Lam Rim Teachings

Lam Rim Topics:

What is a Guru ??

Some teachers considered a Guru to be someone whom you have relied on and lived with for years, learning the basics of the Dharma all the way into the tantras. This is applicable and true especially in a monastic context.

Some teachers teach that from a technical point of view, someone whom we have received initiation, especially a Highest Yoga Tantra class is a Guru.

Some teachers teach that if we find ourselves being benefited greatly from this person's teachings, short instructions or even just being in his or her presence, probably due to past lives' connections, is a Guru.

The proper way to practise the Dharma:

Listening: We listen to the Dharma

Contemplating: We re-think and contemplate on what we have heard

Applying: We apply it in our daily lives

The Dharma in gist:

The Three Higher Trainings

Keep and live-by the precepts-commitments

Cultivate concentration-contemplation

Cultivate Wisdom

TOPIC ONE

The Centrality of the Spiritual Friend: the Guru **

**( Topic One is mainly relevant to students practising in the Vajrayana tradition )

We need a qualified Teacher because He or She has walked the path and has realised its Truth. He or she has the compassion and skills to lead us to the same state: freedom from suffering, the best position to help all others. Without someone exprienced, we cannot practise properly.

You need to look for a truly qualified Teacher:

A qualified Teacher teaches in-line with the Buddha's teachings. ( Je Tsongkhapa's point )

He or she must "walk the talk" ( The late Khensur Dorje Tashi emphasises this point !! )

He or she may have good reference from other established Teachers. ( this point from worldly common sense )

If we rely on the Teacher, every possible good will come: worldly protection, aims and sublime spiritual fruits all ripen !!

If we do not rely on the Teacher, we will be lost and sufferings will come !!

The qualified Teacher is / should be a Buddha because he or she already possesses the pure Buddha Nature. So you pray and rely on their "Buddha Nature" is equivalent to relying on an actual Buddha.

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas all committed to liberate all beings from suffering. Since there are still suffering beings, the buddhas and bodhisattvas all are still here. The best way for them to help will be to manifest as a human master, the form of a qualified Teacher. The qualified Teacher is surely the Buddha come back !!

All the holy scriptures talk of how the Buddhas shall return as qualified Teachers. Even if they are not fully enlightened, Manjushri promises to bless and guide on the Teacher's behalf so long as disciples have faith. So, no matter what, i must see the qualified Teacher as a Buddha !!

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the First Topic of all Lam Rim traditions. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

*PRACTICE BEFORE FINDING A GURU

Often in countries that are not traditionally Buddhist, such as in the West, students do not have great access to many spiritual teachers. The Buddhist masters who visit may come only once a year, at the most. Thus it is difficult to find a sufficient variety of gurus to investigate in order to select a proper one, and there are insufficient opportunities to examine the qualifications of any of them. But this does not mean that before you have found a teacher who can serve as your guru, or even as your root guru, you cannot begin Dharma practice and at least engage in some of the forward-leading preliminaries.

First of all, you can certainly receive teachings from the various spiritual instructors who visit your countries, and do so in the manner of simply attending a lecture. As for engaging in meditational practices, even without a root guru you can proceed, on the basis of receiving instructions in a lecture or reading a book, to practice, for example, the placement of the four types of close mindfulness - on the bodily sensations, the feelings of a level of happiness or unhappiness, the mind and all phenomena. You can also begin, without a root guru to practice the meditational methods for developing a dedicated heart of bodhicitta and a correct understanding of the nature of reality, or voidness, on the basis of reading such texts as Shantideva's Engaging in Bodhisattva's Deeds. Of course, however, before engaging in any meditational practice, you must first ponder and think over carefully what you have heard or read so that you understand it correctly.

- The Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of MAHAMUDRA

H.H. Dalai Lama

Alexander Berzin

TOPIC TWO

The Perfect Human Rebirth

[ Note: In relation to the first Lam Rim Topic which we should have gained some confidence and firmness of experience, it will carry deeper blessings, maturity and impressions to begin each sub-topic: A, B C and so on with "Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....." ]

Cause

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

We need horrifically precious causes to obtain a human body, especially a human body which has had contact with the Buddha's teachings, senses complete and all. Now that we have obtained it, we should never waste it ( we have afterall sacrificed much in past lives to have obtained it !! ) in pursuit of trivial worldly matters but instead use it only or mainly for practice of Dharma** which leads to liberation for oneself and others.

Number

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

There are uncountable number of beings in the hells and other Lower Realms. Human-body-rebirth is like the dust on one's finger tip while beings from all other realms are like dust below one's feet. Since, numerically, our human body is so precious, we 100% MUST use it FULLEST not in pursuit of trivial worldly matters but instead use it only or mainly for practice of Dharma** which leads to liberation for oneself and others.

Function

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

If we use this human body of ours to practise Dharma, inconceivable Buddhahood with its inconceivable qualities will be won. This will be of highest good to oneself and the world. ( Sutra's viewpoint )

This human body is already itself, upon proper understanding and recognition with an authentic Teacher's instructions, the divine Pure Land and Yidam/s - the very actual nature of Buddhahood. We should cherish this human body and stay in this recognition for good of all. ( Tantra's viewpoint )

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Second Topic of the Lam Rim teachings. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

TOPIC THREE

Death & Impermanence

Inevitable

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

We will inevitably die. NO one is spared death. This precious human body, perfect for practice of the holy Dharma for

greatest good of all, will inevitably face death.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you

can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind !! ) ;

Random

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

Death is random. Our precious human body, perfect for practice of the holy Dharma for greatest good of all, can die

anytime, anywhere. Anything that lives can die anytime, anywhere.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you

can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind !! )

Only the Dharma

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

When death inevitably strikes, anytime, anywhere, only our accumulated Dharma practices, the Gurus, the Buddhas,

the Dharma and the Sangha can help. If even this very body of ours needs to be forsaken at death, absolutely nothing

else will matter or help then.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you

can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind !! )

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Third Topic of the Lam Rim teachings. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

TOPIC FOUR

Refuge

The Precious Guru

( This sub-topic A is relevant mainly to only students of the Vajrayana tradition )

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The precious Teacher embodies the Buddhas, the Dharma and the Sangha.

The qualified Teachers' holy mind rests in perfect Compassion and Wisdom non-dual: this is the Buddha.

The qualified Teachers' holy speech speaks only the Dharma and every word liberates countless beings from samsara: this is the Dharma.

The qualified Teachers' holy Body is the perfect form of the ordained Sangha ( or lay-bodhisattva for some Teachers ).

We take complete refuge out of fear ( of all sufferings in samsara ), faith ( in its perfect qualities ) and compassion ( so we can liberate all mother beings by attaining the state of Buddhahood ).

For details in "Relying on the Spiritual Teacher", see: http://www.casotac.com/CASonline%20Articles/02082008.html

The Buddhas

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The Buddhas are the perfect doctors for our sicknesses of defilements which bind us to sufferings in samsara.

The Buddhas have perfected complete love, compassion, wisdom, abilities and qualities.

The Buddhas' holy minds have perfect love, compassion and wisdom towards all beings.

The Buddhas' holy speech possess inconceivable blessings and qualities and liberate countless beings from suffering.

The Buddhas' holy body is perfect, the paragon of inconceivable majesty and resplendence. It is the culmination of accumulations of merits and wisdom of countless aeons.

We take complete refuge out of fear ( of all sufferings in samsara ), faith ( in its perfect qualities ) and compassion ( so we can liberate all mother beings by attaining the state of Buddhahood ).

The Dharma

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The Dharma are the perfect medicine for our sicknesses of defilements which bind us to sufferings in samsara.

The Dharma is the authentic, perfect path to liberation from all sufferings.

We take complete refuge out of fear ( of all sufferings in samsara ), faith ( in its perfect qualities ) and compassion ( so we can liberate all mother beings by attaining the state of Buddhahood ).

The Sangha

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The Sangha are the perfect companions on our treatments to sicknesses of defilements which bind us to sufferings in samsara.

The authentic Sangha are the genuine disciples of the Buddhas. They provide support, guidance and assistance in every possible ways.

We take complete refuge out of fear ( of all sufferings in samsara ), faith ( in its perfect qualities ) and compassion ( so we can liberate all mother beings by attaining the state of Buddhahood ).

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Fourth Topic of the Lam Rim teachings. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

TOPIC FIVE

Karma

Note:

[ In relation to the first Lam Rim Topic which we should have gained some confidence and firmness of experience, it will carry deeper blessings, maturity and impressions to begin each sub-topic: A, B C and so on with "Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....." ]

Other Notes:

( Every Lam Rim topics are sequential progresses.

Eg One: Topic Four is a sequential follow-up to Death & Impermanence since when Death strikes, only Dharma will help. And the gateway to Dharma, is Refuge. To take Refuge, we need to know the qualities of the Guru, Buddhas, Dharma and Sangha

Eg Two: Topic Five is a partial growing forth from Topic Four since when Death strikes, only karma follows. Therefore, it is critical that we know what actions to adopt and abandon to squash problems whilst acquire bliss. )

Karma is Definite

The Spiritual Friend/s or Teacher/s

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

Everything action is a causal seed that inevitably results in happiness or suffering. Good begets happiness. Bad begets suffering.

Karma is determined by Motivation

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

Results of action/s are affected by Motivation. Good Motivation begets happiness. Bad Motivation begets suffering.

Karma is affected by the Object

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The Object/s towards which we direct our actions determine the "scale" and "depth" of Karmic results. Karmic actions related to the Gurus, Buddhas, Dharma and Sangha will yield "strong" results.

Karma is affected by the " Length of Time "

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The longer the length of time lapses before Karma ripens, the "stronger" will be the results

What to adopt

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

Happiness results from the below:

( 3 of Mind )

o Wisdom

o Love and Kindness

o "Un-Attachment" [ as opposed to Greed and Grasping ]

( 4 of Speech )

o Truthful speech

o Uplifting-Kind speech

o Speech that reconciles, not separate

o Meaningful speech

( 3 of Bodily-actions )

o To give-protect life

o To practise generosity

o To be morally-prudent in relationship-sexual issues

What to avoid

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

Sufferings results from the below:

( 3 of Mind )

o Ignorance

o Hatred-Anger

o Greed-Attachment

( 4 of Speech )

o Untruthful speech

o Harsh-hurtful speech

o Speech separates relationships-people

o Meaningless speech

( 3 of Bodily-actions )

o To kill-take life

o To steal

o To be improper in relationship-sexual matters

Two of some of the most effective karma-purifying strategies

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

These are two of some of the most effective methods of purifying negative karmas. Even the "Five Heinous Karmas" are totally purified with these "Four Powers" conjoined with the two strategies.

ONE

Prostrations to the 35 Confession Buddhas

TWO

Vajrasattva Practice with the "Four Powers"

Do the Vajrasattva 100 Syllable Mantra or Vajrasattva Short Mantra

Reciting any mantras, sutras while relying on the respective authentic practice-text/s.

( These 2 texts are avialable via requests @ contact@casotac.com )

"First Power"

Regret: Knowing that the negative action/s will yield suffering and pain.

"Second Power"

Never to re-commit the negative action/s.

"Third Power"

Do the "opposite" of the negative action/s. Eg: Now I give and protect lives instead of killing.

"Fourth Power"

Relying on Vajrasattva, the 35 Confession Buddhas or any holy practices.

( While contemplating the above, adopt and practice them !! )

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Fifth Topic of the Lam Rim teachings. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

Topic Five marks the end of the FIRST SCOPE of the Lam Rim Teachings: abiding by the right karmic actions for achievement of Higher Rebirth

TOPIC SIX

Renunciation

[ This topic follows Topic Five: Karma - which produces the karmic results below. ]

Suffering of Suffering

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The whole of conditioned existence suffers.

The main sufferings: birth, old age, sickness and death - then you get reborn and die again and reborn again and die again with no end.

The Hell Realm: the most painful, ceaseless sufferings: burning / freezing / killing / ( etc !! )

The Hungry Ghost Realm: unquenchable, futile search for sustenance.

The Animal Realm: extreme ignorance, eating each other, harnessed for others use / ( etc !! )

( These 3 Lower Realms mainly embroiled in this Suffering of Suffering although it pervades too the 3 Higher Realms )

Seeing how all samsaric existence of the 6 Realms are embroiled in Suffering of Suffering, one completely renounces samsara, develops deep compassion for samsaric mother beings and exerts hard for Enlightenment.

Suffering of Change

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The whole of conditioned existence suffers.

The main sufferings: birth, old age, sickness and death - then you get reborn and die again and reborn again and die again with no end.

The Human Realm: losing desired people-circumstances: the wealthiest becoming impoverished / pretty and young becoming ugly and old / meeting undesired people-circumstances / not meeting desired people-circumstances / difficulties in making living / ( etc !! )

The Demi-Gods Realm: ceaseless vain and futile strife to match splendor of the Gods through battles and all, finally dropping out of this realm ( usually straight into the Lower Realms ) when Merits are used up.

The Gods Realm: endless mindless frivolous celebrations until Merits are used up wherein the last 7 days, abject terror strikes ( the suffering now worse than in the Hell Realms ) then free-falling, usually into the 3 Lower Realms.

( These 3 Higher Realms mainly embroiled in this Suffering of Change although it pervades too the 3 Lower Realms )

Seeing how all samsaric existence of the 6 Realms are embroiled in Suffering of Change, one completely renounces samsara, develops deep compassion for samsaric mother beings and exerts hard for Enlightenment.

Suffering of Aggregates

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

The whole of conditioned existence suffers.

Every unenlightened being are helplessly, ceaselessly manipulated by these 5 Aggregates:

1) Form: all external material phenomena and one's own senses (contact and interaction between both)

2) Feelings: one designates every contact and interaction between external material phenomena and one's own senses as desirable or undesirable or neutral.

3) Perception: one begins to label concepts, names, identities to the objects of experience arising from 'Feelings'.

4) Formational Responses: one responds to one's 'Perceptions' through conditioned reactions both mentally and physically.

5) Consciousness: this is the underlying cognitive basis which stored the infinite potential causes due to 'Formational Responses', to ripen into the infinitely varied results of the 6 Realms.

Seeing how all the 6 Realms are completely overwhelmed by ceaseless churnings cum residual-effects of the 5 Aggregates without a single split instance of respite, one completely renounces samsara, develops deep compassion for samsaric mother beings and exerts hard for Enlightenment.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind !! One may do 21 or 108 or more mantras for each of the Aggregates for deeper understanding of the processes of the 5 Aggregates )

The 12 Links

"Our perfect Teacher teaches that ....."

All mother sentient beings ceaselessly embroil in afflicted conditioned existence of the 6 Realms as a result of undergoing the below:

1) Ignorance: mistakenly grasping phenomena as inherently existing

2) Formational Responses: creating actions due to 'Ignorance'

3) Consciousness: residual effects from 'Formational Responses' get implanted in the underlying basis as one's Consciousness

4) Physical Basis: Consciousness tied up with an acquired Physical Basis such as one's body.

5) 6 Senses: The bodily physical basis gives rise to eyes, ears, nose, tongue, touch and feelings.

6) Contact: These 6 Senses establish contact with external phenomena.

7) Feelings: One designates experiences from 'Contact' as either desirable, undesirable or neutral.

8) Attachment: One gets attached to the 'Feelings'.

9) Grasping: One begins to label, name and identify the objects from which we experience 'Attachment', mistakenly grasping to them as inherently existing.

10) Existence: From 'Grasping', definite 'Existence', cause of rebirth comes into being.

11) Birth: Definite birth occurs from 'Existence'.

12) Death: Definite death and endless torrents of rebirths ensue from 'Birth'.

Seeing how all samsaric existence of the 6 Realms are embroiled in suffering as a result of the 12 Links, one completely renounces samsara, develops deep compassion for samsaric mother beings and exerts hard for Enlightenment.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind !! One may do 21 or 108 or more mantras for each of the links for deeper understanding of the processes of the 12 Links )

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Sixth Topic of the Lam Rim teachings. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

Topic Six marks the SECOND SCOPE of the Lam Rim Teachings (C the fundamental teachings

( Renouncing Samsara ) of the Buddha is completed

TOPIC SEVEN

WISHING BODHICITTA ( Part One )

( "The Seven Point Cause-and-Effect for Generating Bodhicitta" )

"Equanimity"

All beings are perfectly equal from the perspective that they all want to be happy and do not want to suffer. Moreover, they all have equal rights to be happy and equal rights to be free from sufferings.

( Since, we all have equal rights to be happy, i possess only a single "right" whereas the infinite beings possess infinite" rights to be happy. Since, numerically, here is "one right" versus "infinite rights", i therefore should rightly sacrifice my "one right" for achievement of the "infinite rights" to be happy of all beings !!** )

[ ** This section is expanded upon by some masters but is technically not within the Seven Point Cause-and-Effect for Generating Bodhicitta. ]

ONE

"Recognising all beings as our mothers"

From eternal past, we have been reborn in countless states in samsara. Correspondingly, we have had mothers in every of these past states. In fact, every being has been our mothers countless times in the past.

TWO

"Remembering the kindnesses of all our mothers - past and present"

These mothers, exactly like our mother in this present life, have been infinitely kind to us. From before we were born, after we were born as toddlers, as teenagers, as adults and even when old, our mothers would unhestatingly give their lives for us. Kindnesses of all beings when they were our mothers were exactly the same as the kindness of our present mother.

THREE

"Wishing to repay our mothers' kindnesses"

Remembering the kindnesses of our mothers, both past and present, we wish sincerely to fully repay their kindnesses.

FOUR

"Loving Joy"

Wishing to fully repay the kindnesses of our mothers, both past and present, we wish them every possible happiness and well-being.

FIVE

"Compassion"

Wishing to fully repay the kindnesses of our mothers, both past and present, we wish them to be free from every possible harm or unhappiness.

SIX

"Universal Responsibility - the Best Wish"

Wishing to fully repay the kindnesses of our mothers, both past and present, we, ourselves, must take up the responsibility to give them every happiness and well-being and to free them from every harm or unhappiness.

SEVEN

"Wishing Bodhicitta"

Having taken up the "Universal Responsibility" of wishing to bring all mother senteint beings every happiness and to free them from every harm, we investigate and come to the conculsion that even by being an awesome god with marvelous powers or by being a king / a prime minister / a president in the human realm, we cannot do so effectively.

Only by being a Buddha, an omniscient being, a perfectly Enlightened One free from any defilements and resplendent with inconceivable powers-abilities, wisdom and compassion, can we most effectively do this. So, we generate the wish that, through whatever we do, may we attain Buddhahood for the sake of all mother sentient beings.

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Seventh Topic ( Part One ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

WISHING BODHICITTA ( Part Two )

( "Giving-and-Taking" for Generating Bodhicitta )

"Equanimity"

All beings are actually perfectly "equal". We have mistakenly grouped beings into beings we a) like, b) dislike and c) are neutral.

a) Beings we like are reflections of our attachment;

b) Beings we dislike are reflections of our anger and

c) Beings whom we are neutral to are reflections of our ignorance.

ONE

"Self-Cherishing “Cause of all sufferings"

From eternal past, we have cherished only ourselves. Self-Cherishing is the cause of all other defilements and pain. Self-Cherishing is why we are still in samsara undergoing endless sufferings. We must destroy this Self-Cherishing attitude.

TWO

"Taking:

Imagine that this cause of all sufferings - the Self-Cherishing attitude - manifests in the form of a black dot in the center of our hearts. We breathe in, visualizing that we completely take on the sufferings of all mother sentient beings ( who have died for us infinite times throughout incalculable pasts ). These sufferings are in the forms of black smoke or whatever aspects we fear most. These aspects enter through our nostrils to the Self-Cherishing attitude in the form of the black dot in our heart and completely destroy it. We have successfully destroyed our Self-Cherishing attitude.

THREE

"Cherishing-Others “Cause of all happiness"

For eternal pasts, the Buddhas have cherished only others. Cherishing-Others is the cause of all happiness and even Buddhahood. We must bring to complete fruition this attitude of Cherishing-Others.

FOUR

"Giving"

Imagine that this cause of all happiness - the attitude of Cherishing-Others - manifests in the form of the most blissful light which appears in the center of our hearts, after we have destroyed the black dot of Self-Cherishing. We breathe out, visualizing that we completely give every happiness and good to all mother sentient beings ( who have died for us infinite times throughout incalculable pasts ). These happiness and good are in the forms of blissful light or whatever aspects all beings like most. These light or aspects exit from our nostrils in complete dedication and love to all mother sentient beings. We have successfully brought to fruition our attitude of Cherishing-Others.

FIVE **

"Wishing Bodhicitta"

We can completely overcome the Self-Cherishing Attitude and completely bring to fruition the attitude of Cherishing-Others only when we attain Buddhahood. So, we generate the wish that, through whatever we do, may they be causes for attaining Buddhahood ( for the sake of all mother sentient beings ).

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Seventh Topic ( Part Two ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

** Point Five is not included in this topic by some Teachers but is elaborated upon by others.

TOPIC EIGHT

APPLICATION BODHICITTA ( Part One )

( Perfection of Generosity )

ONE

"Materials"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I provide every possible material-generosity to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood. [ Giving of financial support / food etc ]

TWO

"Fearlessness"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give every possible Fearlessness to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood. [ Saving lives / words of assurances etc ]

THREE

"Dharma"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I share the Dharma wherever possible to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood. [ Sharing Dharma: supporting Dharma programmes / printing Dharma texts / sharing etc ]

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Eighth Topic ( Part One ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Carry them out wherever possible. ]

APPLICATION BODHICITTA ( Part Two )

( Perfection of Commitment-Ethics )

ONE

"Do No Harm"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I observe the commitment of completely avoiding causing harm to any beings to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ No killing / gossiping etc ]

TWO

"Benefit"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I observe the commitment of benefitting any beings wherever possible to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Helping / comforting etc ]

THREE

"Merit-Dharma"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I observe the commitment of accumulating Merit and exerting in Dharma practices wherever possible to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Reading texts / prostrations etc. ]

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Eighth Topic ( Part Two ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Carry them out wherever possible. ]

APPLICATION BODHICITTA ( Part Three )

( Perfection of Patience )

ONE

"Individual"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I am patient in the face of harm in specific context/s and / or from respective being/s to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Patient to scary colleagues / in work etc ]

TWO

"Samsaric-General"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I am patient towards samsaric difficulties to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Patient towards sicknesses / dying / bad weather / making-a-living etc ]

THREE

"Dharma"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I am patient towards every difficulty that arises in the practicing of Dharma to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Patient in listening to teachings / prostrations etc ]

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Eighth Topic ( Part Three ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Carry them out wherever possible. ] ;

APPLICATION BODHICITTA ( Part Four )

( Perfection of Joyful-Perseverance )

ONE

"Against Laziness"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I joyfully persevere in all Dharma against Laziness or 'will not do' to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

TWO

"Against No-Confidence"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I joyfully persevere in all Dharma against No-Confidence or 'cannot do' to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

THREE

"Against Samsaric-Attachment"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I joyfully persevere in giving up attachment to samsaric pleasures to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Eighth Topic ( Part Four ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Carry them out wherever possible. ] ;

APPLICATION BODHICITTA ( Part Five )

( Perfection of Meditation )

ONE

"Calm Abiding"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I achieve single-pointed concentration upon an object etc and to calmly abide within this concentration to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Concentrate and calmly abide upon a Buddha-form / flower / one's breath movements etc ]

TWO

"Mindfulness"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So, based upon Calm Abiding, I am mindful of an object etc and abide without grasping or rejecting them, to accumulate Merit, leading into Wisdom, for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Basing upon Calm Abiding, being Mindful of arising-ceasing of thoughts, phenomena etc. ]

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Eighth Topic ( Part Five ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Carry them out wherever possible. ]

APPLICATION BODHICITTA ( Part Six )

( Perfection of Wisdom )

ONE

"Worldly"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings.

So I learn every possible worldly knowledge helpful as a step towards accumulation of Wisdom for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Learning and practicing courtesy / sciences / arts etc. ]

TWO

"Mind-Impute"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings.

I recognize the view that every phenomenon exists only conventionally as mentally imputed object/s; in the ultimate sense, every phenomena is "empty" as it needs to be mentally-imputed for its identification.

I rest in this view so as to accumulate Wisdom for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Basing upon the Fifth Perfection, to recognize that: water is nectar for the gods / water is water for humans / water is pus and dirt for hungry ghosts / etc. Mercedes Benz is recognized and looked up to in Singapore but means completely different to Papua tribesmen etc. Concept of beauty is relative to the culture etc. ]

THREE

"Component-Make-Up"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings.

So I recognize the view that every phenomenon exists only conventionally when aggregated upon its component parts; in the ultimate sense, every phenomenon is "empty" as it needs its component parts to establish its existence.

I rest in this view so as to accumulate Wisdom for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Basing upon the Fifth Perfection, to recognize that: a table can only be a table if the legs and top are in place / a car can only be a car if the wheels, seats, engine etc are in place / likewise for all phenomena etc. ]

FOUR

"Inter-dependence"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings.

So I recognize the view that every phenomenon exists only conventionally in inter-dependence upon other external phenomena; in the ultimate sense, every phenomenon is "empty" as it cannot establish its existence without reliance upon other phenomena.

I rest in this view so as to accumulate Wisdom for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Basing upon the Fifth Perfection, to recognize that: there cannot be male without female / there cannot be good without bad etc ]

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Eighth Topic ( Part Six ) of all Lam Rim traditions. Carry them out wherever possible. ]

*Lam Rim Bonus

The first Four Perfections ( ETHICS ) are the strength against delusion-suffering.

The 1^st Fifth Perfection: "Calm Abiding" ( MEDITATION I ) takes accurate aim at delusion-suffering.

The 2^nd Fifth Perfection: "Mindfulness" ( MEDITATION II ) is the tool for hitting delusion-suffering.

The 6^th Perfection: "Wisdom" ( WISDOM ) actually hits and destroys delusion-suffering.

TOPIC NINE

UNCOMMON BODHICITTA

ONE

"Perfection of Generosity"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of the Perfection of Generosity to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

However, I need to use countless eons in this practice and mother beings are all suffering in the meantime. I cannot bear their suffering. So I give rise to Uncommon Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood fastest possible for highest good of mother beings.

TWO

"Perfection of Commitment-Ethics"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of the Perfection of Commitment-Ethics to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

THREE

"Perfection of Patience"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of the Perfection of Patience to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

FOUR

"Perfection of Joyful-Perseverance"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of the Perfection of Joyful-Perseverance to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

FIVE

"Perfection of Meditation"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of the Perfection of Meditation to accumulate Merit for attainment of Buddhahood.

SIX

"Perfection of Wisdom"

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of the Perfection of Wisdom to accumulate Wisdom for attainment of Buddhahood.

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Ninth Topic of all Lam Rim traditions. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

*Additional Lam Rim Notes:

Students could apply generating the Uncommon Bodhicitta to each of the sub-topic of, or in general, as a whole, to Application Bodhicitta.

UNCOMMON BODHICITTA

To attain Buddhahood is the best way to benefit all mother beings. So I give rise to Wishing Bodhicitta: I want to attain Buddhahood for highest good of mother beings.

Then I engage in Application Bodhicitta of all Six Perfections of Generosity / Commitment-Ethics / Patience / Joyful-Perseverance / Meditation and Wisdom to accumulate Merit and Wisdom for attainment of Buddhahood.

TOPIC TEN

THE TANTRIC TEACHER

PREPARATORY ( succicnt )

ONE

May I find a qualified Teacher. ( See Lam Rim's First Topic - Guru Yoga ).

TWO

May I serve the precious Teacher that He or She lacks no necessities of life.

THREE

May I take the appropriate empowerments and teachings and receive the vows and commitments from the precious Teacher.

FOUR

May I learn, practise and keep the practices and vows carefully like how you will "protect your eyes" from harm.

PREPARATORY ( detailed )

ONE

"A Qualified Teacher"

To attain Buddhahood fastest possible for highest good of all mother beings, I need to practise the Buddha's Tantric Teachings. First, I will need to look for and rely on a qualified Tantric Teacher.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind and until you have found the qualified Teacher/s !! )

TWO

"Serve Him"

To attain Buddhahood fastest possible for highest good of all mother beings, I need to practise the Buddha's Tantric Teachings. First, I have found a qualified Tantric Teacher. Now, I must serve Him or Her and see that he / she does not lack any necessities of living.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind and until you have served the Teacher/s to your best !! )

THREE

"Receive Teachings"

To attain Buddhahood fastest possible for highest good of all mother beings, I need to practise the Buddha's Tantric Teachings. First, I have found a qualified Tantric Teacher. Then, I have served Him or Her and seen that he / she does not lack any necessities of living. Next, I need to receive all the necessary Tantric Empowerments / Oral Transmissions / Instructions in the best manner possible.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind and until you have received the teachings in the best manner possible !! )

FOUR

"Maintain the Teachings"

To attain Buddhahood fastest possible for highest good of all mother beings, I need to practise the Buddha's Tantric Teachings. First, I have found a qualified Tantric Teacher. Then, I have served Him or Her and seen that he / she does not lack any necessities of living. Next, I have received all the necessary Tantric Empowerments / Oral Transmissions / Instructions in the best manner possible. Finally, I will try my best to practise and maintain all I have received.

( While contemplating the above, do 108 times mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind and until you have maintained the teachings in the best manner possible !! )

[ Here ends the main points dealing with the Tenth Topic of all Lam Rim traditions. Firmly do it till it becomes your mind. ]

*Additional Lam Rim Notes:

Important Notes & Clarification on Topics related to “The Teacher"

A qualified Tantric Teacher will need to have trained and mastered all the Lam Rim and Tantric teachings. He will need to have permission of His own Teacher/s to transmit what he has learnt. He will also need to be possessed of all the qualities of a qualified Buddhist Teacher.

Elaboration on the above:

I. http://www.casotac.com/CASonline%20Articles/02082008.html

II. http://www.casotac.com/CASonline%20Articles/17082008.html

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GENERATION STAGE

ONE: Gross Generation

Buddhahood is the pan-ultimate state of Love, Wisdom and Power. May I become a Buddha as this is the best way to benefit all mother beings.

Seeing this, may I completely give all my lives, incalculable aeons into eternity, for practice of the Six Perfections ( Common Bodhicitta ) so that I can attain the state of Buddhahood, not for myself, but solely for good of all.

However, I cannot bear the infinite sufferings of my mother beings whilst I am engaged in the practice of the Six Perfections Seeing this, may I engage in the practices of the Vajrayana so that I can attain the state of Buddhahood in the fastest way possible, not for myself, but solely for good of all. ( Uncommon Bodhicitta )

Using the Accomplishment Text ( Sadhana ) of my Meditational Deity ( Yidam ), out of Uncommon Bodhicitta, may I generate, meditate and rest stably while alert, in this state on myself, beings and phenomena as the Yidam / Mandala, at the appropriate point-section as shown in the text/s.

Through this, may I, not for myself but solely for good of all my mother beings, skilfully enact the divine activities of a Buddha through Pacification, Enrichment, Magnetising-Power, and Wrath.

Through this, too, may I transform every samsaric appearances and activities into divine visions.

Through this, as well, may I accumulate ;inconceivable merit with offerings and other such like practices in the Generation Stage.

( While meditating, if you have received the requisite teaching/s and empowerment/s, or aspiring, if you have not received the requisite teaching/s and empowerment/s, on the above, do 21 / 108 or more times, the mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind. Or you can simply meditate or aspire without the mantras !! )

TWO: Subtle Generation

Buddhahood is the pan-ultimate state of Love, Wisdom and Power. May I become a Buddha as this is the best way to benefit all mother beings.

Using the Accomplishment Text ( Sadhana ) of my Meditational Deity ( Yidam ) AND / OR instructions from my precious Teacher/s, out of Uncommon Bodhicitta, may I generate, meditate and rest stably while alert, of myself as the Yidam/s in the Mandala in the Subtle Drop of the Chakras of the Jewel Tip, the Navel, the Heart, the Throat Center OR the Crown, for as long as I can, clearly seeing every feature of myself as the Yidam in the Mandala, even the white of the eyes.

( While meditating, if you have received the requisite ;teaching/s and empowerment/s, or aspiring, if you have not received the requisite teaching/s and empowerment/s, on the above, do 21 / 108 or more times, the mantra of your Yidam - Chenrezig, Tara, Yamantaka or others. Or you can do the mantras until you feel the topic has firmly been internalised in your mind. Or you can simply meditate or aspire without the mantras !! )

THREE: Imagining "Transformation"

Using the Accomplishment Text ( Sadhana ) of my Meditational Deity ( Yidam ) AND / OR instructions from my precious Teacher/s, may I, at the correct point-section of the practice, imagine recognition of the Four Visions and the Four Empties.

May I master this is the CRITICAL section of the Generation Stage and apply them at the appropriate section-points in the first section as without applying this stage, Generation Stage practices become obsolete.

1) First Vision: "Mirage-like Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Mirage-like Vision" when I imagine all phenomena dissolves into myself as the Yidam.

§ At this point, may I imagine that the Earth Element dissolves into the Water Element during the Death Process.

§ May I now imagine that I will feel like sinking into the earth.

§ I will feel no fear and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

2) Second Vision: "Smoke-like Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Smoke-like Vision" when I imagine myself as the Yidam dissolving into the Root Mantra Syllable in the Subtle Drop of the Chakra of the Heart.

§ At this point may I imagine that the Water Element dissolves into the Fire Element during the Death Process.

§ May I now imagine that my mouth and body will feel dry.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

3) Third Vision: "Firefly Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Firefly Vision" when I imagine the appropriate part of the Root Mantra dissolves.

§ At this point may I imagine that the Fire Element dissolves into the Wind Element during the Death Process.

§ May I now imagine that I will feel cold as warmth recedes from my body.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

4) Fourth Vision: "Flickering-lamp Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Flickering-lamp Vision" when I imagine the appropriate part of the Root Mantra dissolves.

§ At this point may I imagine that the Wind Element dissolves into Consciousness during the Death Process.

§ May I now imagine I will stop breathing and my relatives and friends may start wailing here.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear or attachment and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

5) First Empty: "White Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "White Vision" when I imagine the appropriate part of the Root Mantra dissolves.

§ At this point may I imagine that all the knots in the upper Chakras are released and the White Element descends from the Crown Chakra till it stops at the Heart Chakra.

§ May I imagine that I will now experience very great bliss and will utilise ! this bli ss to realise Emptiness.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear or attachment and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

6) Second Empty: "Red Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Red Vision" when I imagine the appropriate part of the Root Mantra dissolves.

§ At this point may I imagine that all the knots in the lower Chakras are released and the Red Element ascends from the Navel Chakra till it stops at the Heart Chakra.

§ May I imagine that I will now experience an even higher bliss and will utilise this bliss to realise Emptiness.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear or attachment and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

7) Third Empty: "Black Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Black Vision" when I imagine the appropriate part of the Root Mantra dissolves.

§ At this point may I imagine that all the knots in the Chakras are released and the White and Red Elements meet and enter the Heart Chakra.

§ May I imagine that I will now experience an even higher bliss and will utilise this bliss to realise Emptiness.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear or attachment and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on Emptiness.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

8) Fourth Empty: "Clear Light Vision"

§ May I imagine recognition of the "Clear Light Vision" when I imagine the appropriate part of the Root Mantra dissolves into Emptiness.

§ At this point may I imagine that all the knots in the Chakras are released and the White and Red Elements completely dissolve into the most subtle Drop of the Heart Chakra.

§ May I imagine that I will now experience the highest bliss possible and will utilise this bliss to realise Emptiness.

§ May I recollect well what has come before and anticipate what will come following.

§ I will feel no fear or attachment and will remember Bodhicitta, my Teacher and the Three Jewels of Refuge.

§ Most importantly, based on this relatively subtler mind that has arisen, I will meditate on and realise Emptiness, achieving Enlightenment.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

Actual Transformation

I) Death into Dharmakaya

· May I imagine that I have successfully utilised Clear Light to realise Emptiness and hence I imagine that I have transformed Death into Dharmakaya.

· May I imagine that I have unbearable compassion for all mother beings whom I cannot help as they cannot see me in my state of Dharmakaya. Only Buddhas can perceive each other in Dharmakaya aspects.

· May I imagine that I will, out of unbearable compassion, arise into the state of Sambhogakaya to help all mother beings.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

II) Bardo into Sambhogakaya

· May I imagine that I will, out of unbearable compassion, enter into the Bardo from Death, in the form of the appropriate form, divine implement or mantric syllable of my Yidam.

· May I imagine that by doing so, I have successfully transformed Bardo into Sambhogakaya.

· May I imagine that I have unbearable compassion for all mother beings whom I cannot help as they cannot see me in my state of Sambhogakaya. Only Buddhas and Tenth Stage Bodhisattvas can perceive each other in Sambhogakaya.

· May I imagine that I will, out of unbearable compassion, arise into the state of Nirmanakaya to help all mother beings.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

III) Birth into Nirmanakaya

· May I imagine that I will, out of unbearable compassion, enter into Birth from the Bardo, in the form of the Yidam in the Mandala.

· May I imagine that by doing so, I have successfully transformed Birth into Nirmanakaya.

· May I imagine that I can now skilfully enact all the divine activities of a Buddha for the highest good of all mother beings as a Buddha in the supreme Nirmanakaya aspect.

( Rest at this stage while meditating or reciting the mantras )

Sarva Mangalam!

May all be well and auspicious!