Today, as we celebrate Lhabab Duchen with joy and love, I am sending you a Dharma gift built with painstaking care, devotion, and wonderful, wonderful talent (and the most beautiful voice in the world) by Venerable Tenzin Gendun (our dear friend, FPMT Master and Teacher, and protector of our Romanian community) – and with a very small, humble contribution from Veroníca Anghelescu Drölma and the Garden of Maitreya Bucharest Study Group.
Traditionally, it is said that any act of positive or negative karma performed on this day is multiplied “ten million times.” For this reason, it is considered especially auspicious to engage in virtuous deeds, to give generously, attend pujas, and perform sadhanas. Even a simple symbolic act, such as offering the light of a candle or butter lamp, carries great merit. For specific practices recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, such as the recitation of the Heart Sutra, you can refer to the embedded videos in this feature, beginning with the supreme Muni Mantra.
Practices Recommended by Lama Zopa Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised eight main practices for this day:
Recitation of Sutras. Certain sutras are said to be especially powerful on this occasion, such as the Three Jewels Sutra, The Sutra of Golden Light, The Heart Sutra and Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Making Offerings. Offerings to the Sangha and to Dharma causes, such as supporting the publication of sutras, holy texts, and teachings, are highly meritorious.
Cultivating Bodhicitta. Throughout the day, strive to remain mindful of the cause of Awakening, aspiring to benefit all sentient beings. The King of Prayers, linked via the information icon above, beautifully expresses this intention.
Practicing Generosity. Give to those in need. Remember that generosity is not limited to material gifts, it can also mean offering kind words, compassion, or practical help.
Taking the Precepts. Either reaffirm the five lay precepts normally followed by lay Buddhists, or, for the day, observe the full eight precepts practiced by ordained monks and nuns. The lay precepts are: to abstain from taking life, from taking what is not given, from harmful or false speech, from intoxicants that cloud the mind, and from misuse of the senses.
Making Offerings to the Buddha. Offer water bowls, tormas, or other sensory offerings to the Buddha to purify negative karma and accumulate merit.
Practicing the Paramita of Wisdom. This includes reading Dharma texts, watching teachings, or writing and copying sutras, all of which deepen understanding and insight.
Prostrations and Refuge. Perform prostrations to the Buddha and repeatedly take Refuge in the Three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, throughout the day.
These eight wholesome activities honor the Three Jewels and create “merit multiplied by one hundred million,” as explained by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Always dedicate the merit of your actions, especially on Dharma days, to the Cause of Awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Through the merit of practicing generosity and the other accumulations,
May I attain Buddhahood for the sake of all beings.
Opening Reflections
Good morning and good afternoon to everyone. I am speaking to you from Italy, and the purpose of our meeting is to support one another by reflecting together on the Dharma.
As I mentioned, in our last session I may have created some confusion, which is only natural, since all of us living in samsara are prone to confusion. I hope it was not too unsettling for you. Today, I will try to clarify the points that may have been left unclear last time.
As you know, the essential reason we gather is to ensure that our lives become meaningful, today, tomorrow, and in the months to come. We study and practice the Dharma in order to cultivate happiness and reduce stress, not to increase it. I especially encourage you to maintain a relaxed mind, free from tension. In this way, our thoughts change, and we transform ourselves for the better.
So, traditionally, the great lamas and Geshes spend a long time simply setting the right motivation. For example, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, whom I deeply admire, could spend nearly an hour speaking only about motivation. His dedication made a profound impression on me. Such teachings are not merely conveyed through words but also through gestures, presence, and behavior. Often, simply seeing or hearing a lama briefly is enough to recognize the depth of their practice.
Now, when I think of this, I especially remember Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa. Lama Yeshe, although not formally a Geshe, benefited countless people through his wisdom and compassion. The flourishing of Dharma centres and institutes today is inseparable from the prayers and aspirations of these great masters. Without their dedication, we would not be enjoying the Dharma as we do now.
Let us recall, the power of prayer and good wishes is immense. While it may seem that individuals achieve everything through their own effort, in truth conditions must come together. The prayers of realized masters create the conditions that allow our efforts to bear fruit. This is why I value prayer so highly: it is a way of serving and benefiting others at the deepest level.
When I reflect on the origins of the Institute of Lama Tsongkhapa, I am struck by the way in which conditions come together through heartfelt connection. One story illustrates this beautifully. Many of you know Massimo Corona, who is still living today. His father once attended a teaching by Lama Yeshe in Milan. After listening, he was so deeply moved that he asked Lama Yeshe what he could do to help. Lama Yeshe replied that there was a need for a place to establish a Dharma center. Out of gratitude and faith, Massimo’s father offered land for this purpose.
As it is said, at first, Massimo’s mother was hesitant. She worried that such generosity would be misunderstood as the lama merely seeking financial gain. Yet, after meeting Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa herself, she also felt their sincerity and transformed her perspective. In the end, she supported her husband’s decision wholeheartedly.
Indeed, this offering, made in the mid-1970s, became the foundation for the Institute of Lama Tsongkhapa. It arose not from planning or strategy, but from the power of heartfelt communication. When words and presence touch the heart, people are willing to dedicate themselves entirely.
Again and again, this story reminds us of the importance of motivation. If someone has a genuine motivation, everything becomes possible. Isn’t it? Our focus in these sessions is the Lam Rim Chen Mo, the Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. It is one of the most profound and comprehensive teachings, encompassing both Sutra and Tantra. Last time, when I attempted to explain the framework of the Buddhist teachings, I may have presented some points in a confusing order. Today, I wish to clarify them carefully.
I have prepared a list of the Twelve Deeds of the Buddha, which outline the essential events of his life. Although I know them by heart in Tibetan, it is more difficult for me to express them accurately in English. Therefore, I have written them down in advance so that I may present them clearly.
Surely, before appearing in this world, the Bodhisattva resided in Tushita heaven, the realm of joyful contentment. Seeing that the time had ripened for him to manifest as a teacher, he made the decision to descend into the human realm. Out of great compassion, he chose to be born where his presence would benefit beings most effectively.
You might recall, the Bodhisattva took birth in the royal family of King Śuddhodana and Queen Māyādevī. In a dream, Queen Māyā saw a radiant white elephant descending from the heavens and entering her right side, signifying the noble being who would be born. This moment marked the union of celestial intention and earthly manifestation.
The Twelve Deeds of the Buddha
In Lumbini Grove, beneath blossoming trees, Queen Māyā gave birth while standing and holding the branch of a tree. The child immediately took seven steps, and with each step a lotus appeared beneath his feet. He declared: “I am supreme in this world, and this is my final birth.” This wondrous event foretold the greatness of his future life.
As I mentioned, as a young prince, Siddhartha mastered all the royal arts and sciences. Whether in learning, skill in arms, or intellectual debate, he excelled with ease. Yet, though surrounded by comfort and honor, he remained inwardly unsatisfied, sensing that worldly accomplishments could not resolve the deeper questions of existence.
His family sought to protect him from suffering by surrounding him with beauty and pleasure. Three palaces were built for him, one for each season, filled with music, gardens, and attendants. Yet even in this environment of abundance, Siddhartha’s mind turned toward contemplation. He recognized that pleasure was fleeting, unable to shield him from aging, sickness, and death.
So, one day, while leaving the palace grounds, Prince Siddhartha encountered four sights: an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and finally, a wandering ascetic. These encounters pierced the illusion of worldly permanence. He realized that no power or wealth could prevent suffering, and that only the path of spiritual practice could lead to liberation. Moved by this insight, he resolved to abandon the palace life. Quietly, in the stillness of night, he left behind his wife, his infant son, and all the trappings of royalty. Mounting his horse, he departed the palace to begin his search for truth, a gesture of ultimate renunciation.
Now, for six years Siddhartha practiced severe asceticism, training with renowned teachers and subjecting his body to hardship. He meditated for long periods, fasted until he became emaciated, and endured extremes of deprivation. His discipline and determination were unmatched, but eventually he understood that self-mortification was not the path to awakening. A body weakened by suffering could not serve as a clear vessel for insight.
Let us recall, recognizing the futility of extremes, he chose the Middle Way, avoiding both indulgence and excessive austerity. Accepting a simple meal of milk-rice offered by Sujata, he regained his strength. Then, seated beneath the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, he vowed not to rise until he attained complete awakening. Mara, the embodiment of delusion, appeared with armies of fear and desire to disturb him. Yet Siddhartha remained unmoved, touching the earth as witness to his resolve.
Trough deep meditation, he realized the true nature of reality: dependent origination and emptiness. He transcended all obscurations and attained perfect Buddhahood. In that moment, Siddhartha became the Awakened One, the Buddha, endowed with boundless compassion and wisdom. The victory over ignorance was complete; the light of his realization began to illuminate the world.
At first, the Buddha hesitated to teach, reflecting that the truth he had realized was profound and difficult to grasp. Yet, moved by compassion for beings, he resolved to share it. Traveling to Sarnath, he gave his first sermon to the five ascetics who had once been his companions. There he expounded the Four Noble Truths and set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. This teaching opened the path for countless beings to begin their own journey toward liberation.
As it is said, throughout his teaching life, the Buddha displayed miraculous powers, not as a display of pride, but as a skillful means to inspire faith and open minds to the Dharma. He subdued those who were arrogant, healed the sick, and manifested countless forms in accordance with the needs of disciples. These miracles demonstrated not only his mastery over appearances, but also his deep compassion for beings whose hearts required tangible signs in order to turn toward truth.
Indeed, at the age of eighty, in the town of Kushinagar, the Buddha knew that his time in the world was drawing to an end. Lying between two trees, he gave final teachings of encouragement, urging his disciples to rely on the Dharma and on their own diligent effort. As the trees bloomed unseasonably, showering flowers upon him, he entered meditation and passed peacefully into parinirvana. His body was cremated, and relics were distributed across the land, becoming objects of veneration for generations to come.
Again and again, the Buddha’s passing was not an end, but the completion of a life lived entirely for the benefit of others. Through the Twelve Deeds, he provided a perfect model, from renunciation to awakening, from compassionate teaching to the final dissolution of form. His life remains an unbroken source of inspiration for all who seek liberation.
Having recalled the life of the Buddha through the Twelve Deeds, we now turn to the path he revealed. The Lam Rim, or Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, presents this journey in a clear and gradual sequence, guiding us from the very beginning of spiritual practice to its highest realization. It is a map of the Dharma, designed for ordinary beings like ourselves.
The Three Scopes of the Lam Rim
Let us keep in mind, in this system, all of the Buddha’s vast teachings are organized into three levels of motivation. The first level concerns those who wish to secure a favourable rebirth and avoid the lower realms. The second level is for those who seek complete liberation from the cycle of existence, samsara. The third level is for those who, moved by great compassion, aspire to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings.
Surely, these three levels correspond to the three scopes: the initial, the intermediate, and the great. Together, they form a comprehensive training that encompasses the entirety of the Buddhist path.
You might recall, just as a large building requires a stable foundation, so too does the spiritual path. If we rush into advanced practices without grounding ourselves in the initial and intermediate stages, our understanding remains fragile. By beginning with the contemplation of precious human life, impermanence, and the reality of karma, we establish the firm base upon which higher realizations can be built. This is why the Lam Rim is so precious: it teaches us not only what to practice, but how and when to practice it. Each step is carefully placed, ensuring that the mind develops in a stable and harmonious way.
Reliance on the Teacher
As I mentioned, the Buddha taught both Sutra and Tantra, each with its own methods and emphasis. Sutra provides the essential foundation, the understanding of impermanence, suffering, and emptiness. Tantra builds upon this, offering swifter means through profound meditative techniques. Without Sutra, Tantra becomes unstable; without Tantra, Sutra remains slow. Practiced together, they form a complete path.
As you know, thus, the Lam Rim includes both. It begins with reflections accessible to anyone and culminates in the profound view and meditation that lead directly to enlightenment. So, for this reason, the setting of our motivation becomes crucial. Without proper motivation, even virtuous actions may lack true depth. The great lamas, such as Lama Zopa Rinpoche, would devote a great deal of time simply to establishing the right motivation before beginning any teaching or practice. This was not mere formality, but a profound reminder that our actions acquire their true meaning from the intention that underlies them.
Now, in the Lam Rim, the very first subject presented is reliance on the spiritual teacher. It is by relying upon a qualified guide that we can traverse the path with confidence. Without guidance, it is easy to lose direction, for our own wisdom is limited and clouded by habitual confusion. The teacher, embodying the lineage of realized masters, serves as a bridge between our present state and the awakening we seek.
To rely properly means more than merely receiving teachings; it means cultivating deep trust and respect. We recognize the teacher as a source of wisdom, compassion, and blessing, and we allow this recognition to transform our own mind. It is said that the blessings of the Buddhas flow through the teacher, like sunlight channelled through a magnifying glass, igniting the flame of realization within the student.
This reliance is not blind devotion. It is founded on examination. We must carefully consider whether a teacher possesses the qualities described in the scriptures: discipline, knowledge, compassion, and the ability to guide others. Once we have examined well and chosen a teacher, we place our confidence in them, committing ourselves to follow their instructions sincerely.
When we approach the teacher with humility and respect, our own receptivity increases. Even a few words spoken casually can strike deeply in the heart and open the door to transformation. This is why the Lam Rim begins with guru devotion: it is the fertile soil from which every realization grows.
As it is said, the relationship with the teacher is not like an ordinary friendship or a casual connection. It is a bond rooted in spiritual purpose. To rely upon a teacher means to cultivate gratitude and trust, even when their instructions challenge our habitual ways of thinking. A genuine teacher does not seek personal gain; their sole intention is to guide us toward liberation. When we hold this understanding in our heart, every encounter with them becomes a moment of blessing.
Indeed, the scriptures speak of two aspects of reliance: reliance through thought and reliance through action. Reliance through thought means viewing the teacher as inseparable from the Buddha, seeing their qualities with appreciation rather than dwelling on their human imperfections. Reliance through action means serving them respectfully, following their instructions, and embodying their teachings in daily life. When these two aspects are present, the connection with the teacher becomes a powerful source of transformation.
Again and again, it is important to remember that devotion is not about idealizing the personality of the teacher. Rather, it is about recognizing the function of the teacher as the living representation of the Dharma. Even a simple gesture, a glance, or a single phrase can awaken us when our mind is open. For this reason, devotion is often said to be the swiftest path to realization.
The benefits of reliance on a spiritual teacher are vast. Through devotion, we draw close to the blessings of the Buddhas and quickly accumulate merit. Obstacles that would otherwise block our practice begin to dissolve. Our mind becomes pliant, joyful, and receptive. Without such reliance, even diligent study and meditation may remain dry, lacking the warmth of inspiration.
Let us keep in mind, conversely, to abandon respect for the teacher or to give way to doubt and criticism closes the door to progress. Just as a seed cannot grow without fertile soil, spiritual realizations cannot flourish in a mind that lacks devotion. Therefore, cultivating reliance on the spiritual teacher is not optional; it is indispensable. It is the gateway to all other stages of the path.
Surely, once we have established reliance on the teacher, we are prepared to reflect on the rarity and preciousness of human life. This contemplation shifts our perspective from ordinary concerns to spiritual priorities. It awakens in us a sense of urgency, reminding us that life is brief and filled with opportunities that must not be wasted.
Our human life is endowed with freedoms and opportunities: freedom from the most obstructive states of existence, and the opportunity to practice the Dharma with access to teachers, teachings, and supportive conditions. Such a combination is exceedingly rare, like a jewel found in the vast ocean. To recognize its value is to feel immense gratitude and responsibility.
Impermanence, Karma, and Suffering
When we understand the rarity of this opportunity, we cannot help but feel inspired to use it wisely. If we waste this life on distractions or harmful actions, we will deeply regret it later. But if we dedicate ourselves to study, reflection, and meditation, then even ordinary days become meaningful.
As I mentioned, this recognition naturally leads to the contemplation of impermanence. Everything we see and experience is subject to change. Youth fades into old age, health into sickness, life into death. Nothing in samsara remains stable. Reflecting on this is not meant to make us fearful, but to awaken clarity. It reminds us not to postpone practice, for death can come at any time.
As you know, many people live as if they were immortal, endlessly making plans for tomorrow, next year, or the distant future. Yet none of us knows how long we will remain in this body. By remembering impermanence, our priorities become sharper. We recognize what truly matters, and we let go of endless attachment to trivial concerns.
So, in the Lam Rim, meditating on impermanence is not considered pessimistic; it is considered realistic. By facing the truth directly, we develop courage. When we acknowledge that our time is short, we stop wasting it. We devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the path, valuing every breath, every moment, as a chance to move closer to liberation.
Now, when impermanence is seen clearly, the next reflection arises naturally: the certainty of karma. Every action leaves an imprint, like seeds planted in fertile soil. Actions of body, speech, and mind shape our future experiences. If we act with kindness, honesty, and generosity, happiness follows. If we act with anger, greed, or deceit, suffering follows. No one else creates our destiny; we create it ourselves through our choices.
The Buddha explained karma with great precision. Small actions, repeated over time, accumulate into powerful results. Even the smallest gesture of kindness can bear vast fruit if supported by the right conditions. Likewise, a moment of anger or cruelty can lead to suffering if left unchecked. Understanding this, we become more attentive to how we live.
We can say, karma is not a system of punishment or reward, but a natural law. Just as fire burns when touched, negative actions bring suffering. Just as water quenches thirst, positive actions bring happiness. By aligning our behaviour with this truth, we can gradually transform our experience of the world.
When we reflect on karma, we see how important it is to avoid negative actions. The ten non-virtuous deeds, killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, divisive speech, harsh words, idle gossip, covetousness, ill will, and wrong views, are the main causes of suffering. By restraining ourselves from these, we prevent future pain and create the space for virtue to grow.
As it is said, cultivating the ten virtues, respect for life, generosity, pure conduct, truthful speech, harmonious words, gentle communication, meaningful conversation, contentment, goodwill, and right understanding, plants the seeds of happiness. The more we practice them, the more peace we experience in our present life, and the more we secure happiness in future lives.
Indeed, by combining reflection on impermanence with an understanding of karma, we see the urgency of living meaningfully. Every day, every hour, offers us a chance to accumulate merit and purify negative tendencies. If we neglect this, we risk wasting the very conditions that make spiritual growth possible.
Lam Rim texts remind us that death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain. At the moment of death, nothing can accompany us, not wealth, not status, not possessions. Only the imprints of our actions follow us into the next life. This truth compels us to practice with sincerity and steadiness.
Isn’t it? when we take these reflections to heart, we begin to live differently. Gratitude for our human life deepens. Awareness of impermanence sharpens our focus. Understanding karma makes us more responsible. In this way, contemplation does not remain an intellectual exercise; it reshapes our daily conduct.
Let us keep in mind, another crucial reflection is the nature of suffering itself. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths, beginning with the truth of suffering. To recognize suffering does not mean to wallow in despair, but to understand the reality we inhabit. Only by seeing the problem clearly can we seek its solution.
Surely, the sufferings of samsara can be classified in three ways: the suffering of suffering, the suffering of change, and the all-pervasive suffering of conditioned existence. The first includes obvious pain, sickness, aging, loss, and disappointment. The second includes pleasures that turn into pain, the sweetness of youth giving way to age, or the delight of food turning into discomfort when overindulged. The third, most subtle, is the very condition of being bound in samsara, subject to birth and death again and again.
You might recall, these reflections are not meant to make us sad. They are meant to make us free. When we understand that samsara cannot give lasting satisfaction, we stop clinging to it as our refuge. Instead, we begin to search for liberation, the true peace that lies beyond this cycle.
Refuge, Renunciation, and Liberation
You see, when we truly recognize the pervasive nature of suffering, the mind naturally turns toward seeking freedom. This is what we call renunciation, not a rejection of life, but a deep wish to be liberated from the endless cycle of dissatisfaction.
As I mentioned, renunciation does not mean we abandon our responsibilities or withdraw from society. It means that inwardly, we no longer cling to samsara as a source of ultimate happiness. We understand its limitations and resolve to find the peace that comes from liberation.
As you know, this is where the practice of refuge becomes central. We take refuge in the Buddha as the teacher who has shown the path, in the Dharma as the path itself, and in the Sangha as the community of practitioners who support and inspire us. Refuge is like entering a safe harbor from the stormy seas of samsara.
When we take refuge, we acknowledge our need for guidance. Alone, we are easily misled by confusion. With refuge, we align ourselves with wisdom, compassion, and clarity. From that point on, every step we take has a direction, a purpose, and a goal.
Now, the experience of refuge deepens when it is accompanied by ethical discipline. Without discipline, our refuge remains fragile. By guarding our body, speech, and mind against harmful actions, we create the conditions for our practice to flourish. Discipline is like the walls of the harbour, protecting the ship of our mind from crashing against the rocks of delusion.
Let us recall, there are three levels of discipline: the discipline of refraining from harmful actions, the discipline of accumulating virtuous deeds, and the discipline of benefiting sentient beings. Each of these supports the others, creating a life that is both wholesome and meaningful.
We can say, when renunciation and refuge take root, the path of liberation truly begins. At this stage, the practitioner’s focus is not merely on securing a better rebirth, but on escaping samsara altogether. Liberation, or nirvana, is the complete cessation of suffering and its causes.
To reach liberation, the Buddha taught the three higher trainings: ethics, concentration, and wisdom. Ethics provides the foundation, concentration stabilizes the mind, and wisdom cuts through ignorance, the root of all suffering. Together, these three trainings form the essence of the path. As it is said, among these, wisdom is supreme. Without wisdom, even great discipline and concentration cannot bring final liberation. Wisdom is the direct realization of emptiness, the understanding that all phenomena lack inherent existence and arise only through dependent origination.
Indeed, this view is subtle and difficult to grasp, but it is the key to freedom. By meditating on emptiness, we dissolve the illusions that keep us bound to samsara. Ignorance creates the chains, wisdom breaks them.
Again and again, the texts urge us not to be satisfied with temporary peace or partial freedom. Until ignorance itself is eliminated, suffering will return in new forms. Therefore, we must persist in developing wisdom, supported by concentration and discipline, until liberation is complete.
When we reflect on this, we see how precious the opportunity of practice truly is. To have a human life, to meet the Dharma, to encounter teachers who can explain the path, these are rare and fragile conditions. To waste them would be the greatest loss.
Let us keep in mind, for those with even greater compassion, liberation alone is not enough. They see that countless beings remain trapped in samsara. Out of this awareness arises the great aspiration of the bodhisattva: to attain enlightenment, not merely for oneself, but for the benefit of all. Surely, this is the transition from the intermediate scope to the great scope of the Lam Rim. Here, the path expands beyond personal liberation to universal awakening.
The bodhisattva’s motivation is rooted in bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment. Bodhicitta is both compassion for all beings and the determination to achieve Buddhahood in order to help them most effectively. It is said that even a single moment of genuine bodhicitta surpasses countless lifetimes of ordinary virtue.
Bodhicitta and the Six Perfections
You see, bodhicitta is like a jewel that transforms every action into something vast and limitless. Even the simplest deed, when motivated by bodhicitta, becomes a cause for enlightenment. Without it, even great accomplishments remain confined to samsara.
As I mentioned, to cultivate bodhicitta, we must first develop equanimity, seeing all beings as equal in our wish for happiness and our wish to be free from suffering. From equanimity arises love, compassion, and the altruistic intention to benefit others. Gradually, this matures into the great resolve to achieve Buddhahood for their sake.
As you know, there are two main methods to develop bodhicitta: the sevenfold cause-and-effect instruction and the practice of exchanging self with others. The first begins by recognizing all beings as our mothers in past lives, remembering their kindness, and generating gratitude and compassion. The second involves placing ourselves in the position of others, exchanging our self-centred perspective for concern for them. Both methods converge in the awakening of bodhicitta.
So, when bodhicitta arises, our path takes on a vast scope. We no longer practice only for ourselves, but for all sentient beings. This gives us inexhaustible courage and patience, because the goal is no longer limited to personal peace but embraces the liberation of countless beings.
Once bodhicitta has arisen, it must be expressed through the six perfections, or pāramitās. These are generosity, ethics, patience, joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom. They are called perfections because they are practiced with the motivation of bodhicitta, which makes them boundless.
Let us recall, generosity is the wish to give freely, not only material aid, but also protection from fear and the gift of the Dharma. Ethics is the perfection of moral conduct, restraining harmful actions and cultivating virtue for the sake of others. Patience is the ability to remain undisturbed in the face of harm or hardship, meeting difficulties with a calm and compassionate heart.
We can say, joyous effort is the antidote to laziness. It is the delight in virtue, the willingness to engage in wholesome deeds without hesitation. Concentration is the ability to rest the mind in single-pointed stability, free from distraction. And wisdom, again, is the clear realization of emptiness, the understanding that all phenomena arise dependently, without inherent existence.
When these six perfections are practiced together, supported by bodhicitta, they form the path of the bodhisattva. Each perfection strengthens the others. Generosity without ethics is incomplete; concentration without wisdom does not free; patience without joyous effort cannot endure. Together, they create a path vast enough to lead to enlightenment. The six perfections are like the sails of a great ship, carrying beings across the ocean of samsara to the shore of Buddhahood. Without them, the journey cannot be completed.
Indeed, the practice of the perfections spans lifetimes. Bodhisattvas dedicate themselves not only in one life, but across countless eons, cultivating virtue and compassion without exhaustion. Their strength comes from the vastness of their motivation. Because they practice for others, their courage never wanes.
Again and again, the scriptures praise bodhicitta as the supreme mind. It is like the dawn that dispels the darkness of self-centeredness, like a fertile field where every virtue can grow, like the philosopher’s stone that transforms ordinary deeds into treasure. Without bodhicitta, the path is narrow; with bodhicitta, the path becomes limitless.
When we reflect on this, we see that bodhicitta is not distant or abstract. It begins with small gestures, a kind word, a willingness to forgive, a thought of compassion for someone who is suffering. Each moment of kindness expands our heart and moves us closer to the vast mind of a bodhisattva.
Let us keep in mind, the great scope of the Lam Rim culminates in the union of compassion and wisdom. Compassion draws us to work for others, while wisdom frees us from delusion. Together, they are the essence of the bodhisattva’s path.
Surely, this is why the Lam Rim is considered a complete path. It begins with reflections that anyone can understand and ends with the practices that lead to full enlightenment. Every stage is included, from the first steps of ethical living to the highest realization of a Buddha.
Lama Tsongkhapa emphasized that study, reflection, and meditation must go hand in hand. To study without reflection is dry; to reflect without meditation is unstable; to meditate without study may lack direction. By combining all three, we gradually transform our mind from confusion to clarity, from self-centeredness to compassion, from ignorance to wisdom.
Tantra and the Completion of the Path
You see, having traversed the stages of the Sutra path, the Lam Rim also points toward Tantra. Tantra, or Vajrayana, is not separate from Sutra but builds upon it. It takes the same foundations, refuge, bodhicitta, and the view of emptiness, and employs profound methods to accelerate the path.
As I mentioned, Tantra is often described as a swift vehicle. It uses the energies of body and mind in a direct way, transforming ordinary perception into the perception of purity. Through visualization, mantra, and meditation, the practitioner learns to see the world and oneself as divine, dissolving the grasping at ordinary appearances. As you know, this requires special preparation. Without the foundation of Sutra, Tantra becomes empty ritual. But when supported by ethical discipline, compassion, and wisdom, it becomes a powerful method. The same mind that clings to samsara is transformed into the mind of awakening, using skillful means.
So, the Lam Rim is not limited to beginners. It includes the essence of both Sutra and Tantra, guiding practitioners at every stage. From the first reflection on precious human life to the highest yogas of Vajrayana, all is contained within its sequence.
Now, Tsongkhapa himself demonstrated this integration. He was renowned for his scholarship, his meditation, and his mastery of Tantra. Yet he always emphasized that without the Lam Rim, the gradual cultivation of renunciation, bodhicitta, and the view of emptiness, even the most advanced practices could not bear fruit.
Let us recall, the ultimate goal of the path is full enlightenment: Buddhahood. Enlightenment is the complete unfolding of wisdom and compassion, the perfection of all virtues, the end of all obscurations. A Buddha perceives reality directly, without distortion, and acts effortlessly for the benefit of others We can say, this is why the life and teachings of the Buddha remain so inspiring. His Twelve Deeds are not only a record of history but a demonstration of the path itself. From renunciation to enlightenment, from teaching to final nirvana, he showed the way by example.
When we study the Lam Rim, we are retracing the same journey. We begin where we are, with our ordinary mind, and we follow the steps laid down by countless masters. Gradually, with effort and dedication, we too can walk the path to awakening.
As it is said, the Dharma is like a lamp in darkness. It dispels confusion and reveals the way forward. The Lam Rim, in particular, is like a map, precise, detailed, and complete. Without it, we may wander without direction. With it, every step becomes meaningful.
Indeed, the opportunity to study and practice these teachings is rare and precious. Countless beings long for freedom, yet lack the conditions to find it. We, having encountered the Dharma, must not take it lightly. To hear, reflect, and meditate on the teachings is both our privilege and our responsibility. Again and again, the masters remind us: do not postpone practice. Life is short, impermanence is certain, and the moment of death is unknown. If we wait for the perfect conditions, we may never begin. The perfect condition is now, this very moment, supported by the human life we already possess.
When we dedicate ourselves sincerely, even small efforts accumulate into vast results. A single moment of mindfulness, a single act of kindness, a single thought of bodhicitta plants seeds that will bear fruit in the future. Nothing is wasted when it is directed toward the path.Let us keep in mind, the path is not only for great saints and scholars. It is for ordinary beings like us, with our flaws and confusions. The Lam Rim was designed for people of every capacity, offering guidance suited to each level. Wherever we begin, we can make progress if we are steady and sincere.
Surely, this is why we turn again and again to the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa, of the great lamas of our tradition, and of our own teachers today. Their words, their example, and their prayers sustain us. Through their kindness, the light of the Dharma continues to shine in the world.
You might recall, our task is simply to keep that light alive within ourselves. By studying, reflecting, and meditating, by cultivating compassion and wisdom, by serving others with kindness, we honor the lineage and continue the work of the Buddhas.
Conclusion
Having reflected together on the stages of the path, let us dedicate whatever understanding and merit we have gathered. May it become a cause for our own awakening, and above all, for the liberation of all beings. As I mentioned, even a small effort, when offered with sincerity, connects us to the vast stream of wisdom and compassion passed down through the lineage. May this light never fade, but continue to grow in our hearts and in the world.
We are extremely fortunate and grateful for Geshe Jampa Gelek’s visit to Romania in August this year. We had planned this visit for a long time, and we were hoping to have it in late June, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to postpone for August. Not an inconvenience, for we are always at his disposal, and it is our duty to make things, activities and travel as simple as possible for our beloved Teacher.
This event was humbly prepared and financed by the Garden of Maitreya FPMT Study Group in Bucharest, Romania, and the teaching activities took place at White Tara FPMT Study Group location in Moșoaia, Argeș County, which is greatly loved by our Master for its very special natural landscape, as well as for all the birdsong and fresh, unpolluted air that is so wonderfully healthy. We were extremely glad and fortunate to work together once more, the beloved Thubten Saldron (coordinator of White Tara Study Group at Pitesti) and myself, to put things in motion.
Our Venerable Master, Geshe Jampa Gelek, came to Romania accompanied by his colleague, Lotsawa Sherab, a long-time devoted friend of our country. Both of them are held in the highest regard by us all and we cannot find sufficient words to express our gratitude for them having taken precious time out of their scheduled (and much needed) vacation to come to our country for Teachings. Geshe Jampa Gelek had spent a long academic year teaching Madhyamaka at Lama Tsongkhapa Institute in Pomaia, Italy, and guiding other centres throughout Italy and Spain almost every weekend.
Meanwhile, Lotsawa SherabSherpa has been very busy translating a highly academic text for the same institute (སྔགས་རིམ་ཆེན་མོ – we rejoice!) and also has gone through the administrative process of being registered as a Dharma Teacher, at the request of many centres, including ours in Romania. Therefore, the two honoured guests have had a lot to accomplish, which makes their visit even more precious.
It is my absolute joy to always welcome our Precious Teacher and his companion at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, with flowers and khatas and noisy happiness. This time, I was accompanied by my colleague Tenzin Iulian, a devoted practitioner from Piatra Neamț, Romania, who offered his time and his car for this wonderful endeavour, and to whom I am grateful. He drove a whopping total 1000 km in three days! May your merit multiply and keep all beings safe in any travels!
As we had arrived at White Tara Study Group Location in Moșoaia, early next day our guests proceeded to prepare everything that was necessary for the two empowerments that were graciously bestowed upon us later on. From a Lama’s side, empowerments include a preparatory phase of tormas and other physical elements, and a subsequent phase of solitary practice, where the Lama visualizes themselves as the deity, accumulates mantra, blesses and purifies the space and… if necessary, removes obstacles. Only then follows the purification of disciples and the actual empowerment ritual, involving complex visualizations (for the translation and gentle guiding of which we are grateful to Lotsawa Sherab) and the conferral of samaya to the gathered participants.
It felt like home, with colleagues new and old, united in the same good motivation and purpose. As our Master never fails to remind us, the purpose of any spiritual endeavour we embark upon is to better serve and help other beings – and so, we can only hope we will live up to his high expectations and do our part of work in our world.
During the two days of empowerment, we were very fortunate to also accumulate a lot of historical and cultural information of how certain practices came to be, how they were transmitted, what their lineage is, and what are they useful for. We often tend to go and hoard empowerments without really knowing their context and usage and find ourselves confused about the pledges we took in front of a Lama. This time, both the context and our duties were clarified to us beyond doubt.
We are very grateful for the lovely offerings that were brought by the participants and presented to the two guests, even though they were not in the least necessary – this event, as well anything we organize, remains and will always remain free of charge, as we aim to always remain faithful to the precious words of the Lord Buddha: Don’t be a merchant of the Dhamma. (Ud VI.2).
We also had the occasion to spend a few more moments together as a Sangha and exchange ideas, life experiences and caress the lovely animals that found their refuge… in the garden downstairs. Mind you, a most amazing grey Persian cat purred her way into our hearts, and other baby-kittens invitingly clawed at our shoes. May they also enjoy happiness and the causes of happiness!
We drove each other home, in friendship and generosity. A warm thank you for all the colleagues from Bucharest that offered seats in their cars for the other participants! That’s merit right there, and we all rejoice.
A word of gratitude for our hostess here at Moșoaia, Arges, our Dharma colleague and friend, our lady Thubten Saldron. Well-known in our community, she devotes her time in-between jobs to teach Dharma, and also to coordinate the activities and practice of the White Tara Study Group, according to her own Masters’ direct instructions, received from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Eminence the 104th Gaden Tripa, Kyabje Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo, having taken Refuge and having received her beautiful name from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, may His name be blessed.
Last, bot not least, Thubten Saldron graduated from the Faculty of Theology, Letters, History and Art in Pitești, Romania, with a double Bachelor’s degree in (1) Orthodox Theology and Social Assistance (2) Psychopaedagogy, and she equally holds a Master’s degree in the Management of Social Services and Health. She equally followed an in-depth course at the prestigious Harvard University, in Islamic studies, thus having become our ambassador for inter-religious dialogue in FPMT Romania community. Her vast knowledge has been appreciated by many respected religious leaders, with whom we were acquainted from last year when we participated – together with our Master, Geshe Jampa Gelek, in the conference and discussions held at the Faculty of Theology.
Thubten Saldron welcomed us all in the beautifully arranged Gompa (meditation hall), where she keeps wonderful statues, with fresh offerings, flowers and tranquility, in a wonderful natural scenery.
I was particularly touched and lived an intense, blessed emotion upon seeing that – on the altar table – a beautiful, tall, magnificent statue of Amitabha Buddha had been placed with reverence and honor, in front of which I bowed my head and my knees deeply, as a powerful and very deep bond calls me to constantly recite Amitabha’s blessed Name. It just made it all even more meaningful for me, at a personal level, as I assume it is for Saldron as well, as she has named the Meditation Hall “Amitabha” to cherish the same One I hold in the highest reward.
Namo Amitabha!
To have found Amitabha Buddha’s statue right here when I had thought of Him for weeks prior to these Teachings was, for me, a very deep lesson on Pratītyasamutpāda. I learnt that, if we pay attention, we realize that interdependence is everywhere and the fact of observing is a lesson in itself, very easily accessible, and with results that will exceed all our expectations. As our Lord Buddha clearly states in Śālistamba Sūtra (Discourse on the Rice Seedling)
Whoever sees dependent arising sees the Dharma.
Whoever sees the Dharma sees the Buddha.
Just as, from a seed, a sprout arises;
from the sprout, leaves;
from leaves, branches;
from branches, flowers and fruit.
So it is with all dharmas: with ignorance as condition arise formations…
with birth as condition arise aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair.
We thank Saldron for her effort, which was considerable. She participated in all the teachings and empowerments alongside with the rest of us, and I was extremely happy for that, because there is great joy in being close to a Dharma friend.
Upon departure, Geshe Jampa Gelek has conferred practice instructions for us all, and very precise indications for the further development and activities of the two centers, and to Thubten Saldron and myself, Jampa Drolkar (by my Refuge name) oh the very fortunate ones, in particular. He pointed out how pleased he is with my colleague Saldron’s accomplishments and gave advice about the next session of teachings to be organized; I received my own set of instructions for the further development of the Garden of Maitreya study group in Bucharest.
We keep in mind Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Precious words, that “Following the guru’s advice is the quickest way to become free from the oceans of samsaric sufferings… bearing difficulties to follow the guru’s advice … is like doing hundreds of thousands of prostrations.”
Beloved Master, we are grateful for your visit, for the precious Teachings and for all the life advice we received from you. We will work hard to prove ourselves worthy.
In the next few weeks, we are blessed to be able to participate in quite a lot of events, and we have a lot of ongoing works to do.
Please go through the list of events and see if any of them speaks to your heart.
Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 14:00 Online discussion and advice centered on Lam Rim Topics offered by the FPMT Centers in Pitesti (White Tara Study Group) and Bucharest (Garden of Maitreya). This is a free event; please register through the phone number on the below poster, to receive the Zoom link.
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In the next 2-3 weekends: painting the walls of the retreat center at Tranisu! This activity is organized and coordinated by White Mahakala Center in Cluj Napoca. A great opportunity to spend time near the Stupa built by the White Mahakala colleagues, while lending a hand in the works and accumulating more merit.
Call Marius at 0740124315 and get involved!
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At the very beginning of August (August 3 -4) we are blessed and incredibly fortunate to receive the visit of Geshe Jampa Gelek, together with his colleague and translator, our friend Lotsawa Sherab.
On this occasion, the following Empowerments will be granted:
Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Mosoaia, Arges County: Bodhisattva Vows and Vajrasattva Empowerment
Please go through the Facebook links to register (those events are cost-free!), in order to receive the address and the necessary instructions for attendance. If you do not have Facebook, kindly use the phone number: 0749545838 (Saldron, at White Tara Center) or the email of the Garden of Maitreya (gardenofmaitreya@gmail.com)
Studies, articles and projects currently being debated and polished:
Pending publication: a wonderful Teaching Transcript of Venerable Tenzin Gendun (a very good and precious friend of our country): The Fundament of All Good Qualities;
Pending publication: information on Khentrul Rinpoche’s visit in Romania, mid-august, upon the invitation of our colleagues from Jonang tradition;
Pending publication: the story of a truly inspiring pilgrimage – Rev. Josho Adrian (Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Amidaji tradition) walks on foot to visit the FPMT Stupa at Tranisu
Perpetually ongoing: Make your reading practice matter! Found a great quote? Send it to the Garden of Maitreya and let us inspire others!
With loving kindness and joyful effort in all our common Dharma works,
Among the various forms of unwholesome speech, meaningless and idle gossip is often regarded as the least harmful. Unlike harsh words that wound, divisive speech that sows discord, or falsehoods that deceive, idle chatter appears, on the surface, to be benign. And yet, despite its seemingly harmless nature, it is one of the most pervasive habits of speech, one that we engage in almost daily, often without a second thought.
We may not frequently lie or deliberately cause harm through our words, but gossip flows effortlessly into our conversations, filling the spaces between moments. And in this very act of idle speech, we unknowingly cultivate the conditions for delusion to take root. Without mindfulness, such speech becomes a fertile ground for attachment, craving, jealousy, pride, and aversion, poisons that cloud the mind and disturb our inner peace.
Consider how often our words revolve around objects of attachment, speaking about things we desire, experiences we long for, or people we admire. When we do so, we may not only strengthen our own craving but also awaken the seeds of attachment in the hearts of others. A seemingly casual remark about someone’s wealth, success, or beauty can stir jealousy in the listener, just as a boastful recounting of our own experiences can inflate pride within ourselves.
Likewise, when we discuss the faults or perceived wrongdoings of others, even in what we believe to be an innocent way, we plant the seeds of anger and resentment. We may feel justified in our speech, thinking that we are merely sharing observations, but in reality, we are feeding a cycle of aversion, both within ourselves and within those who listen. Over time, such habitual speech conditions the mind to take pleasure in negativity, reinforcing patterns of dissatisfaction and disharmony.
This is why the Buddha, as well as the great masters of the Kadampa tradition, advised us to cultivate mindfulness in speech. When we are in the presence of others, we should be vigilant, ensuring that our words are spoken with care, wisdom, and purpose. But mindfulness does not end when we are alone. Even in solitude, the mind continues its dialogue, engaging in unspoken conversations that can be just as unwholesome as spoken words. We may replay past events, rehearse arguments, or dwell on imagined scenarios, all of which reinforce attachment, aversion, and suffering.
True mindfulness, therefore, requires an awareness not only of our outward speech but also of the silent conversations within. When we recognize the nature of idle gossip, its tendency to give rise to afflictive emotions and perpetuate unwholesome habits of mind, we naturally develop a greater inclination toward meaningful, skillful, and beneficial speech.
Instead of speaking idly, we can cultivate words that uplift, heal, and bring clarity. Instead of reinforcing delusion, we can use speech as a tool for wisdom, compassion, and understanding. By doing so, we transform our words from sources of distraction and disharmony into instruments of peace, both for ourselves and for all beings.
Through mindfulness, restraint, and a sincere commitment to wholesome speech, we gradually purify the mind, allowing it to rest in the tranquility of awareness. And in this silence… this space free of idle chatter, we come to know the profound beauty of stillness, the wisdom that arises when words are no longer wasted, and the boundless freedom that lies beyond the realm of needless speech.
Sometimes, Teachers ask us very difficult questions, to test our understanding and knowledge on certain topics that are being studied, or perhaps just to test our mindfulness and attention – the quality of which can always be improved.
And sometimes, it may happen that a Teacher can ask very simple questions, and more often than not, those puzzle us, we feel that perhaps “it’s a trap!” – The question cannot possibly be that simple, and we stumble in our own words and give only half of a decent answer.
A few weeks ago, one such extraordinary moment took place at Lama Tsongkhapa Institute in Pomaia, Italy, during one of Geshe Jampa Gelek’s teachings from the Masters’ program. It was a very “normal” teaching day, on a difficult Madhyamaka topic; we were all paying careful attention to a debate that was being explained to us – and both residential and online students were taking assiduous notes. In our minds, I am very sure, we were all complaining just a little bit about how difficult this was – because it really was. We had all studied the Ornament for Clear Realization and were somewhat acquainted to a certain level of difficulty, and Madhyamaka is… well… next level.
Our beloved Master, Geshe Jampa Gelek, I think, caught the flow of the teaching room and understood that we were struggling a little bit. He knows that the teachings are difficult, and we are ever so lucky to be able to study those treatises under the skilled guidance of a perfect Teacher; so he gently encouraged us to not lose patience and to pour all our energy into it. He often tells us that “it gets easier”. He advised us that the study of those great texts – such as the Lamrim, The Ornament for Clear Realization, The Abhidharma, Madhyamaka and all the supplementary topics that surround them – those give the measure of true, profound knowledge.
He then took us all by surprised and asked us a series of question – not for immediate response, but for later reflection and consideration – because we are buddhists and students in a prestigious institute, and perhaps, some of us, future teachers; and so, if one person were to come to us and ask us simple things such as – Hey, what does it mean to be a Buddhist? What is the difference between a Buddhist and a non-Buddhist? What’s Samsara? So how do we get out of it? Those Four Noble Truths, what are they? Oh and I keep hearing about afflictions, what are those, is there a list? Can you name them?
We seemingly know those things. But can we all respond quickly and without stuttering? Can we give a good, well-rounded, complete answer to any of those questions (and to some others; mind you, there’s a little list!)? We should. And if we cannot immediately do so, we should prepare and always be ready to respond to the respective questions in a correct and wholesome way, because here we are, having studied so much, having put so much effort – we shouldn’t not know.
Our Master gave us some general examples of practitioners who engage in so much meditation, in extensive mantra accumulations, but without having studied properly, without having first accumulated solid knowledge of what should at least be – basics, how will you know what to meditate on? How will you know the purpose of a mantra and what it means, and what use is there to even… accumulate it? Therefore, in all things, study should come first, and we should be precise in what we study, in how we memorize, on what we are able to explain to others if needed, and not to be vague or imprecise. Wrong knowledge can bring about a lot of harm.
I carefully collected the list given by our venerable Teacher and transcribed it with the precious help of Lotsawa Sherab, the translation from Tibetan is done to the best of my abilities and any mistake might be present, it is solely mine.
It’s a good list to study, a beginning. I’d suggest, get a small notebook, copy this list and carefully add the answer, look up good scripture quotations (not from the Internet, where there is an ample amount of fake Buddha quotes) and make sure you know those concepts well.
V.A: It is my great joy to welcome you all to this teaching that our beloved Dharma friend, Ani Thubten Dechen from Lama Tsongkhapa Institute accepted to hold for us, for which reason we are very grateful. And so this is the first event organized by the FPMT study group, the Garden of Maitreya in Bucharest, Romania, and which we did not want to limit only to our community, but rather to offer it to our numerous friends worldwide, so that as many people as possible could benefit. So we thank you, Venerable Dechen, for having taken a moment from your precious time to share with us from your wisdom. And so we promise to listen carefully and to integrate your advice into our daily lives.
Ven. Dechen: Thank you so much, Veronica. Well, it’s such a wonderful pleasure to be with you. And maybe we take a moment just to settle the body, shake off any energy of the day and just take a deep breath together.
All right, so let’s all just get a comfortable position. And wherever we’ve come from, whatever we’ve been doing before, we just let it go and we bring ourselves into the present moment. And when you’re ready, you can take a long breath in and exhale. And another long breath in and exhale, completely letting go of any thoughts, tensions, anything you had your attention on during the day and just be here and now. And we can really rejoice that we have this precious opportunity together with like-minded friends, wonderful space for us to think about the Dharma. And so we think that we’re going to listen and reflect, hopefully to get something of benefit to our mind that we can put into practice for our own benefit, but also so that we can benefit others. Like a stone landing in a lake, rippling outwards. Whatever we learn, whatever we practice, may it bring peace, wisdom and compassion to this world, which needs it.
I take Refuge until I’m enlightened in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Supreme Assembly. By my merits of listening to the Dharma, may I become a Buddha to benefit transmigratory being.
So that’s our little Refuge formula. So this talk is about you’ve taken Refuge… and now what? It’s a little bit like you bought the mala, now what do we do? And I was saying this to a friend in the shop at lunchtime, and she said, “Oh yes, it is so important to think about this…” and she’s been a Dharma practitioner for a long time, so this isn’t necessarily just for those of you who took Refuge last week… actually we might have taken Refuge a long time ago, and still feel like… “Oh, where am I, where am I going? What am I doing? Am I doing it right?” So the purpose of this is to give us a little bit of direction.
And with that in mind, I sat down the other day beside a picture of Lama Tsongkhapa and I asked myself: “What is the most useful thing I can share?” And so I’ll share what came to mind, and the first thing that came to mind is… it’s not that hard. From where we are right now to where we want to get to, be that enlightenment, becoming a bodhisattva, it’s not that hard. I’m going to explain what I mean by that, okay? I have to qualify that, because we’re going to put this in perspective.
So I have a book about enlightened beings. And we hear all the stories of how people got enlightened and what they did. And I was looking at this book of enlightened beings, and I wanted someone who got enlightened, who wasn’t already a bodhisattva when they were born. And so there’s a chap in here called, what’s his name? He is called Baso Chokyi Gyaltsen. I’m guessing none of us have heard of him. And he just seemed, you know, pretty regular guy. So he studied, he did his practice. He started by meditating on precious human rebirth, and then renunciation. And it said he went to the feet of Manjushri and Maitreya. So I checked with Geshe Jampa Gelek, I said: “Does that mean he got enlightened?” It’s not clear. So I had to go back to the text and tucked away, hidden, hidden in a paragraph is a story about three of his disciples: they’re the three Dorje brothers, Cho Dorje, Peldun Dorje and Dorje Pelwa. And they all got enlightened in one life, one body, meaning they started as ordinary beings. They entered a path in that lifetime and got enlightened in that life.
I have to try and find the page now, because the commentary on it is wonderful; it’s talking about Cho Dorje, and the commentator says: “Not much is known about him.” We don’t know anything about him. He got enlightened. We don’t know where he came from. Nothing is known about his whereabouts. We don’t know if he lived with ordinary beings or dakinis, but he got enlightened. So this is important information, because we hear all the stories of people who jumped off buildings and sat in fire and built towers, but we don’t hear about the ordinary ones that met the Dharma, quietly went about their business, and then got enlightened. And whilst those other stories are encouraging for one purpose, I find these stories really encouraging for another purpose.
So, you know, all the stories of Naropa and Milarepa are very motivating, but it’s good to know that people like us made progress too. So that’s not to say that, oh, you know, we’re going to get enlightened this lifetime, but at least let’s look at our options. So we probably heard of Vasubandhu, who recited the Abhidharmakosha every day, and the pigeon on his roof was born human the next life, and became a scholar, and wrote four commentaries on the Abhidharmakosha. That’s kind of impressive, I’d be satisfied with that, right? Then there were some swans that Buddha Shakyamuni gave teachings to and in their next lifetime they were born human and became arhats. They were birds.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche says: “To even hear the word bodhichitta, you need so much merit.” Pabongka Rinpoche says: “We’re sort-of circling in the neighborhood of the path of accumulation.” We haven’t got there yet. So because we haven’t got there yet, we have no idea how near or far we are. But he says, we’re in the neighbourhood. We’re sort of, you know, in the heading in the right direction. And we’re probably a lot farther than we think, making a lot more progress than we know. And so we have a lot of potential.
So from that perspective, it’s quite encouraging. So now I’m gonna do, we’re gonna do a little thought experiment. Don’t have to answer out loud, okay? But just in your mind, have a think and ask yourself, how long do you think you would need to realize bodhichitta? It doesn’t matter what the answer is. It could be five lifetimes, could be ten, could be a few years. But just ask yourself honestly, how much time do you think you need? All right, do you have a number? You can pick a big number if you want. You can be conservative. Just a number.
The point is this. Whatever number you’ve chosen, it’s probably not that much. In the grand scheme of beginningless lifetimes, it’s not that much. Even if you said ten lifetimes, twenty, it’s not that much, comparatively speaking. So the point is, we’re further ahead than we know. We have so much going for us that we might not necessarily recognize, and we can do this.
We’re already human, so we have a lot going for us. So that’s what I mean by it’s not hard. I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m just contextualizing and saying, for where we are and what we’ve got, we’re in pretty good shape. And Pabongka Rinpoche actually says: “We might even be starting from a vantage point that’s further ahead than some other people did, and they did well.” So we should take confidence and have self-confidence. So if that’s our situation, then the second point is… don’t get distracted. Don’t get caught off guard, going off in other directions. And this comes from Tara. Tara said this to a teacher. It’s in the Lamrim. She said, because his parents were trying to arrange his marriage and showing him all these women he could choose from – “If someone like you gets distracted, that would be a shame.” So it’s the same for us. We have so much. And if we get distracted, that would be a shame. It’s not a criminal offence. It’s not disaster of the century, but it would be a shame.
We’ve got this life of incredible fortune, we have intelligence, we have interest in the Dharma, which is so rare in the world. Pabongka says: “With it, we can do whatever we wish. We can make prayers to get another precious human rebirth. We can achieve enlightenment, liberation. And even if we think we need a life better than this one, this is the lifetime.” We can do it. So we have to start with a position of self-confidence. Tara said, “If we got distracted, that would be a shame.” So now, that doesn’t mean that we should become fundamentalist because, first of all, it doesn’t work. The mind has to proceed gently.
And honestly, nobody will like us if we become like that. So the Kadampa say: “Take a long-term view, relax, have a long-term vision, take it easy, and just be farsighted, don’t squeeze.” But the point is… just put one foot in front of the other, one step at a time and eventually we will get there. So then in that context what Refuge is, if you like, it is our North Star. Refuge is giving us the direction of both where we’re headed, and what we’re relying in. So we can think of Refuge as a goal, Buddhahood. We can think of it also as the path that helps us get there. And we can also think of Refuge as the help we have along the way, the Sangha. And so the purpose of Refuge is to help us achieve our goal.
But what is our goal? And this needs to be clear. Our goal is to help sentient beings. Enlightenment, strictly speaking, is just the means and the instrument to help us do that. It’s not the end in itself.
So an enlightened mind is just a state that permits us to benefit others in the most spontaneous and natural and unmistaken way. But the goal is to help sentient beings. So for that, it’s helpful for us to know what have we taken Refuge in? So if that’s our goal, if that’s our objective, what have we taken Refuge in, and why? So we’ll go through the three, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
The Buddha: why do we follow the Buddha? Why is the Buddha a valid teacher? In Pramanavartika, it said: “The Buddha is a valid being. The Buddha is Pramana because he became valid.” And that right there goes to the very heart of some of the essence of the Buddhist teachings. His enlightenment was a dependent arising. He wasn’t a created God. He wasn’t born perfect from the beginning. He started like us. I mean, he was a prince, but that aside, he was like us. But he became valid. So this captures the view of dependent arising, cause and result. If you create the causes, you get the result. And that we have Buddha nature. We have something within us that is suitable to transform into the bodies of a Buddha. And that is incredibly unique. So this is very important for us to know.
The Buddha became valid. It was a dependent arising. It was a result. A result of what? Really two things. So first of all, he cleaned up. So he used the wisdom, seeing reality correctly, to remove all the layers of distortions and wrong concepts that keep us in samsara. So one job was the removal job, which wisdom does, but he also cultivated the positive qualities, love, compassion, bodhicitta. And those two together gave rise to the two results the two bodies of a Buddha so the enlightened mind is the result of having done the wisdom work and then the form body is the result of having done the cultivating work and this is also important because it’s sometimes said, oh, all we need to do is remove things. That’s true to a point.
Removing obscurations will get you to nirvana, to personal liberation. It won’t get you to Buddhahood. Buddhahood is a choice. You choose to develop the form body of a Buddha, and you invest effort in creating the causes through method, love, compassion, bodhichitta. So it isn’t just the unlearning and removal, there’s active cultivation, there’s active choice in cultivating yourself to become a Buddha. And that’s what he did. So the Buddha removed all the superimpositions, all the distortions, and cultivated all of the positive qualities, wisdom, compassion, through work, through familiarization.
And so we respect the Buddha, we respect the images, we treat images of the Buddha with respect, because if we don’t have the karma to meet the Buddha in daily life, at the very least, we try and treat the representations with respect.
The Dharma: the Dharma is essentially what the Buddha – I should say Prince Gautama, what the prince mixed his mind with, to become a Buddha. And what he did, we can do too. And this is another fundamental principle of Buddhism. The goal of omniscience and perfect qualities and no obscurations is something we can attain. That’s our job. That’s the fulfillment of our human potential. We can attain that too. So what the Buddha did give us a clue about the practice, about the job to be done. Remove the distortions with wisdom and cultivate the positive. And because we have Buddha nature, we can do the same. Again, this is the fundamental, dependent arising.
You create the causes, you get the result. You stop creating the unhelpful causes, you stop getting the unhelpful result. So because we are not set in stone, this is the culmination of our potential. And the afflictions, the disturbing emotions, they’re produced phenomena. They’re not the nature of our mind. If they were, we’d have them all the time, and sometimes we don’t. I think we can all, sometimes they’re not there, right? So we know they’re not the nature of our mind. We get a glimpse of the fact that we can live without them. They’re not the nature, they can be removed. We just have to stop producing causes so that we’re getting them as a result. They’re not definite to be experienced. They’re not the nature of our mind. The nature of the mind is clear light. The afflictions are advantageous and they can be removed. And so the Dharma then is what we use, what we mix our mind with to do that.
The purpose of the Dharma is really to reduce the causes of suffering, and increase the causes of happiness. And we might say… chocolate does that. It’s true, but we’re looking for lasting happiness. So that’s why we rely on the Dharma. And chocolate, they’re not mutually exclusive, but we’re aiming for long-term goals and long-term happiness and fulfilment.
So the Dharma is the real Refuge because the Dharma in our continuum is our Refuge. So the Buddha teaches, but the Dharma in our continuum is what helps us to achieve our goal. And so that’s why it’s so important to study. And in the Refuge precepts, there is actually a precept that we should listen and reflect. It also says that understanding can be challenging, but our job is to listen, to reflect, to understand to the best of our ability, and practice. So that again gives us a really good direction. If we’ve taken Refuge, that’s something we should be looking at. To listen, to understand, so that we know what to practice. It’s easy to say we want to practice, but practice what if we haven’t learned, if we’re not familiar?
Shantideva, rather depressingly, says “We drive away the causes of happiness as if happiness was our enemy.” I mean, that’s a fairly dismal prescription, right? And “We chase after the causes of unhappiness as if it were our friend.” So that’s why we study to learn to make educated informed choices that help us. And then so when we study and this is something that Geshe Jampa Gelek said, we need to actually understand the distinguishing features of this tradition that we’ve taken Refuge in. So what makes Buddhism distinct from anything else are things that we’ve taken Refuge in.
So what makes Buddhism distinct from anything else are things that we need to know if we’re going to proceed correctly.
So we’ll go through some of them, first on the side of wisdom, and then on the side of method. All right, so I am starting with the wisdom.
Some people say that, in terms of method and ethics and so on, Buddhism is kind-of pretty similar to everything else. That’s not entirely true, I have to say.
Sidebar, I used to work in Afghanistan. And so I used to follow the Taliban on Twitter. And one of the Taliban was posting in English that “Oh, you Westerners should not be criticizing our methods of enforcement of the rule of law, because that’s impinging on our religious freedom.” And you know, the Talibans’ methods for enforcing the rule of law are quite severe, but they see that as their religious freedom, that’s to be upheld and respected. And I’m pretty sure that neither in Buddhism, nor Jainism, nor Christianity, will we find such methods. I mean, if I remember rightly, I think there were beheadings and amputations in there. So the point being, it isn’t all the same, right? So even if we say that ethics is the same, it actually isn’t.
So let’s get back to wisdom, because wisdom is the really key distinguishing feature. And Lama Tsongkhapa wrote a beautiful Praise to Dependent Arising, in which he praises the Buddha; he says, “Whatever exists in dependence on conditions, is empty of existing by way of its own essence.” And he says to the Buddha, “Nobody else has taught this. You alone taught this. And for that, I’m offering praise and homage.”
So the combined view of emptiness and dependent arising is a distinguishing feature of Buddhism. Why do we care? Because another premise of Buddhism is that at the root of our suffering is a grasping to ourselves as having an essence, as being essential. There is some findable, graspable, take holdable “I” that we desperately need to protect at all costs, and in so doing, we identify and push away any other, and all our afflictions and negative karma depend upon that. And that’s so instinctive to us, we can hardly imagine what it would be like to be without that.
Dharmakirti says: “Freedom from that view is freedom from the very cause of what is causing us suffering.” And how to reach that is… with wisdom, realizing that that way we think we exist, that graspable essential I, that, that it doesn’t exist in that way at all. And so Lama Tsongkhapa says: “This view that we don’t exist that way… we still exist, just not in the way we thought.” The fact that we don’t exist in that way, he says only the Buddha taught that. Meaning that the distinguishing feature of Buddhism from the wisdom perspective is that it presents the wisdom that cuts the root of samsara. And many other traditions actually strengthen a view of the self. And there’s nothing wrong with that if those traditions are very helpful, it’s just different.
So in other traditions, there might be a view of the self as a pure soul or a pure being that’s held within the aggregates. And for some people that might be very beneficial for their mind. But it’s different, and it has different implications. Because if we’re holding to ourself, then everything we do is still from the perspective of self and other, self and other, self and other. And if we do enough internal work, we can start to see the impact of that in our own lives. Now, as well as, so that’s in the arena of ultimate truth.
But wisdom in Buddhism is not just about emptiness, it’s also about conventional truth. It’s also about let’s have a correct view of how things conventionally exist. And in that regard, impermanence is really important. So the way we view reality, the way we see reality, then has an impact on our ethics, on our conduct, on our love, on our compassion. Buddhism is said to be fundamentally non-harming.
In Buddhism, we say there are three main kinds of suffering. The first one we all know, the suffering of suffering, okay? Unpleasant experiences, hunger, earthquakes, you name it, all the unpleasant stuff that nobody wants. And I think everybody recognizes that, they’re pretty familiar. Now everybody has a measure of compassion, so when we see this kind of suffering, we are moved, we want to do something. So what does our compassionate action do? We might give food, we might give shelter, we might give warmth, and we should give these things to the extent that we are able to. There are many, this is common across religious traditions, there are many traditions that do outstanding work in this area; if you see the Sikh organisations, they’re always in disaster zones giving food, they give medical care, in outstanding work.
So this is the first kind of suffering. So already that’s incredible. So moved by compassion for beings experiencing suffering of suffering, this is the kind of help we might give. But because we also talk about impermanence within the Buddhist view of wisdom, there’s a second type of suffering that invites us to expand our compassion a little bit more.
And here we talk about the suffering of change. So this is when the good things run out. The chocolate, the job, the money, the partner, you get it. It’s happened to all of us, right? And you don’t have any more chocolate left, crucially. Okay, so when the good things run out, the person leaves us, right? And you don’t have any more chocolate left, crucially, okay? So when the good things run out, the person leaves us, we lose our job, whatever it is, basically when the karma finishes, the happy, pleasant feelings stop. And quite often, then another karma ripens. Why does this matter? Because from the perspective of impermanence, there is no moment of abiding. Things are changing momentarily. And in the moment, the moment that something is experienced as ripened results, the karma that gave rise to it is finished. Like it’s like burning a candle. Once you’ve burnt the wick, the flame isn’t coming back. And our karma is like this. Once you use up the causes as ripened result, that’s it. The cause is finished.
So how can we apply this when we have a view of impermanence and karma? We can even have compassion for the people in good situations, the rich, the beautiful, the healthy, the people that spend billions of dollars using their hard earned fruition of generosity flying into space. Because they’re using up, they have all of this wonderful result of hard work that they did accumulating positive karma, they experience the result, and if that result isn’t used well, the causes are gone, and what are they left with? It’s like going to Vegas and spending all your money in the casino in one night and then the next morning you’re broke. What are you left with? So if we were a friend to our rich friend in the Vegas casino who’s blowing all their money in one night, we might tell them, before you blow everything, how about making some investments? Maybe don’t blow everything in one go. We would have compassion for the fact that tomorrow morning they can’t afford breakfast.
So in the same way, from this point of view, for someone who has incredibly good fortune and is using it up, our compassion might help them create positive karma, advise them to be generous. Our compassion, thinking of the future results, will say, you know, help them maybe practice philanthropy. We will try and help them use their good situation to do more good. This isn’t really what we normally do. Normally, if someone is well off, rich, powerful, and so on, the last thing we experience towards them is compassion. But from the point of view of impermanence and karma, they’re also at risk of suffering, and they’re also worthy of compassion. So the view there expands our compassion.
And then there’s another one, there’s suffering number three, which is pervasive compounded suffering. This essentially just means that – because we are samsaric beings, we are programmed at any given time to experience one of the other two kinds of suffering. It’s a little more tricky to understand. But it’s this view of… we just keep going around and round and round, and we’re not getting out and we go from high to low, we gain, we lose in continuation. And from that perspective, what would compassion do? From that perspective, we study wisdom. We might say: “I wanna study wisdom to free sentient beings from samsara.” That’s one option. But even having some understanding of that, there’s actually more we can do.
So, so, and Shantideva teaches it; in his chapter on patience he says: “Sentient beings don’t choose what arises in their minds. They don’t choose to get angry. They don’t choose their imprints. They’re born, the mere person is designated on the aggregates and they are born with these aggregates.” They did not pick it off the supermarket shelf. They’re born with imprints on their mental continuum, a body that was done of their choosing. It is a fruitional result of karma, but they didn’t choose this.
And from this point of view, two things. First of all, however bad they might be, however unpleasant, however much we want to reject and discard them, they’re not intrinsically bad. You give them different causes, different conditions, and they can change. And in fact, I don’t know if I’ve shared this with you before, but after the Rwandan genocide, one of the men who admitted to having killed a lot of people said, people aren’t born bad. They can be made that way, and they can be taught to be good.
If we are holding to a view of intrinsically existent self, we will never give them the chance. We’ll just discard them and chuck them in the bin. But if we have a view of dependent arising, at least dependent arising, then we understand that in dependence upon different inputs, different causes and conditions, that person also gets a second chance. And in that way, we can have compassion for the really undesirable people. The ones that we think should just be expelled from our society, because what they are is a dependent arising. And if you get different causes and conditions, you will get a different result. And that’s the kind of compassion our Lamas have. It’s hard for us.
You know, I remember one centre I worked at, I was told that for 24 hours, someone was on paper, a director of the centre. And the police arrived at the door saying, “Listen, this individual has a criminal record and there’s absolutely no way, there’s no way he can be a director, absolutely not, a crime of this severity, just no.” So I don’t think he ever actually made it to the centre. And it’s a pretty bad crime. And he’d been chosen by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. And so someone said to me, “Well, that just goes to show that Lama Zopa Rinpoche isn’t a God, he makes mistakes, look, here’s an example of that mistake.” And it probably wasn’t a mistake. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, with his great foresight of future lives had probably calculated that for this individual, being a director of a Dharma centre, even if on paper and just for one day, was worth it in the long run. It brought some benefit to that individual. Even if the centre staff had to fend off the police, even if it was very difficult. He had a long-term view.
Because he has a long-term view, obviously with his view of emptiness and dependent arising, Lama Zopa Rinpoche believes that when you give somebody a chance to create new causes and conditions, you are going to get a different resulting person. But if you never change anything, well, then the person is going to stay the same. So from this perspective, we can start to have compassion, or try to develop compassion for the people that we really would rather not. So, so that’s where our view of compassion, dependent upon the wisdom teachings, can become so much more vast. And plus it’s for all sentient beings.
Okay, so depending on the view, we have a different analysis and diagnosis of suffering, and depending on the breadth of the diagnosis of suffering, we have a much more vast presentation of compassion. And again, so that’s where study can help us.
There are things that we should have some knowledge of, as Geshe Jampa Gelek said. What is a Buddhist? What makes Buddhism different from other traditions? The Four Noble Truths, the Two Truths, how we circle in Samsara, how we get liberated from Samsara, and how we reach omniscience. These are some of the things that we should try to get knowledge of. And in particular, try to get knowledge of them, according to the presentation of the Lamrim, starting from the beginning and working upwards, and going back to our friend Baso Chokyi Gyaltsen, that I mentioned earlier: that’s how he started. He just started reflecting on a life of freedoms and richnesses and continued from there. So that’s really the advice. Start from the beginning in the Lamrim and work your way up, building one stage on top of the other.
OK, so this is the Dharma part of Refuge. And with the Dharma, there are a couple of Refuge precepts. So we try and treat the Dharma texts with respect, not putting them on the floor, not putting them in the bag with our shoes, and just keep practicing respect towards our texts, and ideally also reading them, not just putting the book on a shelf and forget about it.
The Sangha. So I have, I have entirely taken this from Serkong Rinpoche, and I put a link here to a little video, three, three minutes long, he explains it beautifully.
So Serkong Rinpoche’s description of the Sangha: he says: “In order to practice the Dharma well, we need reliable examples to guide us. People who have practiced the teachings and actually attained some of its goals. And we call those people the Sangha, and they are the role models we rely on. Sangha are normally in this analysis are people who’ve directly realized emptiness.” He describes them as people who’ve gotten rid of some of their problems and in the process, they’re working to get rid of more of them. So their job is to be helpers and to be role models so that they’re qualified to get rid of more of them. So their job is to be helpers and to be role models so that they’re qualified to help us. So they will have qualities like wanting to help others, practicing what they preach.
We need role models. We need people we can follow, who are ahead of us on the path. They’re with us in the self-help group and can and can help us. And in that regard, there’s a there’s a Refuge precept for this Sangha, which is: keep good company, have helpful friends, have people around you who will support your spiritual practice, and your spiritual development. We’re so influenced by our friends. And this isn’t a Buddhist idea, you know, it’s a very, very popular thing. You are the five people you surround yourself with. So it’s really helpful to have good support, good friends, good community, also for encouragement.
So very briefly, so there are benefits of Refuge listed in the Lamrim.
So first of all, we become Buddhists. You become Buddhist when you take Refuge.
We reduce and exhaust lots of negative karma.
We accumulate a lot of merit. We need that, we need fuel in the tank.
We receive support and protection from harm. And in the Lamrim, it said that we are protected from the harm of spirits and other hindrances.
So I was thinking last night, I remember in this regard with this point, I’d had an experience; it happens to some people: while being asleep, a pressing spirit disturbs them. It’s not very pleasant. So you’re sleeping and you have this feeling of being pushed, like you’re being squashed into the ground. And if it ever happens, try and send love and “Om Mani Padme Hum” and so forth. But this particular time, I was sort of semi conscious. And I remember I just said “Lama Khyen,” which means “Lama, help me.” And I remember in my dream, suddenly I was dreaming of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Geshe Gelek, and whatever it was… it went away. So that was my experience of that, being protected from spirit harm.
Sometimes we take Refuge, and we don’t ask for help. And that I’m guilty of that, you know, we take Refuge, we fall to one extreme or the other, either we think, “Oh, the Buddhas are going to do everything, I pray to the Buddhas that I pass my exam.” I mean, I hate to break it to you, that’s not how it works. So either we fall to that extreme, thinking “The Buddhas are going to make me pass my exam,” or we go to the other extreme: “I’m going to go into Samsara and figure it out all by myself.”
Our attitude must be: “I have a problem, first I take Refuge. I have to have a difficult conversation, first I take Refuge. I have to, you know, whatever it is, take a journey, go somewhere, do something, I take Refuge.” Actually ask for help.
I remember once being contacted by a doctor I used to work with in Congo. He had PTSD. And of course, I asked my teacher, so what do I do thinking, what mantra, what practice, what this, what that? And he replied and said, “You can ask me to pray for him.” And I said: “Oh, right, yeah, okay.” You know, like this radical idea, you know, oh my goodness, take Refuge. I didn’t think of that. You know, so we have to also make taking Refuge a practice because it’s all very well that there are benefits of taking Refuge, but you actually have to take Refuge to get the benefits.
So, more benefits:
We swiftly attain our wishes.
We swiftly attain Buddhahood. Okay, so this goes back to my earlier point. It’s not that far away and we’re closer than we think. We swiftly attain Buddhahood.
We become a basis for vows. Bodhisattva vows and other vows.
We don’t fall to the lower realms. It doesn’t necessarily mean it never ever happens again. It just, you have a pretty good chance that in the next lifetime, you’re in good shape. So technically, to be absolutely certain of never going to the lower realms, you have to be on the path of preparation, but we get the general point.
So and this is in chapter 12 of Lamrim Chenmo.
So, these are general precepts, guideposts for what we should be doing having taken Refuge. So the first is, as Geshe Jampa Gelek tried to tell me: “Try relying on holy beings, you know? Ask for help.”
So rely on holy beings, ask for help. Listen to them as well.
Then listen to and study and understand and try and practice the Dharma. That’s what they’re teaching.
Be a friend to yourselves. Giving yourselves the best start. Don’t put yourselves in situations that are going to make your afflictions go wild. It just doesn’t help.
The next general precept is if you feel ready to take whatever vows you feel able to maintain. Venerable Robina is a great fan of vows because they help us accumulate lots of merit and purify karma.
And the next one is, be compassionate towards sentient beings and don’t harm them. You know, one of the Refuge precepts is if we’ve taken Refuge, we should give up harming sentient beings directly or indirectly.
And the next is that we make an offering when we’re eating or drinking, when we’re starting our meals, we just mentally offer that. So the texts say: offer it to the Buddhas, but Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains this in a very nice way. He says, first, imagine offering your food and drink to all sentient beings. And then as their representative, on their behalf, you offer it to the Buddhas, imagining that the sentient beings get the benefit of the merit and the generosity. And so, and the last point is thinking about benefits of Refuge, take Refuge again and again. And it’s really a useful experiment to do whether it’s a difficult conversation or a difficult situation.
Instead of just running off into life and try and do it all by yourself, if you actually take Refuge before doing that, watch what happens to your mind. Watch how you feel, see if it makes a difference. What difference does it make in your life when before doing X, Y or Z you actually take Refuge and put some trust into the Buddhas and the Arya Sangha? Give it a try. I’m not going to tell you, just try. It’s remarkable the impact it can have.
We don’t have to do everything ourselves. So try sometimes putting it in practice. Before you go into a situation: “I take Refuge. I take Refuge.” Ask for help and see what that does to the mind and how you approach the situation.
One tiny little story in that regard. So long story short, I was trying to help some women, in Afghanistan, when the Taliban took over. And it was a horrible situation, because I don’t know if you remember, when the Taliban took over, there were all those airplanes with people on them, everybody trying to get out. And there were these women who felt very frightened, because they had been selling in the army bases of the US and other army. So you can imagine what the Taliban are going to think of that, you got number one, it’s a bunch of women, selling things. And number two, they were selling in the army bases of the enemy, trying to get money for their family. But you know that in the view of the Taliban, that’s the enemy. So they were terrified for their lives. And we were trying to get them out.
There was someone who, at first sight, was offering a plane. And, and then they stopped answering or communication. And the lady who was the go between, she said, they had their bags packed, they were ready to go. And these people who had said they were offering a plane just weren’t answering. What do I do? I’ve given them hope. And I have to say that was hands down the worst night of my life. Because how you feel in that situation with so many people counting on you and you can do nothing. It’s horrible. And one way or another, we all face situations where we feel so utterly helpless, yet responsible. And so the next day, I said, okay, how about again, try taking Refuge. Actually take Refuge. Pray, take Refuge.
It didn’t change the outcome. We didn’t get a plane. And they are still there, and still alive. But I just didn’t feel like I had all the responsibility and weight on my shoulders. So that’s why I say, even if the outcome doesn’t change, because so much karma is involved in these situations, still the difference it can make by relying on the support of Refuge, it can make a huge difference to the mind, because it isn’t just on you. So I share that for what it’s worth.
A little reminder from Lama Zopa Rinpoche: “Compassion, do everything with the best motivation you possibly can, try to do everything with a bodhicitta motivation. Because bodhisattvas are not distinguished by what they do, but by the motivation with which they do it. So try to have a vast motivation for everything we do, eat, sleep, whatever it is, for others, for others, and train ourself in this thought for others.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama meditates on emptiness, but he really stressed that the last thing the Buddha taught was bodhicitta. And His Holiness said: “If you try to practice bodhicitta, if you try to put that into practice, then whether you’ve met me or not, it’s as if you’ve made meeting me meaningful.” So we’ve practiced the meaning of meeting His Holiness in this life, whether we’ve met him or not. So that’s a way for us to really think about taking the essence of our life, making it meaningful. And again, slowly, slowly, one step at a time. That’s a way that we can move forward and make best use of this incredible opportunity that we have.
To start off this theme, I should first underline what effort actually means from both Buddhist and non-Buddhist points of view. Effort, from a Buddhist perspective, is a mental event where one takes pleasure in performing a wholesome activity, whereas an ordinary person might define it as energy exerted for a short-term or long-term benefit in this life. However, this exerted energy can be complex in nature, being either virtuous or non-virtuous, which I leave as an open topic to explore further.
From a Buddhist point of view, effort falls within the category of virtue because Buddhist literature defines it as an intention that takes pleasure in virtue.
In this conventional world, different people live in different ways—some with effort and some without—according to the karmic background of each individual. Those with good karma may apply effort in their mundane lives, but not as much as those without good karma from their past lives. In this context, I use the word “effort” to mean hardship, as hardship necessarily involves effort—not just a little but a lot.
Nobody in this materialistic world, including those of the highest social rank, has become great without putting in a certain level of effort. Everybody wants to be rich, to be heard, to be loved, including ourselves. People desire and need things in specific ways according to their tastes. They wish to be beautiful and nice so that others pay attention. Particularly, those in public spaces—academic settings, religious institutions, temples, cinemas, or political arenas—seek attention, whether they are rich or poor, beautiful or ugly. They often hope for miracles to make them famous, believing that fame brings happiness, without considering that they must create the causes for all this through effort.
Nowadays, we want things too quickly—through our cell phones, through Amazon, through DHL delivery—thinking that people should do everything for us without question. We expect quick responses and immediate results, exerting as little effort as possible. This reflects the current state of our society. Everyone desires money, power, relationships, dharma, realizations, service, love, food, and drink—instantly—without putting in the required amount of effort or time necessary for the mechanical process.
We now know that almost anything we need can be obtained through Google’s “magical box.” This belief spans all levels of society, from children to working-class individuals to those of high social rank. Since the advent of cell phones and their multitude of apps, we have unfortunately grown lazier. Even the minimal human effort we once exerted has diminished.
This shift has rendered the lives of the new generation surreal, detached from reality. People buy and pay for everything using their phones. We’ve reached a point where we believe everything can be done for us—except eating and going to the toilet.
At the end of the day, it is evident that while much is possible in the 21st century, two things remain impossible: death and karma, no matter who you are or where you are. Death is unavoidable, and we cannot deceive ourselves about the karma we’ve created when we look inward.
Regardless of belief or disbelief in karma, it operates as a universal law that no one can govern, whether you live in a rich or poor country, in the East or the West, at the North Pole or South Pole. The topics of karma, death, and effort are intricate. A minimum effort, like a small motor, is always necessary for anything we desire in this world. People erroneously believe that all phenomena—relationships, food, drinks, clothing, homes, etc.—are easily achievable. However, this is not true. Without undergoing the processes of karma and effort, things would not materialize. Perhaps your own life experience has taught you this point.
For example, one day you may feel hungry due to circumstances (e.g., a long walk with good company or a quarrel with a partner) and search for a good restaurant on a particular day and place. You may find one restaurant closed, then another, leaving you frustrated and without a meal, even with a wallet full of cash. This demonstrates that money alone does not guarantee success. Even if you find a restaurant, waiting for the cook to prepare a quality meal requires effort and patience. The only alternative might be fast food, where minimal effort is exerted to serve food quickly, but the quality is often inferior to that of food prepared with time and care.
Buddhism identifies three kinds of effort:
The effort of armor.
The effort of collecting virtues.
The effort of working for the welfare of living beings.
The effort of armor, or armor-like effort, refers to the mental resilience needed to persevere. In a physical battle, armor protects one from harm, allowing the fight to continue. Similarly, in our inner lives, mental resilience—such as patience and non-physical strength—is essential to persist without succumbing to minor setbacks. A person with strong mental endurance can be considered to possess armor-like effort. Ultimately, mental effort is more valuable than physical effort, as the body follows the mind.
We often tire quickly after hours, days, or weeks of effort. According to Buddhist theory, this happens because we lack sufficient training and courage, as well as inspiration and aspiration toward a goal. With a strong wish and willingness, anything can be achieved with minimal effort. Time and energy cease to matter until the goal is realized. The great Tibetan master Panchen Lozang Choe Kyi Gyaltshen (16th century) exemplifies this mindset:
“Even if I must remain for an ocean of eons even in the fiery hells of Avici for the sake of even just one sentient being, I seek your blessing to complete the perfection of joyous effort, That out of compassion untiringly strives for supreme enlightenment.”
This verse illustrates the immense mental strength required for the perfection of effort.
The effort of collecting virtues
This second effort might resonate with non-religious individuals, who might view it as collecting materials. Regardless of whether one collects virtue or material goods, interest generated by the perceived benefit of the goal is the fundamental driving force. A religious person aspires to a paradise or higher realization, such as nirvāṇa, where sorrow ceases. Achieving this requires accumulating merit or virtue as the cause.
But what is virtue? Buddhist scriptures define it as “that which brings an appealing maturation or fruit.” In theory, everyone should be diligent in practicing dharma or pursuing their livelihood, as we all desire appealing outcomes. However, laziness—the antithesis of effort—often prevails. This laziness can lead to neglected responsibilities, forgotten obligations, and ultimately chaos in one’s life. Lama Yeshe, a co-founder of the FPMT, often reminded us: “A lazy person would not even find water for his mouth.”
Even lazy people eventually face reality, such as when unpaid gas bills lead to service disconnections, prompting extra costs and valuable lessons. This highlights the necessity of effort.
The effort of working for the welfare of living beings
This effort is monumental. Fulfilling the wishes of infinite sentient beings seems insurmountable, but manageable if approached step by step. Start by helping one or two beings close to you—perhaps a family member or neighbor. Gradually, as you feel ready, extend your efforts to a broader circle. This incremental approach simplifies what initially seems impossible.
To summarize this discussion on effort:
For those without dharma knowledge: Reflect on your human potential. Avoid idleness and indulgence and aim to contribute meaningfully to your family and community.
His Holiness advises: “If you think, ‘I have my house, food, and salary, so I don’t need to think of others,’ that is wrong. Millions of people are in need of help.”
For those with dharma knowledge: Lama Zopa Rinpoche often emphasized that life is as fragile as the interruption of a single breath. Recognizing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of its timing, prioritize effort in all aspects of life, especially dharma practice.
Integrating the Four Noble Truths into Our Busy Daily Lives
A Brief History of Buddha
There lived a prince named Siddhartha, born to King Suddhodana, who ruled the kingdom of Kapilavasthu in the 6th century BC. As the prince grew up, he questioned his luxurious lifestyle within the royal palace. Despite his status and princely lifestyle, Siddhartha was not impressed by the materialistic culture of the royal family. During one of his excursions outside the palace, he encountered three significant experiences- a woman giving birth, a corpse on a deathbed, a disease-stricken person, and an old man using a walking stick. These encounters profoundly influenced the young prince’s mind. The prince discovered the reality of suffering outside the place, forcing him to go on a spiritual quest.
The king noticed Siddhartha’s discontent with palace life and reluctance to assume responsibility for the royal legacy, which worried the king. This unusual behavior of the prince distressed King Suddhodana, who hoped to convince his son to embrace his future role. The king ordered all his ministers and royal attendants to organize a grand feast at the palace to encourage him. A day-long celebration ensued and was completed with a royal orchestra, dancers, musicians, and beautiful companions. However, despite his father’s efforts, Siddhartha remained uninfluenced by the material world’s pleasures and the transient beauty of the material world.
After the ceremonial festivities, in the middle of the night, while everyone was exhausted and asleep, Siddhartha decided to leave the palace. Accompanied by his charioteer, the prince sneaked through his private compartment and left the palace. Upon reaching the desired destination, he sent the charioteer back and continued his spiritual journey alone. This marked the beginning of the Buddha’s spiritual quest away from his home amidst wilderness. Siddhartha did not leave the palace and his family out of strong resentment toward his parents or the royal lifestyle; rather, he wanted to seek answers to profound questions about birth, old age, sickness, and death.
In his spiritual quest, Siddhartha consulted many don-Buddhist teachers from the Brahmanical tradition and other precursing schools, hoping to find the answers he sought. The prince traveled extensively, participating in traditional rituals and rites performed by esteemed sages of the Brahmanical culture and other non-Buddhist practitioners living in the locality then. However, after several years of self-denial and severe physical austerities, the questions remained unanswered, and his pursuit of the ultimate truth was unfulfilled. Ultimately, Siddhartha decided to forsake these extreme practices and began to explore different spiritual approaches.
He then journeyed to the banks of the Neranjana River, near present-day Bodhgaya, where he meditated for six consecutive years until he could break through the hardest shell of negative emotions and discover the inherent nature of himself. After this period of rigorous and strenuous meditation practice, he traveled to Bodhgaya and sat under the Bodhi tree in a meditation posture. On the night he began his meditation under the Bodhi tree, Siddhartha made a solemn promise not to rise from meditation until he gained insight into the true nature of the mind and all things. It is believed that throughout the night, Mara(evil spirits), the embodiment of temptation and distraction, attempted to interrupt Siddhartha’s meditation progress by attacking him with sharp spears and weapons. However, his deep sense of compassion and the power of strong meditative concentration transformed these intimidating weapons into a shower of flowers around him.
At dawn, Siddhartha gained profound insight penetrating the true nature of all things, and achieved enlightenment, becoming the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. He understood and saw the nature of his past, present, and future lives. Some historical accounts even suggest that the Buddha entered the 22nd dimension, after his enlightenment, calling upon the earth and the heavens as witnesses to his enlightenment. According to Buddhist scripture, all future Buddhas must achieve this same realization under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, India. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya the Buddha remained silent in the grove for forty-nine days, contemplating whether anyone would comprehend the profound truths he had discovered through years of practice.
The Buddha expressed, “Profound and serene, unadorned by complexity, and pure luminosity. I have found a nectar-like Dharma. However, if I were to propagate it, no one would understand it. Therefore, I will choose to remain silent in the grove,” as recorded in the Lalitavistara Sutra. Eventually, as requested by the celestial King Indra and Brahma, the Buddha agreed to share the Dharma with others. He delivered his first sermon called, ‘The Four Noble Truths,’ in Sarnath, Varanasi, India. It is believed that the sound of a conch blown by these divine beings resonated throughout the universe as they requested the Buddha to preach the Dharma.
The Four Noble Truths
In general, all religions share a common goal of achieving happiness and avoiding suffering. However, the Buddhist approach differs in that Buddhists believe the origin of misery or dissatisfaction lies in the illusory nature of the mind. This confusing state of mind can only be dispelled through understanding its true nature, which is innately clear and untainted by negative emotions. The Buddha’s message is clear that one cannot overcome suffering without understanding the true nature of the mind through genuine Dharma practice.
Nirvana (Buddha-hood) and Samsara (cyclic existence) are not separate from the mind, they are rather states of our mind. The entire teachings of the Buddha are summarized in the idea of the Four Noble Truths. To attain liberation, we must understand these truths with the help of a qualified and experienced Dharma teacher. The nature of Samsara is suffering, and there is no place in it where people do not experience misery. We are continuously tormented by suffering from birth until death, though some degree of suffering often goes unnoticed. The Buddha highlighted various forms of suffering: giving birth is suffering, falling sick is suffering, growing old is suffering, dying is suffering, not being able to attain what we desire is suffering, and separating from loved ones is suffering.
The Buddha compared the truth of suffering to illness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing it. Having a clear idea or understanding of the illness you are experiencing is crucial. If you are unaware of any illness, you cannot seek to be free from it. Once the problem is diagnosed and you know you are unwell, you need to identify the cause of your sickness. Understanding this cause allows for the possibility of appropriate treatment and recovery. When you heal, you can live in peace and a healthy life. This is called ‘The Second Noble Truth,’ the truth of the origin of suffering.
If a sick person is to recover and live healthily, they should consult a reliable doctor and follow medical advice and treatment. This represents the third noble truth of the path to liberation. If an individual considers their lifestyle, such as the activities they engage in, the food they consume, and the medicine they take. Then they will likely find relief from ailments and any kind of diseases. Practicing this combination of mindful living and a disciplined life is essential for achieving good health and well-being.
Similarly, when encountering life’s challenges and difficulties, it is vital first to identify the nature of the problem and its cause before attempting to resolve it. Identifying and addressing the problem is crucial; we cannot overlook the difficulties we face but we can find ways to deal with them effectively. We suffer because we fail to recognize the nature of suffering and its causes. A being continues to wander through cyclic existence due to karma and will continue to suffer unless we break this Karmic chain. In Buddhist scriptures, it is mentioned that cause and effect should be perfectly aligned with one another and if we embrace this principle and understand it well, we can ensure that our ethical conduct will become morally sound. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why the Buddha’s teachings during his first turning of the wheel of dharma, the four noble truths, are closely connected to moral conduct.
The suffering and displeasure we constantly undergo in this human world is not something that comes without a cause. It comes as a result of coming together of certain causes and conditions. According to Buddhist teachings, nothing comes into existence independently without depending on certain causes and conditions. Whatever exists, arises from causes and conditions, one is dependent on the other, and one supports the other. Both the mind and the physical world arise as a result of conditions and dissolve instantly when the causes and conditions are insufficient to exist. Once the causes and conditions are exhausted, things stop manifesting and we no longer experience the same thing this idea is called change from a Buddhist standpoint. Similarly, suffering is temporary and it fades away as it has no inherent or substantial nature, allowing the mind to experience pleasure. Thus, the Buddha taught the theory of dependent origination or the fundamental Buddhist principle of the twelve links of dependent origination(Pratityasamupada).
Through understanding these realities we will gain insight into- what we truly are, what we experience around us, how and why we react to what is within and around us, and what we should aspire to live a peaceful life. As we grow older, it’s clear that our physical bodies become weaker, and we often fall ill. However, the Buddha, with his all-knowing mind, recognized that suffering goes beyond just the physical state. Human beings also go through mental suffering, where our minds endure more pain than our bodies do, often afflicted by adventitious negative emotions. The Buddha sought to help individuals understand this truth, so they could avoid falling from one unsatisfactory situation to another and instead comprehend the root causes of their suffering.
The first teaching the Buddha shared after attaining the perfect state of enlightenment addressed the three root causes of suffering: anger, greed, and delusion. Because our minds remain clouded by negative emotions, we become trapped in a lower realm known as Samsara for countless eons and this will continue until we remove negative emotions and Karma. We often crave material possessions and feel anger or disappointment when we don’t get what we want or when our expectations are not met. These reactions stem from the delusional perception that happiness can be found in material things. We will never achieve lasting happiness as long as we remain bound by our attachments to external things or sensual pleasures of the external world. Thus, the vicious cycle of Samsara will continue. However, the Buddha’s teachings can only help us end suffering if we genuinely practice them and apply the methods he provided to work towards achieving liberation.
The Buddha’s third noble truth, “The End of Suffering,” outlines the method to overcome our attachment to material things and the cravings that bind us to this cyclic existence. He taught that it is essential to let go of our reliance on external possessions and to adopt skillful means to free ourselves from desires. By doing so, our minds can be liberated from bondage, enabling us to achieve enlightenment, a state free from all forms of suffering. In the noble language of Sanskrit, the term Nirvana means “extinction.” It represents a state that can be attained by permanently removing the three root causes of suffering: desire, anger, and delusion. According to Buddhist scriptures, when a person’s mind reaches Nirvana through diligent training and disintegrates from the physical body, it is liberated from the fetters of Samsara. This means the individual no longer needs to undergo cycles of existence or experience suffering. However, letting go of these negative attachments is not easy and it requires a lot of effort, which is why the Buddha identified a path to reach awakening, known as the fourth noble truth, ‘The Noble Truth of Path’.
The Buddha’s first sermon is known as ‘The Four Noble Truths’ because these truths can only be realized by noble beings, or Arhats, who have attained a certain level of spiritual understanding. Ordinary people, like us, do not have an opportunity to grasp these truths as our minds are clouded by mental afflictions, preventing us from penetrating this deeper realization. It’s similar to how we cannot feel a single hair on our palms, but when that hair gets into our eyes, we become instantly aware of it. In the same way, noble beings can realize these profound truths.
Conclusion
The Buddha did not mean that we should abandon our homes, children, spouses, or material possessions to isolate ourselves and practice Dharma at a temple. Instead, the Buddha encouraged us to change our perspective on these material things. It’s important not to become overly attached to temporary things. We should rather strive to understand and realize the true nature of things as they are, without getting distracted by their outward appearances. By doing this, life becomes easier and we can lead a happier and more peaceful existence.
Buddhism is rooted in compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct, which sets Buddha’s teachings apart from those of other religions. A true Buddhist is someone who disciplines themselves ethically, trains their mind for positive growth, and asserts certain truths based on logic and intelligence. These three moral principles are the fundamental precepts in Buddhist teaching and are crucial in our daily lives. The Buddha identified three essential parts of training that uphold his entire teaching. Unlike many other religious beliefs, Buddhism encourages all living beings to make individual efforts to achieve liberation. Buddhism teaches that Buddha nature(a seed for becoming a Buddha) pervades every living being. All we need to do is recognize it through genuine practice to activate or awaken this Buddha nature and attain enlightenment. Without sincere practice and proper guidance, we will not be able to recognize our true nature or free ourselves from this suffering world. Therefore, the Buddha, known as the awakened one, taught us the best methods for eliminating suffering and its causes. To avoid suffering, the Buddha emphasized the importance of understanding its root causes and addressing them. To convey this, he introduced the first wheel of Dharma, known as the Four Noble Truths.
In our daily lives, when we feel stressed, burdened by our activities, disappointed, or incomplete, it’s important to analyze the situation before surrendering to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. There is a solution to every problem we encounter, and the stress we experience is temporary. These negative feelings often cloud our minds, but once we understand their origins and apply effective strategies to address them, we can free ourselves from various entanglements. The Buddha, who was once an ordinary human being like us, practiced for many years and ultimately discovered the true nature of reality. He unearthed a fundamental truth: nothing can deny the insights he gained. When we are liberated from our temporary mental afflictions, which obscure our true nature, our minds can break free from the grip of negative emotions. This liberation allows us to rise to a higher state of consciousness and can ultimately lead to enlightenment. The Buddha emphasized that what he discovered was neither a religion nor a philosophy, it was rather the result of his own direct experience. He encouraged others to make individual efforts toward achieving their liberation.
At the beginning of the month of September, I had the great joy and honor to be invited to attend the opening lecture for this new trimester of teachings unfolding at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute in Pomaia, Italy, within the Master’s program framework. I have been attending the Master’s program classes since early 2023 in the online environment, so receiving an invitation from my revered Teacher, Geshe Jampa Gelek, to be physically present in the teaching hall has been tremendous and wonderful, and enriching at all levels.
Life often puts lessons in front of us where we would not expect them to be put, and it was very much the case with this trip. Reaching Pomaia, from my country of residence (Romania) is not easy; flights are only available every two days (from Bucharest to Pisa) and from there onwards, a trip by train and by bus must be undertaken. Mind you, it can be a little challenging. I have been blessed with the ability to speak Italian, but even so, it took me a moment to get used to things around there.
I am most grateful for the day I spent in Pisa, due to my flight being late and the absence of good transport connections towards Pomaia; it was a logical thing to do, to stay overnight. I did well, for I had the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful, most astonishing, most incredible wonder of this world – the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which had been on my bucket-list since early childhood; I knew it was splendid, from stories and photographs; but to see it in reality – this overpasses any imagination. The Tower stands there, defying gravity, inclined by four degrees; you arrive in the Cathedral Square, you see it… and it just takes your breath away.
We can learn a Dharma lesson from everything that is around us, and seeing the Tower at the beginning of my trip to Pomaia has made me understand that there is beauty in what is not perfect (the tower’s inclination has been considered a fault for hundreds of years) and, perhaps, that things can be defined as perfect exactly because they have those so-called faults that make them unique. To be straight, firm and vertical might be splendid; it is what we usually expect a tower to be like – a beacon of stability. And to be inclined, as if doubting the consistency of the very reality around it, though logic-defying and astonishing – as one would not expect a tower to be – it is just as beautiful and just as splendid.
I gazed at it for hours; in the morning of my departure to Pomaia, I woke up very early and sat down on the Cathedral’s stairs, just contemplating the beautiful tower once more – an hour of grace and peace, which left me humbled and richer than I have been in years.
To reach Pomaia – and more specifically, Lama Tsongkhapa Institute is not easy. From Pisa Centrale Railway Station, you need to take a train to the town of Rosignano (a perfect little jewel by the Ligurian sea) and from there, either a bus (which comes rarely) or a taxi to Pomaia (a trip which lasts for about 20 minutes). I was lucky enough (and very grateful) for a friend to come pick me up from Rosignano and I reached Pomaia in the early morning of September 1, 2024.
After paying homage to my noble Master, I went to visit the surrounding areas of Lama Tzong Khapa Institute which – I can assure you – they are just another piece of pure wonder. The buildings and stupas of the institute are built and decorated with perfect taste, and with respect for the surrounding nature. There are tall juniper and pine trees all around, making the whole area into a little forest, scattered with rocks and surprise-little stupas – and to my everlasting joy, with beautiful, well-fed cats. People who come by often build makeshift stupas by piling rocks one on top of another – their balance is sometimes precarious, so the people that come by afterwards, spend time to consolidate them. It would seem child’s play; but it is in fact, a very meaningful gesture through which each person makes a connection to the Dharma, an a purely intuitive way. May the Dharma knowledge of all beings that come to Pomaia increase and become higher and higher!
If you go to the Institute’s garden, you will also find a rock that smiles at you. You will smile at her; and I promise you, your soul will be warm, and you will want to never leave this blessed place. I made my own “tower” of rocks, and I vowed to repeat this exercise everywhere on my trips in nature, whenever I’d find rocks. It’s good for adults and for children; teach them to pile a few rocks up and to recite Om Mani Padme Hum, and you will have planted a very small Dharma seed in their mind – one that will flourish someday.
What exactly is the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute? The Lama Tzong Khapa Institute (ILTK) is situated in the serene village of which I have already told you about, Pomaia, Tuscany, approximately 40 km South of Pisa. The Institute is an esteemed branch of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a global network of Gelugpa Dharma centers. The Institute is named in honor of Lama Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelugpa monastic tradition within Tibetan Buddhism. Over the years, it has been graced by teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama on several occasions.
Founded in 1977 by FPMT revered teachers – Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, the ILTK offers a wide range of courses on Tibetan Buddhism, primarily in Italian and English, with translations in additional European languages. Among these, the most distinguished is the Masters Program, a comprehensive six-year curriculum (formerly seven) dedicated to the in-depth training of future FPMT teachers, a program in which I am also enrolled.
A few words about my noble Master, Geshe Jampa Gelek – even though entire volumes would not be enough for me to properly speak of his kindness and wisdom.
Geshe Jampa Gelek was born in 1966 in Tibet. He graduated from Sera Je Monastic University in 1999, with the title of Geshe Lharampa. He is currently teaching Master’s program at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, and he is one of the highly appreciated teachers within FPMT. He is visiting other centers in Italy (and not only) on a monthly basis, where he performs text analyses, he offers general teachings and empowerments. He has profound knowledge of Dharma, and he is renowned for the clarity of his teachings. He often performs sessions of questions and answers where the participants can ask any question, thus clarifying any difficult topic. He is lighthearted and always happy – following the tradition of all great teachers capable of chasing away any cloud with a single look. I have always felt immensely joyful to attend any of his teachings and grateful for every minute I was allowed to be in his presence: a rare gift.
The purpose of my visit was essentially to meet all the friends at ILTK that I have met only online, and to attend the opening lecture of the Ornament for Clear Realization analysis – a part of the Master’s program currently unfolding at the Institute.
What exactly is the Ornament? Abhisamayalamkara, which translates into the Ornament for Clear Realization, is a fundamental Buddhist text of the Mahayana tradition, attributed to Maitreya and transmitted by the Indian Master Asanga, with commentaries elaborated by Haribhadra and Gyaltsab Dharma Rinchen, at their turn explained and elucidated by Geshe Jampa Gelek. If you think it is complicated, let me assure you… it is. The text provides a detailed study of Prajnaparamita, structed in eight categories and seventy topics. I have been studying it for over a year now, and my first contact with this text has caused me a sense of astonishment and even fear at not understanding anything. It was only after I had started doing transcripts of the oral lectures, after having spent countless hours on every page, that I began understanding it.
We, the students of the Ornament, understand very well that we probably need many lifetimes to completely and fully understand this text, but at least for now, we begin to acquire a general understanding, through the graceful help of our Teacher Geshe Gelek, his assistant Ven. Gyaltsen, the former assistant and translator of Ornament – Toh Sze Gee, and the interpreters currently performing translations in several languages (Filippo in Italian, Shahar in English). The study of the Ornament is a collective effort aimed at elevating our understanding and we are blessed.
I’ve had many moments of breakthrough while studying the Ornament, but those I cherish the most, useful to all readers, are those:
Effort is needed when you wish to acquire an understanding. The higher, the nobler that understanding is, the greater your effort needs to be.
As Asanga says, there is no supreme method to please the buddhas and bodhisattvas other than the proper practice of the three precious teachings: ethics, concentration and wisdom. Let us study them well and put them into practice each day of our lives.
There are many ways to generate the mind of enlightenment into our own continuum, but among those, I use the last two in my meditations: not being able to bear the decline of the Mahayana teachings, and not being able to bear sentient beings tormented by suffering.
Through generating the mind of enlightenment, we purify the causes of bad migrations created previously and we sever the continuity of accumulating further causes.
A few words about all the wonderful people I met during this wonderful trip:
I was so happy to meet Joan, the education coordinator! We had had a vast correspondence on the matter of transcripts, and I was glad to finally meet the person that has encouraged and cherished my work and inspired me to become better at it! It is thanks to his inspiring words that I did not give up.
Filippo! I rejoice in meeting Filippo face to face – I have learnt Italian grace to his crystal-clear translation, and I have spent countless hours transcribing from Italian.
Shahar! So glad to have met Shahar. His voice is forever engraved in my mind and soul, due to translating after his wonderful, clean, wholesome interpretation of our Master’s speech, from Tibetan into English.
Venerable Dechen – ah, beloved friend! To meet her in the middle of the street and share a hug and a chat, then to participate in class together with her! I have been friends with Dechen for a long time. I am overjoyed to have finally seen her – Venerable Dechen, who has also blessed my country with her presence and teachings.
Venerable Raffaello, another treasured and cherished friend, whom I had the privilege to meet on previous Dharma trips in which both of us accompanied our Master, Geshe Gelek. So glad to have seen a precious Dharma friend once more.
The Mother of Cats, Venerable Lhamo. I am absolutely certain that a person that takes care of animals is exceptionally good and pure. Only such people can devote hours of their day towards feeding and caring for those sweethearts – birds, cats, and anything else that comes around. Whenever I see such a person, I rejoice for I know I have met a true bodhisattva. Countless beings have made a connection with the Dharma, through her kindness. May she always be blessed! The sight of her feeding the doves and the cats will forever remain engraved in my heart. As it is said in the Dhammapada (verse 270): “One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble”.
Last, but not least – I want to mention the grace, helpfulness and generosity of my friend, Sherab Lotsawa. He is one of the researchers and translators of the Institute, often accompanying Geshe Gelek, Geshe Tenphel and other guests in the Dharma travels. As Geshe Gelek once characterized him, “Sherab has a very vast intelligence” and to that opinion I subscribe wholeheartedly. His name translates as “Wisdom” (Tib. Sherab = wisdom) and he is wise beyond words. I have lost count of the number of languages he can actually speak, and I am forever praising his research and linguistic skills. Each conversation with him has been an occasion for me to learn something new – and for this, I am grateful.
I wish I could have met Dir. Valerio, but he was away at the time of my visit. Perhaps next time.
Volumes of poetry could be written about the forests and stones around the Institute. With a sacred, secret life of their own, the tall trees and the splendid rocks, neatly arranged to form castles and circles and other odd and splendid shapes, they stop you in your tracks and cause you to gaze in wonder at how beautiful nature truly is. Go see those gardens and sit in silence, simply being, leaving all worries aside: it is what I have done, in solitude – and it has been a Dharma lesson in itself.
I have received from my Master’s blessed hands a book to carry back home to study: Madhyamakāvatāra by Chandrakirti that we will study next year in the Master’s program. I see this as a treasured prize, one that I hold most dear, and that I carried with great care from Pomaia to Bucharest, holding it tightly against my heart. My backpack was already heavy, so I made use of the clause that states that any passenger may bring reading material in the airplane; well, if my reading material weighed a good 3 kg, who could argue? And so, I am looking forward to study this utterly heavy book and to learn how all things are empty of any eternal self or soul.
It was a meaningful trip back home – a time for myself, for recollection of thoughts and meditation. To be high above the clouds in the airplane is a good experience for a Buddhist – it gives us a glimpse into what calm abiding should be like, and how up there, high above the all-obscuring clouds, there is no turbulence – just the clear sky. May our mind become just as clear, just as calm, and may we face all life’s trips bearing the Dharma in mind, the blessing of our precious guru in the heart, and warm benevolence towards all beings.
I want to conclude this article with a piece of advice about Refuge, taken directly from the Ornament (Chapter 1: Exalted Knower of All Aspects; topic 2/70 – Mahayana Instruction).
“Contemplate well upon the drawbacks of samsara in general, and the drawbacks of bad migrations in particular.
Then, in dependence on the two causes – (1) recollecting the fear of the drawbacks of samsara in general, and of bad migrations in particular and (2) knowing that the Three Jewels have the ability to protect from fear, tame your mind by going for Refuge in such a way that you entrust yourself to the Three Jewels from the bottom of your heart and then train properly in the trainings of Refuge.” (Asanga, Compendium of Ascertainments).
If you are interested in joining the Master’s program and study the Madhyamaka next year, please consult the ILTK Website.
The Garden of Maitreya 