Dalai Lama Audio Teachings on Tibetan Buddhism Podcast

In the morning’s introductory remarks His Holiness touches on the themes of impermanence and the non-material nature of the mind. How is it that all things are continually passing away in a ceaseless flux? From where does the ever-transforming stream of mind emerge? He reminds us that all suffering arises from self-grasping ignorance. We oppose that ignorance with the twin essentials of the path, the wisdom of dependent arising and compassion. Since the full practice of one needs an understanding of the other which should be taught first? Returning to Shantideva’s opening chapter extolling the all-encompassing meritorious power of Bodhichitta, with heartfelt emotion His Holiness contrasts the destructive effects of self-obsession with the unlimited benefits of the Bodhisattva’s main practice of cherishing others. He then illuminates Shantideva’s extended version of the seven-limb prayer with its stark description in the confession section of the predicament of one who remains stuck in the pain and stupidity of self-grasping.

In the morning’s introductory remarks His Holiness touches on the themes of impermanence and the non-material nature of the mind. How is it that all things are continually passing away in a ceaseless flux? From where does the ever-transforming stream of mind emerge? He reminds us that all suffering arises from self-grasping ignorance. We oppose that ignorance with the twin essentials of the path, the wisdom of dependent arising and compassion. Since the full practice of one needs an understanding of the other which should be taught first? Returning to Shantideva’s opening chapter extolling the all-encompassing meritorious power of Bodhichitta, with heartfelt emotion His Holiness contrasts the destructive effects of self-obsession with the unlimited benefits of the Bodhisattva’s main practice of cherishing others. He then illuminates Shantideva’s extended version of the seven-limb prayer with its stark description in the confession section of the predicament of one who remains stuck in the pain and stupidity of self-grasping.

In the morning’s introductory remarks His Holiness touches on the themes of impermanence and the non-material nature of the mind. How is it that all things are continually passing away in a ceaseless flux? From where does the ever-transforming stream of mind emerge? He reminds us that all suffering arises from self-grasping ignorance. We oppose that ignorance with the twin essentials of the path, the wisdom of dependent arising and compassion. Since the full practice of one needs an understanding of the other which should be taught first? Returning to Shantideva’s opening chapter extolling the all-encompassing meritorious power of Bodhichitta, with heartfelt emotion His Holiness contrasts the destructive effects of self-obsession with the unlimited benefits of the Bodhisattva’s main practice of cherishing others. He then illuminates Shantideva’s extended version of the seven-limb prayer with its stark description in the confession section of the predicament of one who remains stuck in the pain and stupidity of self-grasping.

In the morning’s introductory remarks His Holiness touches on the themes of impermanence and the non-material nature of the mind. How is it that all things are continually passing away in a ceaseless flux? From where does the ever-transforming stream of mind emerge? He reminds us that all suffering arises from self-grasping ignorance. We oppose that ignorance with the twin essentials of the path, the wisdom of dependent arising and compassion. Since the full practice of one needs an understanding of the other which should be taught first? Returning to Shantideva’s opening chapter extolling the all-encompassing meritorious power of Bodhichitta, with heartfelt emotion His Holiness contrasts the destructive effects of self-obsession with the unlimited benefits of the Bodhisattva’s main practice of cherishing others. He then illuminates Shantideva’s extended version of the seven-limb prayer with its stark description in the confession section of the predicament of one who remains stuck in the pain and stupidity of self-grasping.

Achieving the very best for ourselves and others. This is what the practice of Bodhichitta is for. His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins his explanation of Shantideva’s “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” by stressing the virtuous power of Bodhichitta, the mind seeking Buddhahood for the sake of all creatures. It is the Bodhisattva’s defining qualityand the entrance to the great path to enlightenment. Before turning to Shantideva’s text His Holiness dwells on the dependently arisen nature of our happiness and suffering, showing by way of Buddha’s basic teaching of the four noble truths how both of them are produced from causes under our control. By awakening from ignorance to wisdom we can abandon behavior that leads to more dissatisfaction and cultivate the path that leads to stable and abiding happiness. Having found that path we can then develop the compassionate and joyful determination to show it to our brother and sister sentient beings. But, urges His Holiness, a human birth is rare and brief. It must be put to the best use now, without delay or procrastination. His Holiness extols the “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” as an inspiring condensed presentation of the way to our highest state of evolution unequalled in India or Tibet. He explores the text as far as verse 14, commenting on the title, the salutation, the promise of composition, the purpose of composing and, in the body of the text, entering on Shantideva’s eloquent preliminary praises of the precious Bodhichitta.

Achieving the very best for ourselves and others. This is what the practice of Bodhichitta is for. His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins his explanation of Shantideva’s “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” by stressing the virtuous power of Bodhichitta, the mind seeking Buddhahood for the sake of all creatures. It is the Bodhisattva’s defining qualityand the entrance to the great path to enlightenment. Before turning to Shantideva’s text His Holiness dwells on the dependently arisen nature of our happiness and suffering, showing by way of Buddha’s basic teaching of the four noble truths how both of them are produced from causes under our control. By awakening from ignorance to wisdom we can abandon behavior that leads to more dissatisfaction and cultivate the path that leads to stable and abiding happiness. Having found that path we can then develop the compassionate and joyful determination to show it to our brother and sister sentient beings. But, urges His Holiness, a human birth is rare and brief. It must be put to the best use now, without delay or procrastination. His Holiness extols the “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” as an inspiring condensed presentation of the way to our highest state of evolution unequalled in India or Tibet. He explores the text as far as verse 14, commenting on the title, the salutation, the promise of composition, the purpose of composing and, in the body of the text, entering on Shantideva’s eloquent preliminary praises of the precious Bodhichitta.

Achieving the very best for ourselves and others. This is what the practice of Bodhichitta is for. His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins his explanation of Shantideva’s “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” by stressing the virtuous power of Bodhichitta, the mind seeking Buddhahood for the sake of all creatures. It is the Bodhisattva’s defining qualityand the entrance to the great path to enlightenment. Before turning to Shantideva’s text His Holiness dwells on the dependently arisen nature of our happiness and suffering, showing by way of Buddha’s basic teaching of the four noble truths how both of them are produced from causes under our control. By awakening from ignorance to wisdom we can abandon behavior that leads to more dissatisfaction and cultivate the path that leads to stable and abiding happiness. Having found that path we can then develop the compassionate and joyful determination to show it to our brother and sister sentient beings. But, urges His Holiness, a human birth is rare and brief. It must be put to the best use now, without delay or procrastination. His Holiness extols the “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” as an inspiring condensed presentation of the way to our highest state of evolution unequalled in India or Tibet. He explores the text as far as verse 14, commenting on the title, the salutation, the promise of composition, the purpose of composing and, in the body of the text, entering on Shantideva’s eloquent preliminary praises of the precious Bodhichitta.

Achieving the very best for ourselves and others. This is what the practice of Bodhichitta is for. His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins his explanation of Shantideva’s “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” by stressing the virtuous power of Bodhichitta, the mind seeking Buddhahood for the sake of all creatures. It is the Bodhisattva’s defining qualityand the entrance to the great path to enlightenment. Before turning to Shantideva’s text His Holiness dwells on the dependently arisen nature of our happiness and suffering, showing by way of Buddha’s basic teaching of the four noble truths how both of them are produced from causes under our control. By awakening from ignorance to wisdom we can abandon behavior that leads to more dissatisfaction and cultivate the path that leads to stable and abiding happiness. Having found that path we can then develop the compassionate and joyful determination to show it to our brother and sister sentient beings. But, urges His Holiness, a human birth is rare and brief. It must be put to the best use now, without delay or procrastination. His Holiness extols the “Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” as an inspiring condensed presentation of the way to our highest state of evolution unequalled in India or Tibet. He explores the text as far as verse 14, commenting on the title, the salutation, the promise of composition, the purpose of composing and, in the body of the text, entering on Shantideva’s eloquent preliminary praises of the precious Bodhichitta.