Details
Download Docx
Read More
Today’s show is dedicated as a celebration of the birthday of the Venerated Enlightened Master Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (vegetarian). Today, we are pleased to present readings from the teachings of the Venerated Enlightened Master Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (vegetarian). Three Principal Aspects of the Path “Homage to the precious noble Masters! 1. The very essence of all the Buddhas’ teachings, The path that is praised by the noble bodhisattvas, And the entrance for all fortunate ones desiring liberation – To the best of my ability, I shall now set forth. 2. You who are unattached to saṃsāra’s pleasures, And strive to make full use of the freedoms and advantages, You who follow the path delighting all the Buddhas – Fortunate ones, listen well, with a clear and open mind. 3. Whilst lacking pure renunciation there is no way to pacify The continual thirst for pleasure in the ocean of saṃsāra, And since all living beings are bound by their craving for existence, You must begin by finding the determination to be free. 4. The freedoms and advantages are rare, and there’s no time to waste – Reflect on this again and yet again, and dispel attachment to this life. To dispel attachment to your future lives, contemplate repeatedly The unfailing effects of karma and the sufferings of saṃsāra. 5. When, through growing accustomed to thinking in this way, Hope for the pleasures of saṃsāra no longer arises even for an instant, And throughout both day and night you long for liberation, Then, at that time, true renunciation has been born. […]”The Foundation of All Qualities “The foundation of all qualities is the gracious guru; And to rely upon him or her correctly is the root of the path. Inspire us to understand this well and rouse our energies, So that we may follow with the greatest respect! Inspire us so that we may realize how this excellent support, With its once-found freedoms, is so rare and momentous; And let us always be determined, day and night, To make the most of this precious opportunity! Let us remember that life and limb are as transient and ephemeral As bubbles in water: death, the destroyer, approaches swiftly; And after death the results of positive and negative actions Will accompany us, just as a shadow follows the body. Inspire us so that we may gain firm conviction in this, And remain always conscientious: Avoiding even the slightest harmful actions, While cultivating every form of virtue! Inspire us to see the shortcomings of mundane pleasures, Which only disappoint, lead to every form of suffering And cannot be relied upon; Instead let us enthusiastically pursue the bliss of liberation!”
