Essence of Mind Training

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Essence of Mind Training: The text is the result of teaching given by the author at Tibetan Buddhist Centre of Philadelphia from November, 1995 to March, 1996. It explains clearly the Lam Rim, stages of the path of mind training that a practitioner must practice in order to make oneself.

Capable of understanding the true teaching of Buddha, its practice and finally attaining the Buddhahood. The notes on the Four Tenets and the Dzogchen are equally revealing for the understanding of the Buddhist concept of mind and its nature.

The book is well recommended for those who wish to study in brief the Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist science in general and mind training in particular. It is a good book to start your mind on the selfless journey of the Boddhisattvas.

Acharya Nyima tsering graduated from the Central University for Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, Varanasi. He has published several books and articles and his own commentaries on major Buddhist teachings. He is the translator of the text entitled “Commentary on the Thirty Seven Practices of a Boddhisattva” by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama and “The Lotus Garden’s Play” by Dza Patrul Rinpoche.

Preface

This book was produced from Buddhist teachings shared with Dharma students during thirteen weeks between November 1995 and March 1996 at the Tibetan Buddhist center of Philadelphia (TBCP). Like all projects in life it is not the work of one independent person but the result of cooperation and collaboration among many individuals. Most directly I must recognize the contribution of Lobsang Samten, spiritual director of the TBCP, who invited me to teach during this period. As a result of his kind invitation I had the opportunity to mediate on the discuss different Buddhist texts, and the time I spent in Philadelphia was like a spiritual retreat for me.

Lobsang Samten, Yangchen, Mary Coombs, and TBCP all made contributions to my housing, food, health, and physical well-being during that time. Apart from the valuable support of the TBCP as an organization, I must also recognize the important role played by the many members and friends whose questions and interest in Dharma inspired me to examine these topics once again. Several people collaborated directly in the production of this book. Kay Candler took careful notes during the classes, producing this written text based on my spoken words, Johanna Van Wert made many helpful editorial suggestions. Ken Klein provided initial financial support.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from many Tibetan Buddhist masters. Their contributions to the production of this book are less direct but more significant than those of my Philadelphia friends. They taught me the necessary skills and joy of examining and contemplating the Dharma.

The presentation of the Lam Rim is based on teachings I received in Dharamsala from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on “Words of Manjushri” by the 5th Dalai Lama.

The overview of the four tenet systems of Buddhism was presented at the TCBP as a joint teaching by Lobsang Samten and myself, based on the text known as “Precious Garland” by Kunchok Jigme Wangpo (second reincarnation of Kunkhyen Jamyang Zhadpa.) My comments are the result of teachings I received from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and through discussion with Venerable Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Geshe Thupten Tsering, Geshi Yeshi Topdhen, Geshi Yeshi Dhondup, Kirti Tsenshap Rinpoche, Venerable Gen Lamrimpa, Venerable Gen Lobsang Gyatso, Geshi Yeshi Thapkey, Geshe Sonam Rinchen, and Geshe Jigme Dawa.

The brief course on Dzogchen is based on expositions received from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Venerable Khamtrul Rinpoche on “Hitting the Essence with Three Words” by Dza Patrul Rinpoche.

Although this work represents the efforts of many individuals, I alone am responsible for any errors. I humbly request all enlightened masters and practitioners to have patience and tolerance towards any mistakes I may have made here.

Back of the Book

When a great spiritual master and a good disciple meet, they become like the two wings of a bird able to fly together to enlightenment without any problems. For the beginners, It is important to keep in mind that without the guidance of an external teacher, simply relying on the books, will not let you understand the accurate path which leads to the highest state of enlightenment. You need external guidance as long as your mind is not thoroughly trained and matured enough to reinforce your innate wisdom, which is your inner Guru.