A teaching on Gyalse Tokme Zangpo’s famous text, 37 Practices of A Bodhisattva. Here Rinpoche taught up to stanza 18.
First 5 videos are in English. Videos 6-10 are the same sessions, but in German only. Audio recordings are English with German translation.
An English translation of the text can be found in Lotsawa House.
Photo by Josef Kerklau.
A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones
Part 1
Rinpoche pays tribute to Thrangu Rinpoche.
The text is “37 Practices of the Bodhisattvas” by 14th C. Master Ngulchu Thogme.* Dedication to Avalokitshvara who vowed that he would not be called “Buddha” until all beings were freed. There are many Buddhas scheduled, Shakyamuni Buddha is the 4th (out of 96). Avalokitshvara’s understanding of emptiness makes his vow to help beings even stronger; this is Bodhicitta, the motivation of a Bodhisattva. This book tells us how to do it. You must know and understanding the Dharma. Reflect and understand your precious life. Use it wisely and don’t be caught up in attractions and aversions. A Bodhisattva never gives up on anyone, or says that a person is hopeless.
* There are many translations into several languages. The most respected is “The Heart of Compassion: The Thirty-seven Verses on the Practice of a Bodhisattva” by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Trans. Padmakara Translation Group. Asin: B00AYKPKYC. Shambhala 2007
Part 2
The importance of solitude to develop a quiet mind. This applies to all great religions. Solitude of body, speech and mind – all three. How to find “solitude” in a crowded environment. Death is inevitable when everything will go. Our body is like a guest house. Take care of it but you do not own it. The company we keep is very important because we shall be influenced by them. The words “Spiritual friend” are misleading; The Tibetan means a particular dharma guide. What, with whom do you take Refuge? Buddha gives you guidance but then it is up to you.
How you are and what you will be, is created by you – that is karma. So try to increase the positive. Realise, experience that there is no ”I” and then you will be liberated and can devote yourself to the benefit of all beings.
Part 3
Q & A Go to the Great Beings for 2 things – Refuge and simple help. Bodhisattvas are “specialists” and you might go to different Beings for different needs. Worldly wisdom and transcendental wisdom. The latter is knowing the true nature of things, including yourself and banishes all fears.
A Bodhisattva loves all beings, both the snake and the bird it tries to eat; there is no judgement, a hungry being needs food but have compassion for all. We are all in samsara. We will be happier when we have the understanding that “I want! I want” just brings more suffering then we train to think “I want… for others”. This is the bodhisattva’s path. Do not expect kindness in return for favours. Do not return hate with hate. Story of the King who killed the Rishi. It is allowed to stop someone doing anything bad, using whatever works but do not become a slave of negative emotions. Jataka tale of Buddha killing a sailor to prevent a murderous mutiny.
Part 4
Q & A Rinpoche explains the 5 Stages (aka Paths) and 10 Bhumis. *
Rinpoche says again that you must not develop hatred and illustrates this. Story of Zen monk accused of fathering a child. Always put the benefit of the other person first. Someone who insults you should be seen as a teacher for your ego. Story of Zen monk paying for insults. The feeling of “insult” is your response; the dharma practice is how you react.
* https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Five_paths
* https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Ten_bhumis
Part 5
Q & A Yes, of course you can correct someone but do it without anger or self-righteousness. Yes, most of what Rinpoche says will be in the archives but also in his books. Try to deal without anger, watch your reactions but say what you feel is right.
All beings try so hard to be happy but… they don’t really know how. The problem is ignorance. If people praise you – it is only their opinion; if they insult you – it is their opinion; take no notice of either do what you feel is right. Tonglen practice, * the key practice of a Bodhisattva – take on the pain and negativity of others and breathe out loving-kindness. It is also the best purification for yourself. Story to illustrate the power of tonglen.
* https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Tonglen
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