes to suffering and its causes. By applying them we can actualize a purified mind, and that’s something to be proud of.

“As soon as I wake in the morning, I recite the verse for taking refuge and generating the awakening mind, which gives me strength to work for others. So, just as I make the cultivation of bodhichitta my main practice, you, my Dharma brothers and sisters should do so too. It will bring you peace of mind and physical well-being. This is what I say:

Having generated the spirit of supreme enlightenment
I invite all sentient beings as my guests to this feast of temporary help and the ultimate goal of enlightenment.
I will engage in the supreme and wonderful conduct of a bodhisattva,
May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all living beings.

“I urge all of you to cultivate a wish to benefit others as well. However many years I have left, I dedicate myself to extending my awakening mind.”

The Dalai Lama noted that in Buddhist practice it’s important to be able to use intelligence to develop wisdom. This is so necessary when it comes to overcoming mental afflictions and their imprints that function as obstructions to knowledge. He quoted lines from the prayer Jé Tsongkhapa wrote at the end of his ‘Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment’.

Wherever the Buddha’s teaching has not spread
And wherever it has spread but has declined
May I, moved by great compassion, clearly elucidate
This treasury of excellent benefit and happiness for all.

Having given permissions related to the body, speech and mind of Manjushri, His Holiness led the congregation in reciting Om ara patsa na dhih together, followed by an exhilarating repetition of the syllable dhih.

Next, His Holiness gave the reading transmission of a prayer to The Eight Medicine Buddhas that he composed.

A thanksgiving mandala was offered and the occasion was concluded with the stirring chorus of hundreds of monks’ voices in sonorous tones chanting the Dedication Prayer from the end of ‘Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment’.

Source:

https://www.dalailama.com/news/2023/teachings-in-bodhgaya-first-day
https://www.dalailama.com/news/2023/teachings-in-bodhgaya-second-day
https://www.dalailama.com/news/2023/teachings-in-bodhgaya-third-day

The Benefits Of Liberation

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Liberation is to find freedom from the ocean of suffering, samsāra.

Causes leading to liberation

The result: The three levels of enlightenment

… are that of a śrāvaka, a pratyekabuddha, or perfect Buddhahood, which result in peaceful freedom from the dangerous pathways of samsaric suffering. 

Taking up the Mahāyāna path …

  • The ten positive actions
  • The four boundless qualities
  • The six transcendental perfections
  • The four concentrations
  • The four formless states
  • Sustained calm and profound insight

… should be done with perfect Buddhahood as sole aim, with the three supreme methods:

  • Giving rise to Bodhicitta
  • Remaining free from conceptualization in meditation
  • Closing with prayer and dedication.

Freedoms and Advantages

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From “Words Of My Perfect Teacher” ( A guide to the preliminaries for the “Heart-essence of the Vast Expanse” from the Great Perfection)
By: Patrul Rinpoche
Chapter 1 “The difficulty of finding the freedoms and advantages” herein outlined

I. The proper way to listen to spiritual teaching

The proper way to listen to spiritual teachings has two aspects: right attitude and right conduct.

1. Attitude

Right attitude combines…

(1.1) the vast attitude of the mind of enlightenment, bodhichitta,

While doing what is positive, whether of major or minor importance, apply the three supreme methods. Arouse skillful means of bodhichitta to ensure accumulation of positive merit, avoid conceptualization so merit is not destroyed by circumstance, seal action by dedicating accumulated merit.

(1.2) the vast skill in means of Secret Mantrayāna.

“The teacher is the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha. The teacher is the one who accomplishes everything. The teacher is Glorious Vajradhara.”

“All beings are Buddhas, but this is concealed by adventitious stains. When their stains are purified their Buddhahood is revealed.”

2. Conduct

Right conduct is described in terms of what to avoid and what to do.

2.1 What to avoid

2.1.1 The three defects of the pot: listening but distracted (pot that leaks), listening without remembering (pot upside down), listening with wrong attitude (pot tainted) 

2.1.2 The six stains: pride, lack of faith and effort, outward distraction, inward tension,  discouragement

2.1.3 The five wrong ways of remembering: remembering the words but forgetting the meaning, remembering the meaning but forgetting the words, remembering but not understanding, remembering out of order, remembering incorrectly

2.2 What to do

2.2.1 The Four Metaphors: Think of yourself as someone who is sick, the Dharma as the remedy, of your spiritual friend as a skillful doctor, and as diligent practice as the way to recovery

2.2.2 The six transcendental perfections, the application of: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, wisdom

2.2.3 Other modes of conduct: all forms of disrespectful behavior should be avoided

II. An Explanation of how difficult it is to find the freedoms and advantages

The main subject of the chapter, explained in four sections

1. Reflect(ing) on the nature of freedom

In general, here, “freedom” means to have the opportunity to practice Dharma, not born in one of the eight states without that opportunity: 

“Being born in the hells, in the preta realm, as an animal, a long-lived god or barbarian, having wrong views, being born when there is no Buddha, or being born deaf and mute; these are the eight states without freedom .”

2. Reflect(ing) on the particular advantages related to Dharma

2.1 The five individual advantages

Reflect on the particular advantages of Dharma.

As Nārgājuna explains them, “Born a human, in a central place, with all one’s faculties, without conflicting lifestyle and with faith in the Dharma”

2.2 The five circumstantial advantages

“A Buddha has appeared and has preached the Dharma, His teachings still exist and can be followed, There are those who are kind-hearted towards others.”

2.3 The eight intrusive circumstances that leave no freedom to practice

2.4 The eight incompatible propensities that leave no freedom to practice.

3. Reflect(ing) on images that show how difficult it is to find the freedoms and advantages

”The Buddha declared that like a blind sea turtle that once every one- hundred years surfaces can perchance  place its head within a yoke adrift upon a shoreless sea, this human birth is more difficult to obtain.”

4. Reflect(ing) on numerical comparisons

Human life is called a “precious human life” only when it is complete with all aspects of the freedoms and advantages. These freedoms and advantages do not come by chance or coincidence. They are the result of an accumulation of merit and wisdom. This present life is the turning-point at which you can choose between lasting good or lasting evil. If you do not make use of it right now to seize the citadel of the absolute nature within this lifetime… it will be hard to obtain such freedom again.

Although I have won these freedoms, I am poor in Dharma, which is their essence.

Although I have entered the Dharma, I waste time doing other things.

Bless me and foolish beings like me
That we may attain the very essence of the freedoms and advantages.”

The Gospel In Brief

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logos Greek “word, speech, statement, discourse,”

“In the beginning was the Word (logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” –John 1:1

“The Gospel In Brief: The Life of Jesus” by Leo Tolstoy, a fusion of the four Gospels into one, according to the real sense of the teaching.”

Herein an outline thereof and synthesis of teaching therein.

Outline Thereof

Introduction: Knowledge of Life
1. The Son of God
2. God is Spirit
3. The Source of Knowledge
4. The Kingdom of God
5. True Life
6. False Life
7. The Father and I are One
8. Life Outside of Time
9. Temptations
10. The Struggle with Temptations
11. The Farewell Conversation
12. The Spirits Victory over the Flesh
Conclusion: The First Epistle of John the Evangelist

Synthesis Therein

Division of the teaching in the Gospel into the above twelve chapters (or six, since each pair of the twelve may be taken as one):

Jesus Christ’s proclamation replaced faith in an external God with a knowledge of [true] life:

  1. Man, the son of God [infinite source], is powerless in the flesh and free in the spirit,
  2. And therefore man should work not for the flesh, but for the spirit.
  3. Every person’s life sprang from the spirit of the father [and is of divine source],
  4. And therefore the will of the father [truth] is life [of reason] and goodness for all people.
  5. The satisfaction of personal will [is not necessary for true life and] leads to death, the satisfaction of the father’s will favors true life,
  6. And therefore, in order to receive true life, Man must renounce the false mortal life on earth and live by the spirit.
  7. The true food of everlasting life is the fulfillment of the father’s will and communion with him [mortal life is food for true life],
  8. And therefore only life in the present is true life [outside of time].
  9. The illusions of temporal life conceal from people the true life of the present,
  10. And therefore, in order to not fall into temptation, one should be united with the father every hour of one’s life [and strive to destroy the deception of the temporal life of past and future].
  11. Individual life is a delusion of the flesh. True life is [life outside the individual,] a common life for all people [and is expressed in love],
  12. And therefore, there can be no ill for the man within the father’s will, who lives in common with others and not his own individual life. The death of the flesh is unification with the father.

The Lord’s Prayer:

As Christ’s whole teaching, stated in most concise form,

Our FatherMan is the son of the Father
Which art in heavenGod is the infinite spiritual source of life
Hallowed be Thy nameMay the Source of Life be held holy
Thy kingdom comeMay His power be established over all men
Thy will be done, as in heavenMay His will be fulfilled, as it is in Himself
So also on earthSo also in the bodily life
Give us our daily breadThe temporal life is the food of the true life
This dayThe true life is in the present
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtorsMay the faults and errors of the past not hide this true life from us
And lead us not into temptationAnd may they not lead us into delusion
But deliver us from evilSo that no evil may come to us
For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the gloryAnd there shall be order, and strength, and reason

Select etymology:

spirit  Middle English “life, the animating or vital principle in man and animals,” from
esperit  Old French “spirit, soul” from
spīritus Latin, original meaning “breath, breathing” and hence “spirit, soul, courage, vigor,” “a breathing (of respiration, also of the wind), breath;” also “breath of a god,” hence “inspiration; breath of life,” hence life itself  from
*(s)peis Porto-Indo-European (PIE) root “to blow”

Compare with:
Lung (Tibetan: རླུང rlung) “wind or breath” and a key concept in the Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a concept that is particularly important to understandings of the subtle body and the trikaya (body, speech and mind).

The distinction between “soul” (that which gives life to body) and “spirit” (that which transcends the body) mirrors that between “psykhē” and “pneuma” in Classical Greek:
psykhē  “cold air”, hence “breath of life” and “soul” from PIE root *bhes- “to breathe”
pneuma “breath, motile air, spirit” from verb pnéō  “to breathe”.

God  Old English “supreme being, deity” from
*guthan Proto-Germanic (source also of Old Saxon, Old Frisian, Dutch god, Old High German got, German Gott, Old Norse guð, Gothic guþ) of uncertain origin; perhaps from
*ghut- PIE “that which is invoked” (source also of Old Church Slavonic zovo “to call,” Sanskrit huta-“invoked,” an epithet of Indra), from
*gheu(e)- PIE “root “to call, invoke”

Word Old English “speech, talk, utterance, sentence, statement, news, report, word,” from
*wurda- Proto-Germanic  (source also of Old Saxon, Old Frisian word, Dutch woord, Old High German, German wort, Old Norse orð, Gothic waurd), from
*were- PIE “speak, say”

Logosthe divine Word, second person of the Christian Trinity,” from
logos Greek “word, speech, statement, discourse,” also “a computation, account,” also “reason, judgment, understanding,” from
*log-o- PIE suffixed form of root *leg- “to collect, gather,” with derivatives meaning “to speak,” on notion of “to pick out words”

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

A Bodhisattava’s Guide to Wisdom

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From “Bodhisattvacharyavatara” (A Guide to the Boddhisattava’s Way of Life)
By: Shantideva
Chapter 9 “Wisdom” herein outlined per Library of Tibetan Works and Archives publication, 1979

“All of these practices were thought
By the Mighty One for the sake of wisdom
Therefore, those who wish to pacify suffering
Should generate this wisdom”

I. Recognition Of The Nature Of Wisdom

A. Ascertaining The Two Truths

  1. Refuting objections concerning deceptive truths
  2. Refuting objections of the Chittamatrins (Mind-Only School) concerning ultimate truth

B. Establishing As The Path The Knowledge That Deceptive Truths Are Like Illusions

C. Establishing As The Path The Knowledge That Ultimate Truths Are Emptiness

II. Introducing The Object Of Meditation: Identfitylessness

A. The Identfitylessness Of The Person

  1. A general refutation of personal identity
  2. A refutation of the self postulated by the Samkhya School
  3. A refutation of the self postulated by the Naiyayila School
  4. Rejection of arguments concerning Identfitylessness

B. The Identfitylessness Of Phenomena

  1. Close placement of mindfulness on the body
  2. Close placement of mindfulness on feelings
  3. Close placement of mindfulness on the mind
  4. Close placement of mindfulness on phenomena
  5. Rejection of arguments

III. Negating The Conception To Be Eliminated: The Apprehension Of True Existence

A. Refuting The True Existence Of Subject And Object

B. Establishing Emptiness Of True Existence From The Viewpoint Of The Cause

  1. Refuting production from no cause
  2. Refuting production from a permanent cause
  3. Summary
  4. Establishing that phenomena conventionally arise from causes

C. Establishing Emptiness Of True Existence From The Point Of View Of The Effect

IV. The Results Of Wisdom

Foundation and Framework

The Four Noble Truths, in twelve points, as foundation and framework of refuge (and practice):

1) This is suffering (to be understood) 

  • Of suffering there are three kinds: direct suffering (pain, hardship and the like); suffering of change (the transient nature of pleasurable sensations); pervasive suffering of conditioning
  • That which is conditioned is that which is dependently arisen
  • Thus, all conditioned things are impermanent, all conditioned things are cause for suffering (subject to origination, subject to cessation)

2) This is the origin to suffering (to be abandoned) 

  • Ignorance of the twelve links of dependent origination
  • This leads to grasping to that conditioned, sourced from disillusionment, aversion, and attachment
  • From which emerge the five mental factors that hinder progress in meditation: sensuous desire; ill will; sloth and torpor; restlessness and scruples; skeptical doubt

3) This is the end to suffering (to be fully realized) 

  • Wisdom from arousing an awakening mind in renunciation
  • The realization that self and phenomena are of dependent origination and thus empty of intrinsic existence.
  • That is awareness of emptiness, true nature of reality, Peaceful Nirvana. 

4) This is the way to the end of suffering (to be fully developed)

  • Method or means (practice in Mindful Compassion)
  • That is, the way of the Eightfold Path (accumulation of morality, concentration and wisdom)
  • With aspects of renunciation  (non-attachment), compassionate awaking mind, and awareness in calm abiding.

A Bodhisattava’s Guide to Mediation

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From “Bodhisattvacharyavatara” (A Guide to the Boddhisattava’s Way of Life)
By: Shantideva
Chapter 8 “Meditation” herein abridged with editorial subheadings.

H.H The Dalai Lama, “To strengthen our practice, it is necessary to develop one-pointed concentration of the mind…. Lack of concentration prevents us from keeping our minds focused on the object of meditation… In brief, meditation is a way for training and transforming the mind.”

Calm abiding

1: I should place my mind in concentration:
For the person who’s mind is distracted
Dwells between fangs of disturbing conceptions.

2,3: Through solitude of body and mind
No distractions will occur:
I should forsake the worldly life,
And completely discard distorted conceptions.
I should entirely forsake attachments and cravings
For this is the way of the wise.

4: Having understood that disturbing conceptions are completely overcome
By superior insight endowed with calm abiding,
First of all, I should search for calm abiding,
This is achieved through the genuine joy of those unattached to worldly life.

82,83: The objects of desire will certainly perish,
[Wherein enlightenment]  is attained
With just one millionth of the difficulty
Involved in continually exhausting myself
For the sake of what is not great.

85: Having in this way developed disillusionment with desire,
Generate joy for solitude.
Devoid of disputes and disturbing conceptions.

87: Having abandoned the pain of clinging and guarding (possessions)
Abide, independent, free of care.

Equanimity (Awaking Mind)

89: Having in such ways as these
Thought about the excellence of solitude,
Completely pacify distorted conceptions
And meditate on the Awaking Mind.

90: Make an effort
To mediate upon the equality between self and others.
Intent on protecting all beings
As all are equal in (wanting) pleasure and (not wanting) pain.

110: Just as one protects themself
From unpleasant things however small,
In the same way act toward others
With a compassionate and caring mind.

120:  Thus whoever wishes to quickly afford protection
To both self and other beings
Should practice the holy secret:
The exchanging of self for others.

129:  Whatever joy there is in this world
All comes from desiring others to be happy,
And whatever suffering there is in the world
All come from selfish desires.

165: In brief, for the sake of all living creatures,
May all harms
I have selfishly caused to others
Descend upon myself.

Renunciation

178:  In the end this body will turn to dust;
Why do I grasp this unbearable
And unclean form as “I”?

184: Therefore, in order to benefit all beings
I shall give up this body without any attachment.
Although it may have many faults,
I should look after it while experiencing (the results of my previous) actions.

186: Just like the compassionate Children of the Conqueror,
I shall patiently accept what I must do;
For if I do not make a constant effort day and night,
When will misery ever come to an end?

187: Therefore, in order to dispel the obstructions,
I shall withdraw my mind from mistaken ways
And constantly place it in equipoise
Upon the perfect object.

HUM

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HÜM

A Tibetan syllable that symbolizes the nature, attributes, and power of Buddha-mind.

The five parts of the syllable represent the five Transcendent Awarenesses of Buddha-mind:

  1. awareness of all-perfected emptiness
  2. mirror-like awareness
  3. awareness of spontaneously arisen compassion
  4. finely distinguishing, astute awareness 
  5. awareness of equanimity

The Ornament of Clear Realization (outlined)

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The Ornament of Clear Realization
Skt. Abhisamayalankara-prajnaparmita-upadesha-shastra

A commentary (shastra) on the Prajnaparmita Sutras of the Maitreya Buddha by Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa. 

[Herein] a Summary of the Topics with Their Tibetan Names

Topics: I-III concern Wisdom; IV-VII concern Method; VIII concerns Attainment. 

  1. I. The Knowledge of All Phenomena rnam pa tham cad mkhyen pa  
    1. A. Bodhicitta sems bskyed [1st condition]
      1. 1. Its Characteristics mtshan-nyid
      2. 2. Its Categories dbye ba
    2. B. Practice instructions gdams ngag [2nd condition]
      1. 1. Practice sgrub pa
      2. 2. The truths bdan pa rnams
      3. 3. The three jewels dkon mchog gsum
        The Three Types of Diligence brston ‘ grus ram pa gsum
      4. 4. Overcoming harmful activities ma zhen pa
      5. 5. Overcoming spiritual fatigue yongs su mi ngal ba
      6. 6. Overcoming faintheartedness lam yongs su ‘ dzin pa
      7. 7. The five kinds of visions spyan Inga
      8. 8. The six clear cognitions mngon shes drug
      9. 9. The path of insight mthong lam
      10. 10. The path of cultivation som lam
    3. C. The four stages of separation [3rd condition] (Path of Junction) nges ‘byed yan lag rnam pa bzhi
      1. 1. Warming drod
      2. 2. Peak rtse mo
      3. 3. Forbearance bod pa
      4. 4. Highest worldly dharma ‘jig rten chos mchog
    4. D. Buddha-nature, the basis for our practice [4 condition] sgrub pati rten rang bzhin gnas rigs
      1. 1-6. The six dharmas of realization rtogs pati chos drug
      2. 7. Achieving remedies gnyen po’i sgrub pa
      3. 8. Achieving abandoning spong ba’ isgrub pa
      4. 9. Achieving completions of two bde sdug yongs su gtugs pa’ i sgrub pa
      5. 10. Achieving wisdom with compassion shes rab snying rtser beas pa’ i sgrub pa
      6. 11. Achieving extraordinary disciples slob ma thun mong min pa’ i sgrub pa
      7. 12. Gradually achieving benefit of others gzhan don du rim pa byed pa’i sgrub pa
      8. 13. Achieving jnana without effort ve shes rtsol ba mi mngat bar ‘jug pati sgrub pa
    5. E. The Objects of Focus dmigs pa [5th condition]
      1. 1. Virtue dge ba
      2. 2. Non-virtue mi dge ba
      3. 3. Neutral actions lung ma bstan
      4. 4. Worldly understanding ‘jig rten pa’ i rtogs pa
      5. 5. Transcendental understanding jigs rten las ‘ das pa’ i riogs pa
      6. 6. Tainted phenomena zag beas kyi chos
      7. 7. Untainted phenomena zag pa med pa’ i chos
      8. 8. Created phenomena ‘ dus byas kyi chos
      9. 9. Uncreated phenomena ‘ dus ma byas kyi chos
      10. 10. Ordinary phenomena thun mong ba’ i chos
      11. 11. Uncommon phenomena thun mong ma yin pa’ i chos
    6. F. The Purpose ched du bya ba [6th condition]
      1. 1. Great mind sems chen po
      2. 2. Great abandoning spong ba chen po
      3. 3. Great realization rtogs pa chen po
    7. G. Armor-like Practice go cha’i serub pa [7th condition]
      1. 1. Generosity sbyin pa
      2. 2. Discipline tshul khrims
      3. 3. Patience brod pa
      4. 4. Diligence brtson ‘gurs
      5. 5. Meditation bsam gtan
      6. 6. Wisdom shes rab
    8. H. Applied Practice ‘jug pa’ i sgrub pa [8th condition]
      1. 1. Formless meditations bsam gtan gzugs med
      2. 2. Six Paramitas phar phyin drug
      3. 3. Paths Lam
      4. 4. Four limitless meditations tshad med bzhi
      5. 5. Having no object dmigs pa med pa dang Idan pa
      6. 6. Purity of the three circles ‘klor gsum
      7. 7. Purposefulness ched du bya ba
      8. 8. Six clear cognitions
      9. 9. Knowledge of all phenomena rnam pa thams cad mkhyen pa
  2. I. The Practice of Accumulation ishogs kyi sgrub pa [9th condition]
    1. 1. Great compassion snying rje chen po
    2. 2. Giving sbyin pa
    3. 3. Discipline tshul khrims
    4. 4. Patience bod pa
    5. 5. Diligence brtson ‘grus
    6. 6. Meditation bsam gtan
    7. 7. Wisdom shes rab
    8. 8. Tranquillity zhi gnas
    9. 9. Insight lhag mthong
    10. 10. The path of combining the two zung du ‘brel ba’ i lam
    11. 11. Skillful means thabs mkhas
    12. 12. Jnana ve shes
    13. 13. Merit bsod nams
    14. 14 Paths lam
    15. 15. Dharani gzungs
    16. 16. Bodhisattva levels sa
    17. 17. Remedies gnyen po
  3. J. The Practice of Certain Release nges par ‘byung ba [10th condition]
    1. 1. Purposefulness ched du bya ba
    2. 2. Sameness mnyam pa nyid
    3. 3. Accomplishing the benefit of beings sems can don sgrub
    4. 4. Effortless, spontaneous accomplishment bad med lhun gyis grub pa
    5. 5. Transcending eternalishm and annihilism rtag chad kyi mtha’ las ‘ das pa
    6. 6. Achieving meaning of the three vehicles theg pa gsum gyi don thob pa
    7. 7. Knowledge of all phenomena rnam pa thams cad mkhyen pa
    8. 8. Being in possession of the paths lam gyi yul can
  • II. Knowledge of the Path lam shes pa
    1. A. The Foundation of the Path lam gyi rten
      1. 1. Removing pride mog mog par byed pa
      2. 2. Certainty of the Object vul nges pa
      3. 3. Encompassing skyob pa
      4. 4. Nature rang bzhin
      5. 5. The functions (of the preceding) de yi las
    2. B. Knowledge of the shravaka path nyan thos kyi lam shes pa
    3. C. Knowledge of the pratyekauddha path bse rlu rang sangs rgyas kyi lam shes
    4. D. The path of insight of the Mahayana the chen mthong lam
    5. E. Functions of the Mahayana path of cultivation theg chen gyi sgom lam gyi byed pa
      1. 1. Complete pacification Ihun nas zhi’ ba
      2. 2. Respect for all beings skye bo thams cad la ‘ dud pa
      3. 3. Victory over the defilements nyon mongs pati gyul las rgyal ba
      4. 4. Not being subdued by negative influences god pas brazi ba med pa
    6. F. Aspiration of the Mahayana path of cultivation theg chen gyi mos pa sgom lam
      1. 1. One’s own benefit rang don
      2. 2. The benefit of others gnyis don
      3. 3. The benefit of others gzhan don
    7. G. Three kinds praise on path of cultivation bstod bkur bsngags gsum gyi gsom lam
    8. H. Dedication on the path of cultivation bsngo ba sgom lam
      1. 1. Special dedication bsngo ba khyad par can
      2. 2. Endowed with the non-objectifying aspect mi dmigs pa’i rnam pa can
      3. 3. Having the unerring characteristic bro phyin ci ma log pa ‘i mtshan nyid can
      4. 4. Isolated dben pa
      5. 5. Being mindful of nature of budddhas sang rgyas kyi rang bhin dran pa
      6. 6. Accompanied by skillful means thabs mkhas dang bas pa
      7. 7. No characteristics mtshan ma med pa
      8. 8. Pleasing to the buddhas sangs rgyas kyi rjes su yi rang ba
      9. 9. Not belonging to the three realms khams gsum du ma giogs pa
      10. 10-12. Lesser, middle, great dedication bsngo ba chung ‘bring che gsum
    9. I. Rejoicing on the path of cultivation rjes su yi rang ba’i sgom lam
    10. J. The achievement on the path of cultivation grub pa sgom lam
    11. K. The purification on the path of cultivation ram dag sgom lam
      1. 1. Causes rgyu
        1. a. Conducive causes skye ba’i rgyu
        2. b. Obstructing causes mi skye ba’i rgyu
      2. 2. Purification itself rnam dag angos
  • III. Knowledge of the Foundation gzhi shes pa
    1. A. Not remaining in samsara because of wisdom shes rab gyis srid pa la mi gnas pa
    2. B. Not remaining in peace because of compassion snying rjes zhi ba la mi gnas pa
    3. C. Remotness because of not being the skillful means thabs ma yin pas ring ba
    4. D. Not being remote because of being the skillful means thabs kyis ring ba ma yin nyid
    5. E. Unfavorable things mi mthun phyogs
    6. F. Remedying forces gnyen po’i phyogs
    7. G. Application sbyor ba
      1. 1. The basis of characteristics form and so on khyad gzhi gzugs sogs
      2. 2. The characteristics such as impermanence khvad chos mi rtag sogs
      3. 3. Whether it is the support of qualities on tan gyi rten. du mardzogs pa dang rab tu rdzogs pa
      4. 4. All one does spyod pa
    8. H. The equality of this de yi mnyam nyid
    9. I. The path of insight of hearers and so on nan thos la sogs mthong bati lam
      1. 1. The truth of suffering sdug bsngal gyi bden pa
        1. a. Impermanence mi rtag pa
        2. b. Suffering sdug bsngal ba
        3. c. Emptiness rang bzhin stong pa
        4. d. Selflessness bdag med pa
      2. 2. The truth of origination kun ‘byung gi bden pa
        1. a. Cause rgyu
        2. b. The origin of all kun’byung
        3. c. Thorough development rab rgyas
        4. d. Condition rkyen
      3. 3. The truth of cessation ‘gog pa’i bden pa
        1. a. Cessation ‘gog pa
        2. b. Peace zhi ba
        3. c. Excellence gya nom
        4. d. Definite emergence nges ‘byung
      4. 4. The truth of the path Lam gyi bden pa
        1. a. The path lam
        2. b. Intelligence rig pa
        3. c. Accomplishment sgrub pa
        4. d. Definitive emergence nges ‘byin
  • IV. The Application of Realization of All Aspects
    1. A. Aspects rnam pa
    2. B. Application of practice sbyor ba
      1. 1. The practitioner sbyor ba po’i gang zag
        1. a. Vessel for hearing nyan pa’ snod
        2. b. Vessel for adoption len pa ‘i snod
        3. c. Vessel for integration ‘dzin pa’i snod
      2. 2. The actual practice sbyor ba dngos
    3. C. The qualities yon tan
    4. D. The faults skyon
    5. E. The characteristics of Prajnaparamita mtshan nyid
      1. 1. Nature ngo bo nyid
      2. 2. Superiority khyad par
      3. 3. Knowledge shes pa
      4. 4. Function byed las
    6. F. In agreement with liberation thar pa cha mthun
      1. 1. Essence ngo bo
      2. 2. Qualities needed dgos pa’i yon tan
        1. a. Faith dad pa
        2. b. Diligence brtson ‘grus
        3. c. The very best attitude bsam pa phun sum tshogs pa
        4. d. Nonconceptual samadhi rnam par mi rtog pa’i ting nge tdzin
        5. e. Wisdom which knows the nature of everything chos rams rnam pa thams cad du shes pa’i shes rab
    7. G. In agreement with definite emerging nges ‘byed cha mthun
      1. 1. Equality in a loving attitude byams sems la mnyam pa
      2. 2. Equality in wishing to benefit phan sems la mnyam pa
      3. 3. Equality of mind in having no hatred khong khro ba med pa’i sems la mnyam pa
      4. 4. Equality in doing no harm rnam par ‘the ba med pa’i mnyam pa
      5. 5. Equality in no harsh speech tshig rtsub mi smra ba’i mnyam pa
      6. 6. Regarding beings as fathers and mothers pha dang ma’i sems
      7. 7. Regarding beings as brothers and sisters spun dang srin mo’i sems
      8. 8. Regarding beings as sons and daughters bu dang bu mo ‘i sems
      9. 9. Regarding beings as relatives and friends bshes dang grogs kyi sems
      10. 10. Regarding beings as kin gnyen dang snag gi sems
    8. H. Irreversible paths phyir mi ldog pa ‘i lam
    9. I. The Application of equality of existence and peace srid zhi mnyam nyid kyi sbyor ba
    10. J. The application of purifying zhing dag sbyor ba
    11. K. The application of skillful means thabs mkhas sbvor ba
  • V. Application when reaching the peak rtse mor phyin pa’ i sbyor ba
    1. A. The application of the signs of the peak rtse mo’ i sbyor ba’ i rtags
    2. B. Increase in merit bod nams ram par phel ba
    3. C. Stability brtan pa
    4. D. Perfect abiding of mind sems kun tu gnas pa
    5. E. The application of the peak of the path of insight mthong lam rtse sbyor
      1. 1. That to be removed spang bya
        1. a. Concept of object bung ba’ i rnam par rtog pa
        2. b. Concept of a perceiver ‘din pa’ i rnam par rtog pa
      2. 2. Application of the summit of path of insight mthong lam rtse sbyor dngos
    6. F. The application of the summit of the path of cultivation gsom lam rtse sbyor
    7. G. The application of peak of absence of obstacles bar chad med pa’ i rtse sbyor
    8. H. Mistaken concepts which are removed bsal bya log rtog
  • VI. Gradual Application of the Bodhisattva Path mthar gyis pa’¡ sbyor ba
    1. A-F. The six paramitas phar phyin drug
    2. G. The recollection of the Buddha sangs rgyas rjes su dran pa
    3. H. The recollection of the dharma chos rjes su dran pa
    4. I. The recollection of the sangha dge” dun rjes su dran pa
    5. J. The recollection of the right conduct tshul khrims rjes su dran pa
    6. K. The recollection of giving gtong ba rjes su dran pa
    7. L. The recollection of the divine state lha rjes su dran pa
    8. M. The true nature of phenomena chos thams cad kyi gnas lugs
  • VII. Instantaneous Application skad cig mati sbyor ba
    1. A. Showing the accumulation of merit bsod nams kyi tshogs bstan pa
    2. B. Showing the accumulation of wisdom ve shes kyi tshogs bstan pa
    3. C. Showing the simultaneity of the two accumulations tshogs gnyis zung ‘jug tu bstan pa
    4. D. Showing the simultaneity of how things are and how they appear gnas tshul dang snang tshul zung ‘jug tu bstan pa
  • VIII. The dharmakaya chos sku
    1. A. Svabhavikakaya ngo bo nyid sku
    2. B. Janadharmakaya ve shes chos sku
    3. C. Sambhogakaya longs spyod rdzogs pa’i sku
        Possessing the five certainties nges pa Inga Idan
      1. 1. Certainty of place gnas nges pa
      2. 2. Certainty of form skunges pa
      3. 3. Certainty of teachings chos nges pa
      4. 4. Certainty of entourage ‘khor nges pa
      5. 5. Certainty of time dus nges pa
    4. D. Nirmanakaya sprul sku
  • On the Shunyata Mantra

    Dhamma wheel

    From An Explanation of the Shunyata Mantra and a Meditation on Emptiness
    By Lama Thubten Yeshe

    Abridged.

    The main body of the yoga meditation begins with the shunyata mantra:

    OM SVABHAVA SHUDDHO SARVA DHARMA SVABHAVA SHUDDHO HAM

    This mantra contains a profound explanation of the pure, fundamental nature of both human beings and all other existent phenomena. It means that everything is spontaneously pure… in the absolute sense. From the absolute point of view, the fundamental quality of human beings and the nature of all things is purity.

    “All existent phenomena in the universe and I are of one reality and that is me; I am that.”

    Literal: “’All existent phenomena in the universe’ [sarva dharma] ‘and I (self essence)’ [svabhava] are ‘of one reality (pure, characteristic of space)’ [shuddho] and that is me; ‘I am that” [ham]

    Alternative: ” Essence of all existent phenomena is spontaneously pure, like empty space. Self essence is spontaneously pure, like empty space.”