Recollection of the Buddha

• Explanation of the epithets completely and perfectly awakened one, perfect in knowledge and good conduct, one gone to bliss, Sugata, Supreme guide, teacher of humans and devas, Buddha, Victor Shakyamuni
• Three higher knowledges
• Difference between all-knowing and omniscient
• Concentration, ethical conduct, wisdom and great compassion
• Eightfold noble path
• Perfect realizations and perfect abandonments
• How to reflect and meditate on the qualities of the buddha
• Recollection of the Dharma
• Expounded by the Bhagvan
• Teachings are good in the beginning, middle and end
• Dharma is the middle way

18 Recollection of the Buddha (download)

Contemplation points

1. What is the importance of aspiration on the spiritual path? As you look at each of the epithets in the teaching, consider how aspiring for that particular quality can make a difference in eventually actualizing it in your own life.
2. Imagine the Buddha in the space in front of you and recollect the qualities mentioned in the teaching this week: perfect in knowledge and good conduct, one gone to bliss, knower of the world, supreme guide of beings to be tamed, teacher of gods and humans, Buddha, glorious, victor, and Shakyamuni. What does each say about the Buddha’s qualities?
3. Reflect on Tsongkhapa’s verse from the text: Here too, as I reflect on your words, I think, “Blazing with the glory of noble signs and hallowed in a net of light rays, this teacher, in a voice of pristine melody, spoke thus in such a way.” What does this verse highlight about the Buddha’s qualities?
4. As you conclude your contemplation of these qualities of the Buddha, let a feeling of trust in the Buddha arise and, with faith in his ability to guide you to awakening, take refuge in him. You may recite a verse or put it in your own words.
5. Reflect on the first quality of the Dharma presented in this week’s teaching: well-expounded. What does it encourage us to practice in our own lives?