The Three Principal Aspects of the Path

But even though you may be
acquainted with renunciation and
bodhichitta,
If you do not possess the wisdom
realizing the way things really are,
You will not be able to cut the root of
samsara;
Therefore strive in the means for
realizing dependent relationship.

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 wisdom that realizes the true nature of reality, emptiness. The topic of emptiness is profound. Through gaining experience of it we are able to let go of all those internal obstacles that hold us back from becoming who we really wish to be. Indeed, gaining a deep realization of emptiness has the power to liberate us from suffering altogether and to help us to actualize our highest potential, enlightenment.

Everyone welcome.