Principle Path to Enlightenment; 09-July-2007 (Day 3 of 7) - Dalai Lama Audio Teachings on Tibetan Buddhism Podcast

Summary: To summarize the path to Buddhahood: In the beginning, abandon the ten non-meritorious actions and gain favorable rebirth. In the middle, abandon the self (end the afflictive obscurations and attain nirvana). At the end, abandon everything (the subtle cognitive obscurations to omniscience); thereby traverse to enlightenment. By working for the final goal, the first and second aims are fulfilled. Since the ten non-virtues are naturally harmful acts that produce suffering results, while virtuous acts are causes of happiness, even non-Buddhists profit from adopting these ethics. For the survival of children, human biology dictates love. All spiritual systems promote compassion. But only Buddhism teaches that loving compassion, conjoined with discerning wisdom, can be expanded limitlessly. To develop the profound non-dual meditative focus on emptiness (the sole remedy for the afflictive defilements and cognitive obscurations) requires training beyond mere morality. When studying the Bodhisattva ethics, do not become discouraged by the pure standards of practice; despondency impedes success in any undertaking. Buddha Nature not the defiling obscurations is the true nature of mind. Develop honest self-confidence based on this reality and inspired by the successes of the Buddhas and great Bodhisattvas. Study and train in the subtleties of Bodhisattva ethics to develop tenderness and patience for faulty beings; avoid defilement with mundane concerns and wrong livelihood; render assistance; relieve sorrows. The sole attitude a Bodhisattva should cultivate is the determination to work for the welfare of sentient beings. By dedicating every action done for their welfare, enormous virtue accrues.