Gomchen lamrim review: How to rely on the teachings and teachers

• Discription of the lamrim
• The four great qualities of the lamrim teachings
• How to listen to the teachings
• Relying on the six recognitions to listen to the teachings
• Removing the three faults that interfere with hearing the teachings
• The characteristics of a spiritual mentor
• The qualities of a proper spiritual student

Gomchen Lamrim 18 Review: How to rely on teachings and teachers (download)

Contemplation points

1. Regarding analytic meditation, Venerable Jigme said that this is what takes us from hearing the Dharma to actually being able to use it. We have to bring it into our experience. In what ways has analytic meditation benefitted your life and experience?
2. From time to time, the teachings may seem to contradict themselves, but if we understand where they fit into the lamrim, we’ll see that different ways of looking at things are meant to generate a particular mental state necessary for attaining particular goals at different stages of the path. What are some examples of this?
3. Some of the benefits of the teachings are that 1) we are filled with faith/confidence, 2) our practice is stable, 3) wisdom grows and ignorance is dispelled. Consider each of these. How have you seen this in your life? What are other benefits from the teachings that you have received?
4. Consider the three qualities of a disciple: unbiased, intelligent, interested. To what extent do you have these qualities? What can you do to cultivate these in your mind?
5. Think about the benefits of relying on a teacher and the drawbacks of not relying on one. Develop conviction that this is the most important relationship you can cultivate.