Gems of Wisdom (2014-2015)

Short talks on Gems of Wisdom, a thought-training text by the Seventh Dalai Lama.

Root Text

Gems of Wisdom translated by Glenn H. Mullin is available from Shambhala Publications here.

Prologue: Praise to Guru Manjushri

Homage and praise to spiritual mentors and how they help us along the path begins this series of talks on the text Gems of Wisdom.

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Verse 1: The realms of samsara

Why is it so hard to break free from the realms of cyclic existence? It's hard to eliminate its cause, the ignorance grasping at true…

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Verse 2: Attachment to sense pleasures

Our insatiable craving for sense objects is the source of our suffering.

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Verse 3: The fire of anger

Clinging attachment leads to anger and suffering when our high expectations are not met. How to cultivate healthy relationships without attachment.

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Verse 4: The darkness of ignorance

Ignorance of how things exist and ignorance of karma and its effects are like dark clouds obscuring our minds from seeing the truth.

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Verse 5: The wild horse of pride

Pride can be a stumbling block on the path, stunting our spiritual progress.

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Verse 6: The mischievous slanderer, jealousy

Unable to bear the happiness of others, jealousy causes us to harm those who try to help us.

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Verse 7: The enemies of happiness and prosperity

Afflictive emotions like miserliness and anger only bring us misery, though we think they'll bring us happiness.

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Verse 8: The prison of personal entanglements

Attachment to loved ones and friends creates suffering that distracts us from our spiritual aspirations.

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Verse 9: The chains that bind us

Attachment, habitual behaviors, and doubt hinder our practice even when we go on retreat.

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Verse 10: Misleading friends

Misleading friends appear kind but encourage us away from our ethics and principles and can inhibit our spiritual growth.

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Verse 11: False friends

Using others for our own gain, or being used by others for theirs. Examine why we remain in unhealthy relationships.

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