The Three Principal Aspects of the Path

priyanka — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Buddhist philosophy seems simple only until we attempt to implement the teachings; as any practitioner quickly realizes, as soon as we are faced with the real world, even the straightest path to enlightenment is riddled with potholes and roadblocks, not to mention those confusing road signs that seem designed to discourage us wholly from the pursuit of compassion. Emptying our minds, sitting motionless in excruciating positions, meditating on seemingly nonsensical koans—if we survive all that, we still have to maintain compassion for the jerk who cuts us off in traffic and for the rude plumber who tracks mud all over our house.

It’s a rocky road for anyone to traverse, but the going is made easier by masters like Geshe Sonam Rinchen who elucidate the wisdom and inspire us on our journey. In the introduction to this beautifully produced volume, Rinchen assures us that we can achieve “an inner transformation if we approach [the teachings] in a constructive way by avoiding three faults and fostering six attitudes.” These faults and attitudes are neatly explained within the introduction, allowing readers to prepare and remain open to the commentary that follows.

This volume, The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, is based upon an oral teaching given by Geshe Sonam Rinchen regarding the brief but insightful teaching of Je Tsongkhapa. Born in Tibet in the fourteenth century, Tsongkhapa is surrounded by legends of mystical activity and intellectual prowess. It is said that he experienced visions of the master Manjushri through which he was guided for the rest of his life. Tsongkhapa’s The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, inspired by Manjushri, is a summation of the traditional practices leading to enlightenment.

One might assume that such a work is complete and that devoted aspirants could find full wisdom through Tsongkhapa’s words. Like all apparently simple instruction, however, this summation leads to even more questions and confusion. While students should look to the source for themselves, teachers such as Geshe Sonam Rinchen do us an honor by expounding upon what others have recognized and experienced, and by sharing their own understanding of those teachings. Tsongkhapa’s root teaching is included at the end of Rinchen’s book, but I recommend to readers that they turn first to that brief summation and return to the beginning of The Three Principal Aspects of the Path after considering Tsongkhapa’s original work.

Rinchen’s attentive exploration touches on specific areas within the text that may be overlooked even by those who are deeply familiar with it. Beginning in his prologue, Rinchen addresses at length the importance of Tsongkhapa’s opening statement, “Homage to the venerable and holy teachers!” Especially in the Western world where we put great value on individual achievement, self-help, and do-it-yourself, the treasure of a human teacher is often ignored. Rinchen insists, “No one has ever gained, nor will ever gain, a state of high realization without guidance from a spiritual teacher.” He then provides us with a list of the ten most desirable qualities to be found in a teacher, drawn from Maitreya’s Ornament for the Mahayana Sutras.

As Rinchen moves through the remainder of Tsongkhapa’s work, addressing the wish for freedom, altruistic intention, and correct view, his approach is both humble and firm. Though Tsongkhapa’s three principal paths teaching contains “quintessential Buddhist practices” and is a point of reference in many talks, Geshe Rinchen’s unique and clear approach to The Three Principal Aspects of the Path is accessible for beginners while also providing thoughtful advancement for more experienced students.

Written by: Deborah Adams, October 25th 2010

Eight Verses for Training the Mind

admin — Mon, 21 May 2007 03:36:00 +0000

By Geshe Sonam Rinchen, Ruth Sonam

Snow Lion Publications

Billed as a clear explanation of one of Buddhism’s most basic texts, Eight Verses for Training the Mind opens more as if you have walked in on a conversation well in progress. This is a dialogue with those schooled in Buddhist rhetoric, delivered by a speaker who has no interest in bringing you up to speed.

This book explores eight verses to be meditated on from a root text written in the eleventh century. The first sentence contains a footnote, a constant in this lingo heavy writing, which explains that these eight teachings belong to a category unique to “the Great Vehicle.” Flipping to the notes section offers little clarity, as you learn that “the Great Vehicle” consists of “the causal Perfection Vehicle and the resultant Secret Mantra Vehicle.” If you feel like you just stumbled into the wrong seminar, take heart, the note goes on to state that “these practices are suitable for practitioners of the very highest caliber.”

The eight verses themselves occupy the last two pages of the book proper, and are lucid and easy to follow. Resolving to cherish others, do good works and view those who hurt and betray you as your spiritual teachers are easily recognizable themes for even the most casual student of religion. The book dedicates a chapter to each of the eight verses, and seems focused on making each as inexplicable as possible.

While there are familiar points made in each chapter, they are buried under layers of reference and terminology, indecipherable to the common reader. Even with the omnipresent footnotes, many of the concepts referred to remain impenetrable.

Best suited to those already well versed in Tibetan Buddhist terminology and concepts, this book would make an adventurous read for those willing to swim in unfamiliar water. However, if you really want to learn to pilot that Secret Mantra Vehicle, this is the manual for you.

Written by: Melissa Ruiz, May 20th 2007