The Twelve Dependent-related Links
Engaging in a Bodhisattva’s Actions
Training the Mind in Tranquil Abiding
Training the Mind in Superior Seeing
Progressing through the Spiritual Grounds and Paths
Appendix I: The Condensed Meaning of the Commentary
Study Programmes of Kadampa Buddhism
The International Temples Project
Finding Your Nearest Kadampa Meditation Centre
Illustrations
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche (included at the request of faithful disciples)
Acknowledgements
In 1981 Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche gave extensive teachings on the stages of the path to enlightenment to the fortunate students of Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Ulverston, England. Those teachings form the basis of this present book. We would like to express our very deepest gratitude to the author for making these precious spiritual instructions widely available in English; instructions which if put into practice sincerely will bring peace and joy to many beings.
We also thank all the dedicated, senior Dharma students who assisted the author with the rendering of the English and who prepared the final manuscript for publication.
Through the merits created in producing this work, may all living beings find the happiness they seek.
Roy Tyson,
Administrative Director,
Manjushri Kadampa
Meditation Centre,
October 1997.
Contents Page
Buddha Shakyamuni
Preface
Although there are countless living beings, humans and non-humans, all are included within three kinds: those who seek mainly worldly happiness, those who seek mainly the attainment of liberation from samsara, and those who seek mainly the attainment of full enlightenment.
In the scripture known as the Stages of the Path (Tib. Lamrim) the first kind of being is called