WORDS OF WISDOM AUTHOR: KHENPO TSULTRIM LODRO

Why do we not cling to dreams, but cling to this samsara? This is because the dream lasted for a short time, the next day, we will realise that the objects we perceive the night before are delusional and non-existent now. Whereas the cycle of time for samsara is very long, we have no way able to reach to the edge of samsara. However, for bodhisattvas, in spite of being a commoner previously, once they attain Bodhisattvahood, it is just like a dream is awaken, they would know that the cyclic existence is a mere delusion and dream-like.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

If mankind has conviction in law of karma, it will not result in any loss, but rather mankind will lead a more peaceful, happier, harmonious life. The law of karma is the most justified law in universe, the hell realm is the most vicious prison in universe; these things can be verified.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

It’s been analysed and inferred in sutras and shastras over and over again that suffering stems from self-clinging or attachment; this is expounded from another perspective. Here we come to a conclusion that suffering and happiness don’t come from external things, rather they’re closely related to our views, habitual pattern or habit. All suffering comes form our attachments.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Despite the fact that buddhas and bodhisattvas have transcended relative truth, not having a body of flesh and body, in order to liberate us, still they manifest a body of flesh and blood. BuddhaAmitabha of the Pure Land can’t liberate us, neither does Buddha Samantabhadra; although the sambhogakaya and the nirmanakaya of buddha are sublime, they are not able to liberate us, because they can’t communicate with us. Thus a teacher in a relative sense is vital.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Someone endowed with relative bodhicitta has embarked on the path of accumulation. Without bodhicitta, one is a mere Buddhist, not having entered the path of accumulation. Thus the key element to enter the path of accumulation hinges on whether or not one has generated bodhicitta.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Commoners tend to think… if I contribute or give, then I end up with nothing. This is a misconception. In the process of giving, one is bound to attain more, according to Mahayana doctrines. It’s awful not having loving kindness. A person without loving kind ness deems wealth and gain paramount, without any restraints, it’s hard to foretell what they will end up with.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

With strenuous effort, an iron bar can be ground into a needle. Likewise, with persistent meditation, we can suppress negative and destructive emotions such as greed, aggression, pride, and jealousy, etc, and our mind will reach a state of freedom to some extent. Freedom here means being free from anxiety, and maintaining joy for extended periods if you want.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Stress makes our life painful; desires evolve the pressures of life; hallucinations lead to various desires in space and time; and the wisdom of enlightenment can eliminate all illusions.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Preliminary practice entails five practices, starting from taking refuge, up to guru yoga. Relying on the capacity of these five practices, one can realise emptiness, which is referred to as realising the nature of mind in the Chan tradition, it means actualising the truth of phenomena. In tantric context, it’s referred to as realising the primordial wisdom. What is it meant by primordial wisdom? Buddha nature is the primordial wisdom.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES