UNDERSTAND THE TRUE NATURE OF EXISTENCE

The Three Principal Aspects of the Path revolves around the topics of Renunciation, Bodhicitta and Wisdom. Composed by Lama Tsongkhapa in poetic verse, it contains the essence of Buddha’s complete teachings and is one of the most popular texts on the stages of the path to enlightenment.

• Renunciation – The determination to be free
  Renunciation is the wish to be free from suffering and the state of cyclic rebirth. Without it, we won’t have the drive to achieve higher states of consciousness and ultimately enlightenment.
• Bodhicitta – The mind of Enlightenment
  Bodhicitta is the mindset to achieve complete enlightenment, not just for ourselves but for all sentient beings too. It provides the fuel we need for lasting and all-encompassing spiritual transformation.
• Wisdom – The correct view of emptiness
  The realisation of emptiness is the key to achieving enlightenment. It’s the ability to perceive reality for how it really is, without concepts, preconceived ideas or judgements. In its highest form, ultimate wisdom can only be realised based on and in conjunction with Renunciation and Bodhicitta.

You are invited to a free talk on the topic of Wisdom, the final part of this essential teaching. Along with the Lamrim, this is prerequisite study material for anyone aspiring to receive higher tantric initiations like Yamantaka and Vajra Yogini.

Event Details

• Apr 29, 2023 (Sat)
• 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm
• Kechara Forest Retreat, Bentong
• Free admission, please register here.

This free talk is part of our Preparing for Tantra series. All talks will be held in-person at Kechara Forest Retreat. A good grounding in Buddhism is recommended for anyone who wishes to attend this series of talks.

Historical Origins

This seminal text was originally transmitted to Lama Tsongkhapa by the Bodhisattva Manjushri in a pure vision. In fact, it was Manjushri who gave the name ‘Three Principal Aspects of the Path’ or Lam Gyi Tsowo Nam Sum to this set of teachings.

Later on, Tsako Ngawang Drakpa (an earlier incarnation of H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche) wrote to Lama Tsongkhapa from Eastern Tibet, requesting advice on how to practise the Dharma.

In response to his request, Lama Tsongkhapa transmitted the Three Principal Aspects of the Path to him. As the first person to receive these teachings, Tsako Ngawang Drakpa’s name has since become synonymous with it.

Recommended Reading

• The Three Principal Aspects of the Path
  Root text by Lama Tsongkhapa
  Click here to read
• The Principal Teachings of Buddhism by Tsongkapa
  Commentary by Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche
  Available at Flea Market
• The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism
  Commentary by Lama Yeshe
  Click here to read
• The Three Principal Aspects of the Path
  Commentary by Geshe Sonam Rinchen
• The Three Principles of the Path (Brief)
  Commentary by Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche
• The Three Principles of the Path to Enlightenment by Je Tsong Khapa (Extensive)
  Commentary by Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche
• Audio: Three Principal Paths
  Commentary by H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
  Click here to listen