WORDS OF WISDOM AUTHOR: KHENPO TSULTRIM LODRO

It’s stressed in shastras that we need to rely on the dharma, rather than the person. Which means in the course of dharma study and research, we need to have conviction and rely on the authentic dharma or truth, rather than rely on the person’s fame, status, or power. We need to analyze if this person’s words are in accordance with the dharma and the truth, if the answer is yes, then we can trust this person’s words. Otherwise, regardless how famed a person is, we should not follow this person’s words blindly.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Once one has realized emptiness, then one can solve the final problem. The final problem is not how to have a better life, or make more money. It is resolving the problem of birth, old age and death. It is to be liberated from cyclic existence. It is not just for one’s own liberation. It is to return and liberate more sentient beings. To have more people be freed from life and death. This is the ultimate goal of our practice.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

One who practices compassion will become broad-minded, helpful, and through such practice one is able to discover the meaning of life. The energy of loving kindness one exudes will make people around him or her easeful, cheerful and warm. Even practicing compassion for ten minutes, one will attain countless merit.

~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

Lay practitioner’s practice starts from observing precepts. Observing precepts is also considered as a kind of practice and it is in fact most vital. I have met many lay practitioners who, despite the fact that they have taken refuge in the Three Jewels and believed they’re a seasoned practitioner, have yet to take the five precepts of lay practitioners. This is rather unreasonable. In order be a lay practitioner, observing precepts is paramount. Precepts are the foundation of all practice and developing wisdom. Without observing precepts, one is not a genuine practitioner, thus observing precepts is compulsory.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

If one feels as if one's life is meaningless due to encountering various unfavorable conditions, this is not a condition for renunciation. Genuine renunciation is a mind which is positive, with the drive to seek an end to suffering, and a goal--renunciation of samsara.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

What does “preliminary practice” of Tibetan Buddhism mean? It means preparatory practice. Despite the fact that ultimately we need to attain the wisdom of emptiness, without laying a solid foundation of cultivating renunciation and bodhicitta, we are not able to realise emptiness.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

There is an interesting secret to confronting suffering: the more receptive and welcoming we are, the less it dares to approach us; the more hostilely we refuse it, the easier it can intrude our mind. For this reason, if not desiring suffering, one needs to embrace it courageously.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

If one feels as if one's life is meaningless due to encountering various unfavorable conditions, this is not a condition for renunciation. Genuine renunciation is a mind which is positive, with the drive to seek an end to suffering, and a goal--renunciation of samsara.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES