Introduction Today we’re going to discuss a very important topic: How do we develop bodhichitta for the first time? Is it free will, determinism, or something else? You see, if our motivation is to help all beings and in order to do that we need to become...

Introduction I make heartfelt obeisance to the precious Kagyu line. Although manifestly enlightened countless ages ago, you have been emanating in whatever bodies have been suited for taming those needing to be tamed, so that even hearing your names eliminates the fears of...

The Necessity of Dharma-Lite before Real Thing Dharma When we’re working on the bodhisattva path, we’re trying to overcome our selfish concern, and have concern just for others. However, we’re not going to overcome all of our disturbing emotions until we become an arhat, a...

Brief Review We started our discussion of the Eight Verses of Mind Training by Langri Tangpa, with the first verse: (1) May I always cherish all limited beings by considering how far superior they are to wish-granting gems for actualizing the supreme aim. We...

Points to keep in mind as a newcomer to Buddhism so as to be realistic and avoid disappointment.

Accept the inevitability of death, to make a difference while you still can.

The Dalai Lama shares his conviction that in today’s interconnected world, belief in one religion and one truth can be helpful for one individual, but acceptance of multiple truths is needed for society as a whole.

Review We have spoken about how it is possible to follow and practice tantra at a Dharma-Lite level in which we are thinking only about this lifetime and doing the practices in order to benefit this lifetime alone. In this case, our goal or objective is to attain enlightenment...

The classic texts on the graded path (lam-rim) speak about the benefits or advantages of having a healthy relation with a spiritual teacher.

Secondary sources on the history of Islam in Tibet.