Commentary on “Compendium of Ways of Knowing” – Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey

The textbooks of the various monasteries explain their subjects from slightly different points of view. This is purposeful and in keeping with the Buddha’s general method of teaching with skillful means. With each monastery using different textbooks having alternative explanations, the debates between their students become livelier and more challenging. In this way, the novices learn to become great teachers themselves. The following text is from the second preliminary class of the monastic education of young novices, concerning ways of knowing. It is a compendium of the major points of this subject, written in metered verse similar to jingles. By understanding how our mind works and training it properly, we can attain omniscience and the full enlightenment of Buddhahood.