The greatest discovery and achievement in the human history is not arts or science but to properly recognise our own ignorance and irrationality as well as the basic and the methods for solving these problems. Because only through such knowledge can we attain the ultimate freedom and happiness.
~ Inspirational Quote from Khenpo's blog
The principle elements of enlightenment are renunciation, bodhicitta and other preliminary practices. Without these, we could never even imagine attaining enlightenment. After engaging in these fundamentals, however, we will become totally unobstructed and attain enlightenment naturally.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series
Je Tsongkhapa mentioned in The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment that bodhicitta and the mind of renunciation are very important, but that depending on these alone would not overcome ignorance. In the end, we still need the view of emptiness. This is like going to the doctor for treatment of an illness—the key to curing the illness depends on whether or not its root cause is understood. If not, it is not possible to give the right prescription. Similarly, the reason why we are not liberated (from samsara), not at ease and not free, is not mere coincidence or something that has happened without any cause. It is also not due to the will of an omnipotent God. The root cause indeed originates from attachment.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series
Mahayana Buddhists do not worship ghosts or spirits but revere those who are completely enlightened; do not seek supernatural power but pursue wisdom and compassion; do not aspire to go to heaven but to benefit others; do not forsake but transcend samsara.
~ Inspirational Quote from Khenpo's blog
Nowadays, many Western psychologists and meditators are fond of Buddhist breathing meditation. Breathing meditation is still a kind of thought, however applying this technique can help achieve the goal of meditation. In this case, we are using thoughts to help reduce thoughts, which is like fighting fire with fire.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series
It is extremely fortunate that we have encountered Mahayana Buddhism in this lifetime. Although we still possess greed, hatred, ignorance, other mental afflictions and many other unfavorable bad habits, nevertheless, we have come upon Mahayana Buddhism. We should zealously yearn towards the cultivation of bodhicitta, generating the altruistic aspiration to attain enlightenment. This kind of hard-won opportunity will make our life perfect, complete and meaningful.
~ Depicted from THE RIGHT VIEW : The Four Noble Truths
The use of nectar pills is not emphasized in exoteric Buddhism, but very much so in Vajrayana. Most of the nectar pills were originally handed down by Guru Rinpoche and later discovered by real tertons, finders of terma (hidden treasures). It should be noted that not all nectar pills have beneficial effect. Some of the so-called nectar pills are not only devoid of any merit but can also bring harm if taken, such as preventing one from attaining liberation in future life and creating hindrances to liberation.
~ Depicted from THE RIGHT VIEW : Liberating Living Beings
Everything in the world is fleeting and impermanent. In samsara, all living beings are suffering. We have to see everything as non-self and understand that everything in the world is intrinsically empty in nature. There is nothing that can be depended upon and nothing is worth pursuing. This is the worldview of a Buddhist. Having deeply felt the suffering of all living beings in samsara brings two benefits to oneself and others, which are:
(1) a mind that focuses one-pointedly on pursuing liberation, and
(2) the generation of unconditional love towards all sentient beings in samsara.
~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series
The most important and the key difference between Buddhism and non-Buddhism lies in taking refuge in the Three Jewels. Accordingly, taking refuge is deemed a prerequisite for anyone who wants to learn Buddhism. However, it has never been forced upon anyone. Only those who want to learn the Buddha’s teachings or take up Buddhist practice must comply. Not taking refuge is to remain an outsider, is off the path to liberation and cannot be deemed a Buddhist.
~ Depicted from THE RIGHT VIEW : The Three Differences
