Difference between revisions of "Lamrim (Tibetan: "stages of the path")"
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| − | Lamrim (Tibetan: "stages of the path") is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the stages in the complete path to enlightenment as taught by Buddha. In Tibetan Buddhist history there have been many different versions of lamrim, presented by different teachers of the Nyingma, Kagyu and Gelug schools.[1] However, all versions of the lamrim are elaborations of Atiśa's 11th-century root text A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment (Bodhipathapradīpa).[2] | + | [[Lamrim]] ([[Tibetan]]: "[[stages of the path]]") is a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] textual [[form]] for presenting the stages in the [[complete path to enlightenment]] as [[taught]] by [[Buddha]]. In [[Tibetan Buddhist]] history there have been many different versions of [[lamrim]], presented by different [[teachers]] of the [[Nyingma]], [[Kagyu]] and [[Gelug]] schools.[1] However, all versions of the [[lamrim]] are elaborations of [[Atiśa's]] 11th-century [[root text]] [[A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment]] ([[Bodhipathapradīpa]]).[2] |
| − | When Atiśa, the originator of the lamrim came from India to Tibet,[3] he was asked by king Jang Chub Ö to give a complete and easily accessible summary of the doctrine[3] in order to clarify wrong views, especially those resulting from apparent contradictions across the sutras and their commentaries. Based upon this request he taught what came to be known as the lamrim for the Tibetans.[3] He was subsequently honored for this by the pandits of his alma mater in India, the monastic university of Vikramashila. Atiśa's presentation of the doctrine later became known as the Kadampa tradition in Tibet. | + | When [[Atiśa]], the originator of the [[lamrim]] came from [[India]] to [[Tibet]],[3] he was asked by [[king]] [[Jang Chub Ö]] to give a complete and easily accessible summary of the [[doctrine]][3] in order to clarify [[wrong views]], especially those resulting from apparent contradictions across the [[sutras]] and their commentaries. Based upon this request he [[taught]] what came to be known as the [[lamrim]] for the [[Tibetans]].[3] He was subsequently honored for this by the [[pandits]] of his alma mater in [[India]], the [[monastic university]] of [[Vikramashila]]. [[Atiśa's]] presentation of the [[doctrine]] later became known as the [[Kadampa tradition]] [[in Tibet]]. |
| − | Gampopa, a Kadampa monk and student of the famed yogi Milarepa, introduced the lamrim to his disciples as a way of developing the mind gradually. His exposition of lamrim is known in English translation as "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation" and is studied to this day in the various Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. | + | [[Gampopa]], a [[Kadampa]] [[monk]] and [[student]] of the famed [[yogi]] [[Milarepa]], introduced the [[lamrim]] to his [[disciples]] as a way of developing the [[mind]] gradually. His [[exposition]] of [[lamrim]] is known in English translation as "[[The Jewel Ornament of Liberation]]" and is studied to this day in the various [[Kagyu schools]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. |
| − | Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school which is primarily based on Atiśa's Kadampa school, wrote one of his masterpieces on lamrim: The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Enlightenment (Tib. Lam-rim Chen-mo)[2] which has about 1000 pages, and is primarily based on literary sources. There is also a medium-length lamrim text by Tsongkhapa (200 pages) and a short one, called Lam-rim Dü-dön (Tib.), which is recited daily by many Gelugpas and is about 10 pages long. | + | [[Tsongkhapa]], founder of the [[Gelug school]] which is primarily based on [[Atiśa's]] [[Kadampa school]], wrote one of his masterpieces on [[lamrim]]: The [[Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Enlightenment]] (Tib. [[Lam-rim Chen-mo]])[2] which has about 1000 pages, and is primarily based on {{Wiki|literary}} sources. There is also a medium-length [[lamrim]] text by [[Tsongkhapa]] (200 pages) and a short one, called [[Lam-rim Dü-dön]] (Tib.), which is recited daily by many [[Gelugpas]] and is about 10 pages long. |
| − | Philosophy | + | [[Philosophy]] |
| − | Authenticity of the lamrim teachings | + | [[Authenticity of the lamrim teachings]] |
| − | Tibetan Buddhists believe that the teachings of the lamrim are based on the sutras that the Buddha taught[4][5] and that the Buddha taught the short, middling and extensive wisdom sutra simultaneously. These wisdom sutras were taken by Maitreya and Asaṅga as the starting point for their encyclopaedic work, the Ornament of clear realizations (Abhisamayālaṃkāra) in which they emphasised the hidden meanings of the sutras.[6] The hidden meanings are believed to be contained in the number and order of the subjects. The number and order of the subjects are vital if someone wants to put the philosophy into practice. According to Lord Tsong Khapa in his Lam Rim Chen Mo, Atiśa took the number and order of the subjects in the Ornament of clear realizations (Abhisamayālaṃkāra) as the basis to write the first lamrim text: the Lamp of the Path that therefore contains the essential points of all sutra teachings in their logical order for practice. | + | [[Tibetan Buddhists]] believe that the teachings of the [[lamrim]] are based on the [[sutras]] that the [[Buddha]] [[taught]][4][5] and that the [[Buddha]] [[taught]] the short, middling and extensive [[wisdom sutra]] simultaneously. These [[wisdom sutras]] were taken by [[Maitreya]] and [[Asaṅga]] as the starting point for their {{Wiki|encyclopaedic}} work, the [[Ornament of clear realizations]] ([[Abhisamayālaṃkāra]]) in which they emphasised the hidden meanings of the [[sutras]].[6] The hidden meanings are believed to be contained in the number and order of the [[subjects]]. The number and order of the [[subjects]] are [[vital]] if someone wants to put the [[philosophy]] into practice. According to Lord [[Tsong Khapa]] in his [[Lam Rim Chen Mo]], [[Atiśa]] took the number and order of the [[subjects]] in the [[Ornament of clear realizations]] ([[Abhisamayālaṃkāra]]) as the basis to write the first [[lamrim]] text: the [[Lamp of the Path]] that therefore contains the [[essential]] points of all [[sutra teachings]] in their [[logical]] order for practice. |
| − | Three kinds of motivation | + | Three kinds of [[motivation]] |
| − | The starting point of the lamrim is a division of Buddhist practitioners into beings of three scopes, based upon the motivation of their religious activity. Disregarded in this division are individuals whose motives revolve around benefits in their current life. Striving for a favorable rebirth is implicitly the minimum requirement for an activity or practice to be classified as spiritual. | + | The starting point of the [[lamrim]] is a [[division]] of [[Buddhist practitioners]] into [[beings]] of [[three scopes]], based upon the [[motivation]] of their [[religious]] [[activity]]. Disregarded in this [[division]] are {{Wiki|individuals}} whose motives revolve around benefits in their current [[life]]. Striving for a favorable [[rebirth]] is implicitly the minimum requirement for an [[activity]] or practice to be classified as [[spiritual]]. |
| − | Atiśa wrote in "Lamp of the Path" (verse 2) that one should understand that there are three kind of persons: | + | [[Atiśa]] wrote in "[[Lamp of the Path]]" (verse 2) that one should understand that there are three kind of persons: |
persons of modest scope; | persons of modest scope; | ||
| − | persons of medium scope; | + | persons of {{Wiki|medium}} scope; |
persons of high scope. | persons of high scope. | ||
| − | Persons of modest motive search for happiness within samsara; their motive is to achieve high rebirth. Buddhists traditionally consider that this domain includes followers of most non-Buddhist religions who strive for a rebirth in a heaven. | + | Persons of modest {{Wiki|motive}} search for [[happiness]] within [[samsara]]; their {{Wiki|motive}} is to achieve high [[rebirth]]. [[Buddhists]] [[traditionally]] consider that this domain includes followers of most [[non-Buddhist]] [[religions]] who strive for a [[rebirth]] in a [[heaven]]. |
| − | Persons of medium motive are searching for their own ultimate peace and abandon worldly pleasure. This includes the paths of pratyekabuddhas and śravakabuddhas, which seek personal liberation alone, the traditional goal of Hīnayāna practice. | + | Persons of {{Wiki|medium}} {{Wiki|motive}} are searching for their [[own]] [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[peace]] and abandon [[worldly]] [[pleasure]]. This includes the [[paths]] of [[pratyekabuddhas]] and śravakabuddhas, which seek [[personal liberation]] alone, the [[traditional]] goal of [[Hīnayāna]] practice. |
| − | Based on their insight of their own suffering, persons of high motive seek by all means to stop the suffering of all beings. This is the Mahāyāna path of the samyaksaṃbuddhas. | + | Based on their [[insight]] of their [[own]] [[suffering]], persons of high {{Wiki|motive}} seek by all means to stop the [[suffering]] of all [[beings]]. This is the [[Mahāyāna path]] of the [[samyaksaṃbuddhas]]. |
| − | Subjects of the lamrim | + | [[Subjects]] of the [[lamrim]] |
| − | Although lamrim texts cover much the same subject areas, subjects within them may be arranged in different ways. The lamrim of Atiśa starts with bodhicitta, the altruistic mind of enlightenment, followed by taking the bodhisattva vows. Gampopa's lamrim, however, starts with the Buddha-nature, followed by the preciousness of human rebirth. Tsongkhapa's texts start with reliance on a guru (Tib.: lama), followed by the preciousness of human rebirth, and continue with the paths of the modest, medium and high scopes. | + | Although [[lamrim]] texts cover much the same [[subject]] areas, [[subjects]] within them may be arranged in different ways. The [[lamrim]] of [[Atiśa]] starts with [[bodhicitta]], the {{Wiki|altruistic}} [[mind of enlightenment]], followed by taking the [[bodhisattva vows]]. [[Gampopa's]] [[lamrim]], however, starts with the [[Buddha-nature]], followed by the preciousness of [[human]] [[rebirth]]. [[Tsongkhapa's]] texts start with reliance on a [[guru]] (Tib.: [[lama]]), followed by the preciousness of [[human]] [[rebirth]], and continue with the [[paths]] of the modest, {{Wiki|medium}} and high scopes. |
| − | Gampopa and Tsongkhapa expanded the short root-text of Atiśa into an extensive system to understand the entire Buddhist philosophy. In this way, subjects like karma, rebirth, Buddhist cosmology and the practice of meditation are gradually explained in logical order. | + | [[Gampopa]] and [[Tsongkhapa]] expanded the short [[root-text]] of [[Atiśa]] into an extensive system to understand the entire [[Buddhist philosophy]]. In this way, [[subjects]] like [[karma]], [[rebirth]], [[Buddhist cosmology]] and the [[practice of meditation]] are gradually explained in [[logical]] order. |
| − | A commonly used outline for lamrim teachings today in English translation from Tibetan is that of Liberation in the Palm of your Hand by Pabongkhapa Déchen Nyingpo. An abbreviated and annotated outline follows to show the structure of this lamrim. | + | A commonly used outline for [[lamrim teachings]] today in English translation from [[Tibetan]] is that of [[Liberation in the Palm of your Hand]] by [[Pabongkhapa]] [[Déchen]] [[Nyingpo]]. An abbreviated and annotated outline follows to show the {{Wiki|structure}} of this [[lamrim]]. |
| − | the greatness of the author of the lamrim, to establish the authenticity of the teaching | + | the greatness of the author of the [[lamrim]], to establish the authenticity of the [[teaching]] |
| − | the greatness of the lamrim itself, to gain respect for it | + | the greatness of the [[lamrim]] itself, to gain [[respect]] for it |
the way the instructions are to be received and given | the way the instructions are to be received and given | ||
| − | the way the students are to be guided through the subjects | + | the way the students are to be guided through the [[subjects]] |
| − | this fourth subject has two divisions: | + | this fourth [[subject]] has two divisions: |
| − | the way to rely on a spiritual guide | + | the way to rely on a [[spiritual guide]] |
| − | the way to train your mind on the basis of the correct way to rely on the spiritual guide | + | the way to train your [[mind]] on the basis of the correct way to rely on the [[spiritual guide]] |
This last heading contains the rest of the instructions under the headings: | This last heading contains the rest of the instructions under the headings: | ||
| − | the way to encourage yourself to take the essence of this precious human rebirth | + | the way to encourage yourself to take the [[essence]] of this [[precious human rebirth]] |
| − | the way to take the essence of this precious human rebirth (that is: training your mind in the paths of the three scopes included within the lamrim) | + | the way to take the [[essence]] of this [[precious human rebirth]] (that is: {{Wiki|training}} your [[mind]] in the [[paths]] of the [[three scopes]] included within the [[lamrim]]) |
| − | The path shared with persons who have the modest scope motivation (striving for a rebirth in the upper realms) | + | The [[path]] shared with persons who have the modest scope [[motivation]] (striving for a [[rebirth]] in the upper [[realms]]) |
| − | the reality that this life will end and that you will die | + | the [[reality]] that this [[life]] will end and that you will [[die]] |
| − | the suffering in a rebirth in the lower realms (a rebirth as hell being, hungry ghost or animal, which you want to avoid) | + | the [[suffering]] in a [[rebirth]] in the [[lower realms]] (a [[rebirth]] as [[hell being]], [[hungry ghost]] or [[animal]], which you want to avoid) |
| − | (so you) take refuge in the three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha | + | (so you) [[take refuge]] in the three [[Jewels]]: [[Buddha]], [[Dharma]] and [[Sangha]] |
| − | (and adjust your behavior of body, speech and mind according to the) law of cause and effect/ karma | + | (and adjust your {{Wiki|behavior}} of [[body, speech and mind]] according to the) [[law of cause and effect]]/ [[karma]] |
| − | which will lead you to a favorable rebirth within cyclic existence in the human-, demigod-, or god realm. | + | which will lead you to a favorable [[rebirth]] within [[cyclic existence]] in the [[human]]-, [[demigod]]-, or [[god realm]]. |
| − | The path shared with persons who have the medium scope motivation (striving for liberation of cyclic existence) | + | The [[path]] shared with persons who have the {{Wiki|medium}} scope [[motivation]] (striving for [[liberation]] of [[cyclic existence]]) |
| − | The truth of suffering (in cyclic existence in general, including the favorable rebirths) | + | The [[truth of suffering]] (in [[cyclic existence]] in general, [[including]] the favorable [[rebirths]]) |
| − | The truth of the causes of suffering (the afflictive emotions, especially ignorance) | + | The [[truth]] of the [[causes of suffering]] (the [[afflictive emotions]], especially [[ignorance]]) |
| − | The truth of cessation (there is a state that is free of suffering and its origins) | + | The [[truth]] of [[cessation]] (there is a [[state]] that is free of [[suffering]] and its origins) |
| − | The truth of paths (the way to attain this state free of suffering and its causes by practicing ethics, concentration and wisdom) | + | The [[truth]] of [[paths]] (the way to attain this [[state]] free of [[suffering]] and its [[causes]] by practicing [[ethics]], [[concentration]] and [[wisdom]]) |
| − | Another presentation of the middle scope subjects is the presentation of the 12 links of dependent arising | + | Another presentation of the middle scope [[subjects]] is the presentation of the [[12 links]] of [[dependent arising]] |
| − | The training in the medium scope path will lead to the development of the wish to be liberated from all un-free rebirths in cyclic existence through the power of afflictive emotions and karma | + | The {{Wiki|training}} in the {{Wiki|medium}} scope [[path]] will lead to the [[development]] of the wish to be {{Wiki|liberated}} from all un-free [[rebirths]] in [[cyclic existence]] through the power of [[afflictive emotions]] and [[karma]] |
| − | The path for persons who have the high scope motivation (striving for complete buddhahood) | + | The [[path]] for persons who have the high scope [[motivation]] (striving for complete [[buddhahood]]) |
| − | the advantages of the mind of enlightenment (the wish to become a buddha for the welfare of all sentient beings) | + | the advantages of the [[mind of enlightenment]] (the wish to become a [[buddha]] for the {{Wiki|welfare}} of all [[sentient beings]]) |
| − | the way to develop the mind of enlightenment | + | the way to develop the [[mind of enlightenment]] |
| − | the 7-point instruction in seeing all sentient beings as your mothers (from previous lives and contemplating their kindness towards you) | + | the 7-point instruction in [[seeing]] all [[sentient beings]] as your mothers (from [[previous lives]] and [[contemplating]] their [[kindness]] towards you) |
| − | the instruction on how to exchange your self-interest for others' interest (by looking at the drawbacks of self-cherishing and the advantages of cherishing others) | + | the instruction on how to exchange your [[self-interest]] for others' [[interest]] (by [[looking at]] the [[drawbacks]] of [[self-cherishing]] and the advantages of cherishing others) |
| − | the way to train your mind after developing the mind of enlightenment | + | the way to train your [[mind]] after developing the [[mind of enlightenment]] |
| − | training in the perfection of generosity | + | {{Wiki|training}} in the [[perfection of generosity]] |
| − | training in the perfection of ethics | + | {{Wiki|training}} in the [[perfection]] of [[ethics]] |
| − | training in the perfection of patience | + | {{Wiki|training}} in the [[perfection of patience]] |
| − | training in the perfection of joyful effort | + | {{Wiki|training}} in the [[perfection]] of [[joyful]] [[effort]] |
| − | training in the perfection of concentration | + | {{Wiki|training}} in the [[perfection]] of [[concentration]] |
| − | training in the perfection of wisdom | + | {{Wiki|training}} in the [[perfection of wisdom]] |
| − | for a more detailed outline, see the external link "Lam Rim: The gradual Path to Enlightenment, Venerable Thubten Chodron's online Lamrim Outline" | + | for a more detailed outline, see the external link "[[Lam Rim]]: The [[gradual]] [[Path to Enlightenment]], [[Venerable]] [[Thubten Chodron's]] online [[Lamrim]] Outline" |
| Line 124: | Line 124: | ||
| − | Classical Lamrim Books (in historical order) | + | Classical [[Lamrim]] [[Books]] (in historical order) |
| − | Dipamkarashrijnana, Atisha. "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" (PDF). Snow Lion Publications. Retrieved 2008-07-22. | + | Dipamkarashrijnana, [[Atisha]]. "The [[Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment]]" (PDF). [[Snow Lion Publications]]. Retrieved 2008-07-22. |
| − | Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, Snow Lion Publications | + | [[Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment]] by [[Geshe Sonam Rinchen]], [[Snow Lion Publications]] |
| − | The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa, translated and annotated by Herbert V. Guenther (1986). Shambala Publications, ISBN 0-87773-378-3 (pbk) | + | [[The Jewel Ornament of Liberation]] by [[Gampopa]], translated and annotated by [[Wikipedia:Herbert Vighnāntaka Günther|Herbert V. Guenther]] (1986). [[Shambala Publications]], ISBN 0-87773-378-3 (pbk) |
| − | The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa, translated by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche (1998). Snow Lion Publications - Ithaca, New York, with a foreword by The Dalai Lama, ISBN 1-55939-092-1. | + | [[The Jewel Ornament of Liberation]] by [[Gampopa]], translated by [[Khenpo]] [[Konchog Gyaltsen]] [[Rinpoche]] (1998). [[Snow Lion Publications]] - [[Ithaca]], [[New York]], with a foreword by [[The Dalai Lama]], ISBN 1-55939-092-1. |
| − | Engaging by Stages in the Teachings of the Buddha, 2 vols., by Phagmodrupa (Gampopa's disciple), Otter Verlag, Munich | + | Engaging by Stages in the [[Teachings of the Buddha]], 2 vols., by [[Phagmodrupa]] ([[Gampopa's]] [[disciple]]), Otter Verlag, [[Munich]] |
| − | The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment | + | The [[Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment]] |
| − | Tsong-kha-pa; the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; Guy Newland, ed. (2000). The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume I. Canada: Snow Lion. ISBN 1-55939-152-9. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) | + | [[Tsong-kha-pa]]; the [[Lamrim Chenmo]] Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; [[Guy Newland]], ed. (2000). The [[Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment]], Volume I. [[Canada]]: [[Snow Lion]]. ISBN 1-55939-152-9. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) |
| − | Tsong-kha-pa; the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; Guy Newland, ed. (2002). The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume II. Canada: Snow Lion. ISBN 1-55939-168-5. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) | + | [[Tsong-kha-pa]]; the [[Lamrim Chenmo]] Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; [[Guy Newland]], ed. (2002). The [[Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment]], Volume II. [[Canada]]: [[Snow Lion]]. ISBN 1-55939-168-5. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) |
| − | Tsong-kha-pa; the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; Guy Newland, ed. (2004). The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume III. Canada: Snow Lion. ISBN 1-55939-166-9. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) | + | [[Tsong-kha-pa]]; the [[Lamrim Chenmo]] Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; [[Guy Newland]], ed. (2004). The [[Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment]], Volume III. [[Canada]]: [[Snow Lion]]. ISBN 1-55939-166-9. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) |
| − | Sonam Gyatso (bSod Nams rGya mTso, the third Dalai Lama), Lam rim gser zhun ma. English translation by Glenn H. Mullin; 1st edition titled Essence of Refined Gold by the Third Dalai Lama: with related texts by the Second and Seventh Dalai Lamas(Dharamsala, HP, India: Tushita Books, 1978); 2nd edition titled Selected Works of the Dalai Lama III: Essence of Refined Gold (Ithaca, New York: Snow Lion, 1985). | + | [[Sonam Gyatso]] (bSod Nams rGya mTso, the [[third Dalai Lama]]), [[Lam rim]] [[gser]] zhun ma. English translation by [[Glenn H. Mullin]]; 1st edition titled [[Essence of Refined Gold]] by the [[Third Dalai Lama]]: with related texts by the Second and Seventh [[Dalai]] Lamas(Dharamsala, HP, [[India]]: [[Tushita]] [[Books]], 1978); 2nd edition titled Selected Works of the [[Dalai Lama III]]: [[Essence of Refined Gold]] ([[Ithaca]], [[New York]]: [[Snow Lion]], 1985). |
| − | Pabongkha Déchen Nyingpo (2006). Trijang Rinpoche, ed. Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment. Michael Richards (translator) (3rd ed.). Somerville, MA: Wisdom. ISBN 0-86171-500-4. | + | [[Pabongkha]] [[Déchen]] [[Nyingpo]] (2006). [[Trijang Rinpoche]], ed. [[Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand]], A Concise [[Discourse]] on the [[Path to Enlightenment]]. Michael Richards ([[translator]]) (3rd ed.). Somerville, MA: [[Wisdom]]. ISBN 0-86171-500-4. |
| − | Modern Lamrim Books & Commentaries | + | {{Wiki|Modern}} [[Lamrim]] [[Books]] & Commentaries |
| − | Wake Up To Your Life: Discovering the Buddhist Path of Attention. Ken McLeod. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0062516817 | + | Wake Up To Your [[Life]]: Discovering the [[Buddhist Path]] of [[Attention]]. [[Ken McLeod]]. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0062516817 |
| − | Practicing the Path: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo, Yangsi Rinpoche, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-346-X | + | Practicing the [[Path]]: A Commentary on the [[Lamrim Chenmo]], [[Yangsi Rinpoche]], [[Wisdom Publications]], ISBN 0-86171-346-X |
| − | Steps on the Path to Enlightenment, Volume 1: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo, The Foundational Practices, by Geshe Lhundub Sopa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-303-6 | + | Steps on the [[Path to Enlightenment]], Volume 1: A Commentary on the [[Lamrim Chenmo]], The Foundational Practices, by [[Geshe Lhundub Sopa]], [[Wisdom Publications]], ISBN 0-86171-303-6 |
| − | Steps on the Path to Enlightenment, Vol.2: Karma : A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo by Geshe Lhundub Sopa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-481-4 | + | Steps on the [[Path to Enlightenment]], Vol.2: [[Karma]] : A Commentary on the [[Lamrim Chenmo]] by [[Geshe Lhundub Sopa]], [[Wisdom Publications]], ISBN 0-86171-481-4 |
| − | Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment, TDL Publications, ISBN 0-9623421-6-5 | + | [[Illuminating]] the [[Path to Enlightenment]], TDL Publications, ISBN 0-9623421-6-5 |
| − | Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-46-3 | + | [[Joyful Path of Good Fortune]]: The Complete [[Buddhist Path]] to [[Enlightenment]], [[Tharpa Publications]] (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-46-3 |
| − | The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful, Tharpa Publications (2003) ISBN 978-0-9817277-1-4 | + | The New [[Meditation]] Handbook: [[Meditations]] to Make Our [[Life]] [[Happy]] and Meaningful, [[Tharpa Publications]] (2003) ISBN 978-0-9817277-1-4 |
| − | Path to Enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, Tushita Publications, ISBN 0-646-16500-3 | + | [[Path to Enlightenment]] in [[Tibetan Buddhism]], [[Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden]], [[Tushita]] Publications, ISBN 0-646-16500-3 |
| − | Meditations on the Path to Enlightenment, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, Tushita Publications, ISBN 0-646-27043-5 | + | [[Meditations]] on the [[Path to Enlightenment]], [[Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden]], [[Tushita]] Publications, ISBN 0-646-27043-5 |
| − | Essence of the Path to Enlightenment, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, Tushita Publications, ISBN 0-646-34241-X | + | [[Essence]] of the [[Path to Enlightenment]], [[Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden]], [[Tushita]] Publications, ISBN 0-646-34241-X |
| − | Guided Meditations on The Stages of the Path, Thubten Chodron, Snow Lion Publications, ISBN 978-1-55939-281-5 | + | Guided [[Meditations]] on The [[Stages of the Path]], [[Thubten Chodron]], [[Snow Lion Publications]], ISBN 978-1-55939-281-5 |
Latest revision as of 15:28, 8 February 2020
Lamrim (Tibetan: "stages of the path") is a Tibetan Buddhist textual form for presenting the stages in the complete path to enlightenment as taught by Buddha. In Tibetan Buddhist history there have been many different versions of lamrim, presented by different teachers of the Nyingma, Kagyu and Gelug schools.[1] However, all versions of the lamrim are elaborations of Atiśa's 11th-century root text A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment (Bodhipathapradīpa).[2]
When Atiśa, the originator of the lamrim came from India to Tibet,[3] he was asked by king Jang Chub Ö to give a complete and easily accessible summary of the doctrine[3] in order to clarify wrong views, especially those resulting from apparent contradictions across the sutras and their commentaries. Based upon this request he taught what came to be known as the lamrim for the Tibetans.[3] He was subsequently honored for this by the pandits of his alma mater in India, the monastic university of Vikramashila. Atiśa's presentation of the doctrine later became known as the Kadampa tradition in Tibet.
Gampopa, a Kadampa monk and student of the famed yogi Milarepa, introduced the lamrim to his disciples as a way of developing the mind gradually. His exposition of lamrim is known in English translation as "The Jewel Ornament of Liberation" and is studied to this day in the various Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school which is primarily based on Atiśa's Kadampa school, wrote one of his masterpieces on lamrim: The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Enlightenment (Tib. Lam-rim Chen-mo)[2] which has about 1000 pages, and is primarily based on literary sources. There is also a medium-length lamrim text by Tsongkhapa (200 pages) and a short one, called Lam-rim Dü-dön (Tib.), which is recited daily by many Gelugpas and is about 10 pages long.
Authenticity of the lamrim teachings
Tibetan Buddhists believe that the teachings of the lamrim are based on the sutras that the Buddha taught[4][5] and that the Buddha taught the short, middling and extensive wisdom sutra simultaneously. These wisdom sutras were taken by Maitreya and Asaṅga as the starting point for their encyclopaedic work, the Ornament of clear realizations (Abhisamayālaṃkāra) in which they emphasised the hidden meanings of the sutras.[6] The hidden meanings are believed to be contained in the number and order of the subjects. The number and order of the subjects are vital if someone wants to put the philosophy into practice. According to Lord Tsong Khapa in his Lam Rim Chen Mo, Atiśa took the number and order of the subjects in the Ornament of clear realizations (Abhisamayālaṃkāra) as the basis to write the first lamrim text: the Lamp of the Path that therefore contains the essential points of all sutra teachings in their logical order for practice.
Three kinds of motivation
The starting point of the lamrim is a division of Buddhist practitioners into beings of three scopes, based upon the motivation of their religious activity. Disregarded in this division are individuals whose motives revolve around benefits in their current life. Striving for a favorable rebirth is implicitly the minimum requirement for an activity or practice to be classified as spiritual.
Atiśa wrote in "Lamp of the Path" (verse 2) that one should understand that there are three kind of persons:
persons of modest scope;
persons of medium scope;
persons of high scope.
Persons of modest motive search for happiness within samsara; their motive is to achieve high rebirth. Buddhists traditionally consider that this domain includes followers of most non-Buddhist religions who strive for a rebirth in a heaven.
Persons of medium motive are searching for their own ultimate peace and abandon worldly pleasure. This includes the paths of pratyekabuddhas and śravakabuddhas, which seek personal liberation alone, the traditional goal of Hīnayāna practice.
Based on their insight of their own suffering, persons of high motive seek by all means to stop the suffering of all beings. This is the Mahāyāna path of the samyaksaṃbuddhas.
Although lamrim texts cover much the same subject areas, subjects within them may be arranged in different ways. The lamrim of Atiśa starts with bodhicitta, the altruistic mind of enlightenment, followed by taking the bodhisattva vows. Gampopa's lamrim, however, starts with the Buddha-nature, followed by the preciousness of human rebirth. Tsongkhapa's texts start with reliance on a guru (Tib.: lama), followed by the preciousness of human rebirth, and continue with the paths of the modest, medium and high scopes.
Gampopa and Tsongkhapa expanded the short root-text of Atiśa into an extensive system to understand the entire Buddhist philosophy. In this way, subjects like karma, rebirth, Buddhist cosmology and the practice of meditation are gradually explained in logical order.
A commonly used outline for lamrim teachings today in English translation from Tibetan is that of Liberation in the Palm of your Hand by Pabongkhapa Déchen Nyingpo. An abbreviated and annotated outline follows to show the structure of this lamrim.
the greatness of the author of the lamrim, to establish the authenticity of the teaching the greatness of the lamrim itself, to gain respect for it the way the instructions are to be received and given the way the students are to be guided through the subjects this fourth subject has two divisions:
the way to rely on a spiritual guide the way to train your mind on the basis of the correct way to rely on the spiritual guide This last heading contains the rest of the instructions under the headings:
the way to encourage yourself to take the essence of this precious human rebirth
the way to take the essence of this precious human rebirth (that is: training your mind in the paths of the three scopes included within the lamrim)
The path shared with persons who have the modest scope motivation (striving for a rebirth in the upper realms)
the reality that this life will end and that you will die the suffering in a rebirth in the lower realms (a rebirth as hell being, hungry ghost or animal, which you want to avoid) (so you) take refuge in the three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (and adjust your behavior of body, speech and mind according to the) law of cause and effect/ karma which will lead you to a favorable rebirth within cyclic existence in the human-, demigod-, or god realm.
The path shared with persons who have the medium scope motivation (striving for liberation of cyclic existence)
The truth of suffering (in cyclic existence in general, including the favorable rebirths) The truth of the causes of suffering (the afflictive emotions, especially ignorance) The truth of cessation (there is a state that is free of suffering and its origins) The truth of paths (the way to attain this state free of suffering and its causes by practicing ethics, concentration and wisdom) Another presentation of the middle scope subjects is the presentation of the 12 links of dependent arising
The training in the medium scope path will lead to the development of the wish to be liberated from all un-free rebirths in cyclic existence through the power of afflictive emotions and karma
The path for persons who have the high scope motivation (striving for complete buddhahood)
the advantages of the mind of enlightenment (the wish to become a buddha for the welfare of all sentient beings) the way to develop the mind of enlightenment the 7-point instruction in seeing all sentient beings as your mothers (from previous lives and contemplating their kindness towards you) the instruction on how to exchange your self-interest for others' interest (by looking at the drawbacks of self-cherishing and the advantages of cherishing others) the way to train your mind after developing the mind of enlightenment training in the perfection of generosity training in the perfection of ethics training in the perfection of patience training in the perfection of joyful effort training in the perfection of concentration training in the perfection of wisdom
for a more detailed outline, see the external link "Lam Rim: The gradual Path to Enlightenment, Venerable Thubten Chodron's online Lamrim Outline"
Further reading
Classical Lamrim Books (in historical order)
Dipamkarashrijnana, Atisha. "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" (PDF). Snow Lion Publications. Retrieved 2008-07-22.
Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, Snow Lion Publications
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa, translated and annotated by Herbert V. Guenther (1986). Shambala Publications, ISBN 0-87773-378-3 (pbk)
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa, translated by Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche (1998). Snow Lion Publications - Ithaca, New York, with a foreword by The Dalai Lama, ISBN 1-55939-092-1.
Engaging by Stages in the Teachings of the Buddha, 2 vols., by Phagmodrupa (Gampopa's disciple), Otter Verlag, Munich
The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment
Tsong-kha-pa; the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; Guy Newland, ed. (2000). The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume I. Canada: Snow Lion. ISBN 1-55939-152-9. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) Tsong-kha-pa; the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; Guy Newland, ed. (2002). The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume II. Canada: Snow Lion. ISBN 1-55939-168-5. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) Tsong-kha-pa; the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee; Joshua Cutler, ed. in chief; Guy Newland, ed. (2004). The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume III. Canada: Snow Lion. ISBN 1-55939-166-9. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help) Sonam Gyatso (bSod Nams rGya mTso, the third Dalai Lama), Lam rim gser zhun ma. English translation by Glenn H. Mullin; 1st edition titled Essence of Refined Gold by the Third Dalai Lama: with related texts by the Second and Seventh Dalai Lamas(Dharamsala, HP, India: Tushita Books, 1978); 2nd edition titled Selected Works of the Dalai Lama III: Essence of Refined Gold (Ithaca, New York: Snow Lion, 1985). Pabongkha Déchen Nyingpo (2006). Trijang Rinpoche, ed. Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment. Michael Richards (translator) (3rd ed.). Somerville, MA: Wisdom. ISBN 0-86171-500-4.
Modern Lamrim Books & Commentaries
Wake Up To Your Life: Discovering the Buddhist Path of Attention. Ken McLeod. Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0062516817 Practicing the Path: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo, Yangsi Rinpoche, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-346-X Steps on the Path to Enlightenment, Volume 1: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo, The Foundational Practices, by Geshe Lhundub Sopa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-303-6 Steps on the Path to Enlightenment, Vol.2: Karma : A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo by Geshe Lhundub Sopa, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-481-4 Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment, TDL Publications, ISBN 0-9623421-6-5
Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-46-3 The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful, Tharpa Publications (2003) ISBN 978-0-9817277-1-4 Path to Enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, Tushita Publications, ISBN 0-646-16500-3 Meditations on the Path to Enlightenment, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, Tushita Publications, ISBN 0-646-27043-5 Essence of the Path to Enlightenment, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, Tushita Publications, ISBN 0-646-34241-X Guided Meditations on The Stages of the Path, Thubten Chodron, Snow Lion Publications, ISBN 978-1-55939-281-5
Source
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