Lamrim Quotes

“Swept away by the current of the four powerful rivers, Tied by the tight bonds of karma, so hard to undo, Caught in the iron net of self-grasping, Completely enveloped by the total darkness of ignorance, Endlessly reborn in cyclic existence, Ceaselessly tormented by the three sufferings – Thinking that all mothers are in such […]

“You are the eyes to see all the myriad collections of scriptures; To the fortunate ones traveling to freedom you illuminate the excellent path, You do this through skillful deeds stirred forth by compassion. I pay respectful homage to you O all my spiritual mentors.” From The Concise Treatise on the Stages of the Path […]

“Once you become convinced that compassion is the excellent key to the path through such proof as reason and limitless scriptures, why would you not hold the spirit of enlightenment together with its root – compassion – to be the supreme instruction? The teacher Shang-na-chung said, “Even though I asked for instructions from the Great […]

“[Think:] ‘I have no craving to attain Enlightenment Quickly for myself. I will live for infinite lives For the sake of a single sentient being.’” From Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment by Jowo Je Atisha. As translated in: The Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment translated by the Central University of Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, India. Download […]

“The stages of training after having taken refuge – The actual precepts – Common precepts for all three objects of refuge: 1) Remembering the differences and positive qualities of the Three Jewels and, due to that, taking refuge in them again and again 2) Remembering their great kindness and, due to that, exerting yourself at […]

“Each ray of light from the body of a buddha is able to mature and liberate immeasurable sentient beings. Buddhas emanate bodies that appear before each sentient being. These forms are tailored to the mental dispositions, sense faculties, wishes, and karmic tendencies of these beings. Buddhas can teach them the Dharma in their individual languages. […]

“If you wonder how you are to help them [living beings], think: ‘I will care for them by providing the hungry with food, the thirsty with drink, those suffering from illness with medicine, the poor with material goods and so forth, which will alleviate each of these kinds of temporary suffering. However, more importantly, I […]

“Patience of Unconcern with Harming is, When all beings rise up as enemies and abuse you, On top of analysing and not getting angry, To practise helping them, in return for the harm. Patience of Willingly Bearing Suffering is To accept with joy being lacking in food and clothing, Dwelling and so on; unwanted things, […]

“First, I sought out often extensive learning, Then all teachings dawned as trainings, Finally, I practiced all day and all night, Completely dedicated to spread the Teaching! Thinking this over, how well my destiny saw fulfilled! Thanking you so very much, O Holy Wisdom Treasure!” From Destiny Fulfilled: The Spiritual Biography of Lama Tsong Khapa by […]

“Seeking samsaric pleasures is the door to all suffering; They are uncertain and cannot be relied upon. Recognizing these shortcomings, Please bless me to generate the strong wish for the bliss of liberation.” From Foundation of All Good Qualities by Je Tsong Khapa As included in: Essential Buddhist Prayers: An FPMT Prayer Book, volume 1. Translated […]