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Five faults to serenity

Five faults to serenity

Part of a series of teachings on Essence of Refined Gold by the Third Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso. The text is a commentary on Songs of Experience by Lama Tsongkhapa.

Far-reaching meditative stabilization

  • The five faults or hindrances to developing concentration, according to Asanga and Maitreya
  • The eight antidotes to these hindrances and how to apply them

Essence of Refined Gold 50 (download)

Questions and answers

  • When we stop and practice concentration
  • How to tell the difference between subtle laxity and samadhi
  • The type of equanimity used as the antidote to over-applying the antidotes
  • Gross laxity
  • How to overcome negative thoughts that arise during meditation, especially when they are constant

Essence of Refined Gold 50: Q&A (download)

Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.