Gradual Path to Enlightenment (1991-94)
In the early 11th century, the Indian Buddhist master Atisha condensed essential points from the sutras and ordered them into the text Lamp of the Path. These were then expanded upon in the 14th century by the Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Tsongkhapa in The Great Exposition on the Gradual Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim Chenmo). Venerable Thubten Chodron comments on this text and relates these practical teachings to our daily lives. Teachings given at Dharma Friendship Foundation 1991-1994.
Motivation and karma
Venerable Thubten Chodron Looking at karma within the three levels of motivation on the path, and describing karma in terms of throwing, completing, definite and indefinite karma.
View Post
Various ways of describing karma
Differentiating between types of actions, intentions, and consequences and understanding the differences.
View Post
Favorable qualities for Dharma practice
Particular factors are helpful for Dharma study and practice. Some of them are possibly influenceable through our actions.
View Post
Practice virtue, avoid non-virtue
Developing a long-term perspective helps us gain clarity about the results of our actions.
View Post
The four opponent powers
Purification is the essential practice to establish a base for a good life. There are concrete actions that help to overcome negativity.
View Post
The first noble truth: Dukkha
Considering the four noble truths in terms of the three levels of practitioner, and looking at the truth of the unsatisfactoriness of cyclic existence.
View Post
The eightfold path: Benefiting others
Applying the noble eightfold path to be of great benefit to others.
View Post
Our unsatisfactory experiences
Taking an honest look at the situation we're in in samsara: facing birth, sickness, aging and death over and over again, without choice.
View Post
The dukkha of cyclic existence
Looking at and meditating on the disadvantages of cyclic existence in many different ways helps us understand how unsatisfactory samsara is.
View Post
Unsatisfactoriness of god realms
Understanding why the god realms are unsatisfactory helps us understand that rebirth in any realm of samsara is undesirable.
View Post
Attachment and anger
Introduction to the six root afflictions and an in-depth look at the first two—attachment and anger.
View Post
Pride and ignorance
The seven types of pride and their antidotes, and the three types of ignorance.
View Post