The Three Principal Aspects of the Path

Based on The Mirror of Dharma (with Additions)

However, if this renunciation is not maintained
By the compassionate mind of bodhichichitta
It will not be a cause of the unsurpassed happiness, enlightenment
Therefore, you must apply effort to generate the precious mind of bodhichitta.

We are continuing our exploration of The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, the legendary brief poem composed 600 years ago by the extraordinary Spiritual Guide and founder of the New Kadampa lineage, Je Tsongkhapa. In merely 15 verses, Je Tsongkhapa distills the vastness of the Buddhist stages of the path to enlightenment to three essential realizations, or experiential understandings. Gaining experience of these three –  renunciation, bodhichitta, and the wisdom realizing emptiness – will give us the psychological and spiritual tools we need to transform every aspect of our life into our spiritual path, confidently and joyfully. Kadam Morten will take us on a spiritual journey step-by-step through the development of each of these three understandings, based on the commentary by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche in his most recent book, The Mirror of Dharma (with Additions). Through talks and guided meditations, Kadam Morten will take us into the heart of these teachings so that we can gain practical experience of these revolutionizing insights for ourselves. This is the perfect follow-on from the previous series, but also an excellent starting point for those less familiar with Buddhist practice.

In this series, we will be exploring how to train in the compassionate mind of bodhichitta, through which all our daily actions become direct causes of the actualization of our highest potential, enlightenment.

Everyone welcome.