Stages of the Path

Lamrim teachings provide a step-by-step approach to practicing the entire path to awakening.

All Posts in Stages of the Path

Collage of a Buddha
LR08 Karma

General characteristics of karma

An introduction to karma, what it is, what it is not, and how karma relates…

View Post
Abbey guest receiving a tsa-tsa from Venerable Chodron.
LR07 Refuge

The practice of refuge

Having taken refuge, how to practice it by respecting the Buddha, the Dharma, and the…

View Post
Abbey retreatants waiting for Venerable to arrive for a teaching.
LR07 Refuge

Benefits of having taken refuge

We become Buddhists, establish the foundation for all further vows. Eliminate negative and accumulate positive…

View Post
Silhouette of person and bird flying against pink sunrise.
LR07 Refuge

Spiritual practice transforms us

Enlightenment is not a static state of mind, but rather a dynamic, transformative experience that…

View Post
Monastics at the Abbey, chanting.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of the Three Jewels

The qualities of the Three Jewels in which we take refuge: the Buddha's enlightening influence,…

View Post
Black and white image of a Buddha statue.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of a Buddha’s mind

Wisdom and compassion are the two basic qualities of a Buddha's mind.

View Post
A painting of Shakyamuni Buddha teaching to monastics.
LR07 Refuge

A Buddha’s body and speech

Knowing about the qualities and skills of a Buddha's body and speech can aid us…

View Post
Shrine of a large Tibetan Buddha.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of a Buddha

The Buddha's teachings are a reliable guide for our spiritual path.

View Post
Venerables Semkye and Chonyi preparing offerings in front of the Abbey altar.
LR07 Refuge

Objects of refuge

Why take refuge? The meaning of refuge, the objects of refuge, and the relevance of…

View Post
Deteriorating Buddha statue at the Abbey pet cemetary.
LR06 Death

The lower realms

An in-depth look at the lower realms, the causes for rebirth there, and the benefits…

View Post
LR06 Death

Meditations on impermanence and death

Explanation of the gross and subtle impermanence, and followed by detailed instruction on how to…

View Post