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The four great qualities of the lamrim

The four great qualities of the lamrim

Part of a series of teachings on the Gomchen Lamrim by Gomchen Ngawang Drakpa. Visit Gomchen Lamrim Study Guide for a full list of contemplation points for the series.

  • Introduction to the text
  • The greatness of the author
    • Atisha is the source of the lamrim teachings
    • Short biography of Atisha and how he was responsible for the re-establishment of Buddhism in Tibet
  • The greatness of the lamrim teachings
    • Allows you to see that all the Buddha’s teachings are free of contradictions
    • You will see all the scriptures as instructions for practice
    • The teachings are not just for intellectual stimulation but are personal instructions for practice
    • You can easily see the main points, the intention of the Buddha’s teachings
    • It helps you avoid the great mistake of criticizing or rejecting any of the Buddha’s teachings
  • There is a difference between debating the points of the teachings and criticizing the teachings

Gomchen Lamrim 01: The greateness of the teacher and the teachings (download)

Contemplation points

  1. The text states that the Buddha’s teachings are free of contradiction. Why is it important to understand this?
  2. What is the benefit in seeing the teachings as personal instruction?
  3. How might seeing the greatness of the teacher and teachings benefit your mind as you approach the Dharma?
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.

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