Dalai Lama Foundation Study Circle Montreal

30.
Since the five perfections without wisdom
Cannot bring perfect enlightenment,
Along with skillful means cultivate the wisdom
Which does not conceive the three spheres [as real]
This is the practice of Bodhisattvas.
–Gyelsay Togmay Sangpo

Practice of the five perfections without the understanding of reality remains contaminated, and though it may yield boundless happiness, it doesn’t lead to omniscience. Love and compassion without the understanding of reality cannot help us to escape from worldly existence.

On the other hand, we may easily remain trapped in a state of personal peace if we have understood reality but lack enough love and compassion. It is therefore the practice of Bodhisattvas to combine the two–skillful means and wisdom. Which of us can say we don’t want to possess knowledge, kindness and pure conduct? Our text is a manual of instruction on how to gain these qualities and become a fully developed human being. (p.70)

–from The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, translated and edited by Ruth Sonam, published by Snow Lion Publications

Recommended Preliminary Reading for the July Kalachakra Teachings

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