In this series of profound yet accessible teachings titled “Courage of Compassion,” delivered in Oakland, California, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche explores the transformative power of kindness and the path of the Bodhisattva. With his characteristic humor and clarity, Rinpoche bridge-builds between ancient Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and the practical challenges of modern life.

This series of talks features Ringu Tulku Rinpoche providing a profound and accessible commentary on the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. Written by the 14th-century master Gyalse Thogme Zangpo, the text serves as a universal manual for those wishing to transform their minds through compassion and wisdom. Rinpoche explains that a Bodhisattva is anyone committed to attaining enlightenment solely to benefit all sentient beings.

Talk Overview and Structure

The teaching is structured across three sessions, following the progression of the verses from foundational attitudes to advanced psychological transformations and ultimate realization.

Part 1: Preliminaries and Renunciation

The first session focuses on establishing a firm foundation for practice. Rinpoche discusses the “precious human rebirth,” comparing our current life to a boat that must be used to cross the ocean of suffering before it is lost. He emphasizes that spiritual progress requires intentionally moving away from environments (the “homeland”) that trigger the “three poisons” of attachment, aversion, and ignorance.

• 00:02:44 – Introduction to the text and the life of Gyalse Thogme Zangpo.

• 00:11:42 – Verse 1: Recognizing the rarity and value of our current human life.

• 00:23:44 – Verse 2: The necessity of leaving “harmful places” that fuel negative emotions.

• 00:41:40 – Verse 3: The benefits of solitude in calming the mind and developing clarity.

• 00:52:00 – Verse 5: Avoiding “bad company” that diminishes our virtuous qualities.

Part 2: Transforming Adversity and Bodhichitta

The second talk explores the “heart of the matter”—developing Bodhichitta. Rinpoche explains Relative Bodhichitta through the practice of Tonglen, or “exchanging self for others.” He details how a Bodhisattva uses specific negative circumstances, such as being robbed, slandered, or falling ill, as direct fuel for their spiritual path rather than viewing them as obstacles.

• 00:11:34 – Verse 11: The practice of Tonglen—taking on others’ suffering and giving away happiness.

• 00:22:12 – Verse 12: How to view a thief with compassion rather than anger.

• 00:24:28 – Verse 13: Responding to slander and harsh words with a kind heart.

• 00:41:00 – Verse 18: Transforming sickness, poverty, and demonic influences into spiritual strength.

• 01:10:43 – Verses 22–24: Introduction to Ultimate Bodhichitta and the dream-like nature of reality.

Part 3: The Paramitas and Continuous Awareness

The final session covers the Six Paramitas (Transcendental Perfections) and the concluding instructions on mindfulness. Rinpoche stresses that the goal is to integrate these practices so thoroughly that they become a constant state of awareness in every action.

• 00:05:01 – Verse 25: The perfection of Generosity, emphasizing non-attachment.

• 00:14:26 – Verse 27: The perfection of Patience, especially toward those who harm us.

• 00:27:07 – Verse 30: The perfection of Wisdom, which is the root of all other perfections.

• 00:33:04 – Verse 31: The practice of examining one’s own faults rather than pointing out others’.

• 00:43:24 – Verse 35: Maintaining constant mindfulness to catch and transform negative emotions the moment they arise.

For more information, visit: https://usa.rigpa.org/