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.
View PostVerse 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…
View PostVerse 2: Attachment to sense pleasures
Our insatiable craving for sense objects is the source of our suffering.
View PostVerse 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.
View PostVerse 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.
View PostVerse 5: The wild horse of pride
Pride can be a stumbling block on the path, stunting our spiritual progress.
View PostVerse 6: The mischievous slanderer, jealousy
Unable to bear the happiness of others, jealousy causes us to harm those who try to help us.
View PostVerse 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.
View PostVerse 8: The prison of personal entanglements
Attachment to loved ones and friends creates suffering that distracts us from our spiritual aspirations.
View PostVerse 9: The chains that bind us
Attachment, habitual behaviors, and doubt hinder our practice even when we go on retreat.
View PostVerse 10: Misleading friends
Misleading friends appear kind but encourage us away from our ethics and principles and can inhibit our spiritual growth.
View PostVerse 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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