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...

A wholehearted commitment to our spiritual mentor is the root frame of mind within and out of which all the attitudes develop that will act as pathways of mind leading to our spiritual goals. It also roots us in a stable foundation for our spiritual growth. The methods for...

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.

Paranoia and Vulnerability One of the most important aspects of healthy disciple-mentor relationships is for disciples to receive inspiration from their mentors. This can only occur if they are open to their mentors' uplifting positive influence. Some disciples, however, are...

Verses 10 through 17 Brief Review After beginning with the homage and the promise to compose, Togme Zangpo goes through the graded stages of motivation, the lam-rim, starting with the precious human life and the circumstances that are most conducive to taking advantage of...

Learn how masters from the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions assert relative and deepest bodhichittas and how to gain simultaneous cognition of the two truths in anuttarayoga tantra.

Conventional and Deepest Bodhichitta There are two facets of bodhichitta: conventional or relative bodhichitta and deepest bodhichitta. Both of them are aimed at our own individual future enlightenment which has not happened yet; but on the basis of our Buddha-natures and a...

Bodhichitta There are two stages of bodhichitta: aspiring bodhichitta and engaged bodhichitta. With aspiring bodhichitta, we wish to benefit all others, and we aspire to reach enlightenment to be able to do that. Engaged bodhichitta isn’t merely that we want to achieve...

Four Bodies of a Buddha Once we have developed bodhichitta, then we are like a man going from India to America. If we do not actually board a boat or plane going there, we will never be able to reach our destination. Likewise, it is not enough merely to have developed a...