Precious Garland of the Supreme Path
Rinpoche teaches from Gampopa’s text A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path.
The first 5 sets of instructions of 28 are covered by these four sessions of talks.
Two versions of the talks: parts 1-4 are with English only, and 5-8 are with Finnish translation.
Photos thanks to Jani Zweygberg and Palpung Yeshe Gatshal Finland.
A SUMMARY OF SESSION 1
Introduction
Homage
– Homage to the lineage holders
– Definition of a lineage holder
– Some notes about the translation
Ten causes of loss or ”what a pity”
1. This pure human body so difficult to acquire is lost in wrongdoing.
– The many positive qualities of the precious human life
2. This pure human body with its freedom and resources, so difficult to possess, is lost in ordinary physical death without Dharma.
– The importance of practice so that at the moment of death one can say, I have achieved something important.
3. This brief human life, in the age of decadence, is lost and used up in meaningless activities.
– Life is short and is used up running after things and away from things. One needs to decide now what is truly beneficial.
4. This mind whose nature is the Dharmakaya, beyond elaboration, is lost and mired in the swamp of samsara and confusion.
– Not understanding the nature of the mind, instead, being always stressed and unhappy, is such a pity.
5. The holy guru who leads one on the path is lost if one is separate from him at any time until one attains enlightenment.
– Gampopa’s life story – how Gampopa became a monk
– Teacher–student relationship is about the Dharma, it is not a personal relationship
6. Vows, samaya and the ship of liberation are lost in destruction by kleshas, carelessness and adverse conditions.
– Training in shila, conduct
7. The experiences of realization that one has acquired through the intersession of one’s guru are lost in the forest of mental formations.
– Sometimes one can get a profound teaching and some kind of a glimpse of understanding, but if one doesn’t practice, it is lost.
8. The profound instructions of Siddhas are lost by being sold to the unworthy.
– Advice to Dharma teachers; one should not teach unworthy students or teach with a wrong motivation.
9. Sentient beings, once kind parents, are lost when one abandons them through anger.
– We should wish well for everybody, because everybody is worthy of our respect, love and help.
10. Once youthful gates are lost in ordinary indifference.
– We need to train while we are young, powerful and energetic, and not delay the practice.
Questions and answers
1. How should we practice if we are separate from our loved ones?
– Keep the love and affection, and use that time of separation as well as possible. Do something useful such as meditation.
2. Why do negative states of mind attract people more than positive ones?
– That is our habitual tendency, not our true nature. We are more used to being negative than positive.
3. Is there a mantra that would purify anger, because sometimes I feel that meditation is not enough?
– Om mani peme hung is the mantra of loving-kindness that works to transform anger
– It is also important to understand why it’s not useful to be angry: Anger hurts the angry person the most. Angry words or deeds can cause a lot of suffering for a long time. Letting go of anger will bring greater satisfaction than acting out of anger.
4. What is laziness really?
– Laziness is not doing what we should be doing.
– There is nothing wrong with relaxing.
For more information, visit: http://www.palpung.fi
