Rinpoche continued his commentary on Gampopa’s text, started in 2018.

A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones

Part 1

The teachings came from India through Marpa “the translator”. Transmission went to Milarepa and then to Gampopa whom he name his successor. Gampopa taught a mixture of two main lineages – the Bodhisattva Mahayana lineage, from Atisha Dipankara and Vajrayana, Mahamudra, from Marpa. He said that all his teachings are in these 2 books **

Buddhism is not “rules”; it is advice which you can take as far as you wish. “Renunciation” of “wanting” is important, not the thing. Loving kindness and compassion for all beings should always be our motive.

Buddhas do NOT “punish”. Things happen because of karma. Nothing is “truly” there. Everything is interdependent and therefore constantly changing. When this becomes clear, there is no more duality and no more “I”. Our experiences come from our karma caused by our reactions and create karma (good & bad) and habits.

What is “consciousness”? You cannot find it – but it is there. Awareness of the nature of all things can be the end of duality. Two truths: Ultimate – the way things really are; Relative – the way we experience things. Story: Focus on the good things not the problems.   Q & A

Part 2

The ten things to practice. Solitude does not guarantee peace of mind; Peace is in your mind, not your body. We need a guru to guide us – false knowledge, pride, is a big pitfall. Listen carefully, try to understand, question, If you teach, remember it is not you – it is the teaching of the Buddha. Be mindful all the time of your actions with body, speech and mind. The vows of the 3 yanas 1^st basic vows; 2^nd Bodhisattva vows; 3^rd train our minds to see everything as pure.

10 things to emphasise. Study, hearing and reflection. Practise in solitude then practise in a busy environment to test your peace of mind. Use effort but not force. Continue even when you think you can’t do this. Cultivate patience and tolerance. Avoid extremes, generate renunciation of desires, the things are not so important. Increase kindness and compassion. Deflect the negative, and not react.   Q & A

Part 3

Contemplate your precious human life and how much more we can do as humans. Parable on which is the happiest animal. Accept what you have and look at the benefits. Contemplate death and impermanence. 2 types of beings: 1^st samsaric beings or 2^nd Enlightened Beings. Samsaric beings, under the power of their emotions, create suffering for self and others. We can see what is good for us but we don’t do it! So cultivate Bodhicitta to set yourself free and become 2^nd, an Enlightened Being. Don’t expect fast results. These are difficult times so we must reduce negative emotions, and increase wisdom, living-kindness and compassion. You don’t have to go “somewhere” to practice – just do it with diligence and patience.  How much time do you waste? Make dharma practice your hobby. Dharma should be from your heart and not your brain. Beware the 8 worldly dharmas.   Q & A

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Ten things that can be confused. Devotion and attachment. Is your devotion to the teacher or the teachings? Attachment will bring problems. True love is giving, beware of strong attachment. The intellectual understanding of “Emptiness” and the realisation. Beware the “pretend” practitioners and the phoney teachers. The origins of the teachings. The 4 pillars of sangha – fully ordained monk and nun, man and woman lay practitioners who devote their life to dharma. The guru, spiritual friend is your guide. 3 things – study until you understand, contemplate then practice. Be aware of your lifestyle – including the small things which can become habits. Parable of thief blaming his mother. Any sign of arrogance and pride will destroy progress. Learn how to be alone or with people and deal skilfully.  Q & A Reincarnation recognition. Recommended by Rinpoche: Previous Lives: A Question of Reincarnation Ian Stevenson M.D., rev. ed. 2001   McFarland & Co.  .ISBN  978-0786409136 

** Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation”
by  Ringu Tulku and Matthieu Ricard |   978-1590300121 Shambhala, 2003.

The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Noble Teachings  by Gampopa  & Ani K. Chodron (Ed)   978-1559390927Snow Lion, 199

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