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.

Statue of a sitting Buddha.

Equalizing self and other

Equalizing self and other by examining them on the conventional and ultimate level.

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Statue of a sitting Buddha.

Disadvantages of self-centeredness

As we begin to work through our resistance to the practice of equalizing the self and others, we begin to see the many disadvantages of…

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Statue of a sitting Buddha.

Advantages of cherishing others

Examining the disadvantages of self-centeredness and the many advantages of cherishing others.

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Close-up of orange-colored face of smiling Buddha.

Commitments of aspiring bodhicitta

Generating the two types of bodhicitta: aspiring and engaging. How to protect our bodhicitta from degenerating in this and future lives.

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Many statutes of bodhisattvas.

Root bodhisattva vows: Vows 14 to 18

Commentary on the last five of the eighteen root bodhisattva vows including the four binding factors of completely transgressing a vow.

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Many statutes of bodhisattvas.

How the bodhisattva vows are useful

The many benefits of bodhisattva precepts, How they liberate us and help make our lives meaningful.

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Many statutes of bodhisattvas.

Auxiliary bodhisattva vows: Vows 1-5

Introduction to the 46 auxiliary bodhisattva vows and an in-depth look at the first five to overcome obstacles to the far-reaching attitude of generosity.

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Many statutes of bodhisattvas.

Auxiliary bodhisattva vows: Vows 6-12

Completion of the auxiliary vows to overcome obstacles to far-reaching generosity as well as the first five verses to overcome obstacles to ethical discipline.

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