Lamrim Quotes

“At present most of the happy feelings that increase our attachment are minds of happiness that arise with respect to a relief of suffering. Yet there is no happiness by way of its own entity that is unrelated to suffering. For instance, if you suffer because you have walked too much, the mind of happiness […]

“When bodhisattvas joyously persevere, prior to actively engaging themselves they put on the armor of a preliminary enthusiastic thought such as, ‘For a trillion sets of three immeasurably great eons each composed of days as long as a thousand great eons, I shall not relinquish my practice of joyous perseverance. For the sake of relieving […]

“Know that those who by whatever means Seek for themselves no more Than the pleasures of cyclic existence Are persons of the least capacity. Those who seek peace for themselves alone, Turning away from worldly pleasures And avoiding destructive actions Are said to be of middling capacity. Those who, through their personal suffering, Truly want […]

“The prerequisites of calm abiding: A) To stay in a favorable place B) Few desires C) Contentment D) To completely abandon many activities E) Pure ethics F) To completely abandon discursive thoughts of desire” From OUTLINE of Middle Length Lam-Rim with Trijang Rinpoche’s Additional Outlines by Lama Tsongkhapa (and Trijang Rinpoche). Translated by Philip Quarcoo. Unpublished DRAFT […]

“If there were some way the buddhas could rid us of our sins and obscurations by, say, washing them away with water, or by leading us by the hand, they would have already done so, and we would now have no suffering. They do not do this. The Great One taught the Dharma; it is […]

“In brief, when I must carry a heavy load that is difficult to bear, there is no occasion for happiness. Similarly, as long as I must hold on to these contaminated aggregates, I will have no chance to be happy. These (contaminated) aggregates are produced by the power of (my) previous deeds and mental afflictions, […]

“When one’s efforts still are slight, It is said to be best to congratulate others’ virtues In order to gather the momentous stores (of merit and wisdom)…. It is excellent, O my mind, when you feel such joy!” From Destiny Fulfilled: The Spiritual Biography of Lama Tsong Khapa by Je Tsong Khapa, as published in The Life […]

“The foundation of all good qualities is the kind and perfect, pure guru; Correct devotion to him is the root of the path. By clearly seeing this and applying great effort, Please bless me to rely upon him with great respect.” From Foundation of All Good Qualities by Je Tsong Khapa, as published in Essential Buddhist Prayers: […]

“When, by accustoming yourself in this way, you never generate, for even an instant, A mind that aspires for the splendors of recurring samsara, And you develop the attitude that day and night always is interested keenly in liberation, At that time, you have generated renunciation.” From The Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Jey Tsongkhhapa. Translated by […]

“This tradition, possessing such strength and impact, takes the heart of all the teachings of Buddha and structures it into steps for gradual evolution through the successive experiences of the path running through the three levels of spiritual application. What an approach to Dharma! How can its greatness ever be described? Consider the beneficial effects […]