Essence of Buddhism (Teachings at Tibet House)

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Established in I 965 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet House has become recognised as a centre of Tibetan culture in the Indian capital, with its aims to preserve and promote Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and distinct identity. Since its inception, the institute has undertaken various academic and cultural programmes, such as conducting courses on Buddhism, Tibetan language and culture; organising seminars, lectures and exhibitions of Tibetan art and crafts; publication and translation; and so forth.

Since 1982, on the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and in the light of growing interest in Buddhist tradition as preserved and practised by the Tibetans, and in keeping with its aims, Tibet House has annually organised formal religious discourses by prominent Tibetan masters of the four Tibetan Buddhist traditions. They have included Kyabgon Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Head of the Sakya Tradition, Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, Senior Tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and 97th Throneholder of Gaden, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentze Rinpoche, a leading master of the Nyingma Tradition, and the Venerable Lama Kalu Rinpoche, a great meditation master of the Kagyu Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

In our efforts to make available to the interested public the publication of the discourses, we are happy to bring out this present volume containing the teachings by Kyabgon Sakya Trizin Rinpoche on Parting from the Four Clingings (ZHEN PA BZffl BRAL) given at Tibet House from 11—15 January 1982, Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche on the Four Mindfulnesses (DRAW PA BZUI LOAN) from 16—20 March, 1983, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentze Rinpoche on The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones 19—23 February, 1984, and Ven. Lama Kalu Rinpoche on Mental Peace and Enlightenment through Meditation from 9—15 February, 1985.

The Parting from the Four Clingings was received by the founding patriarch of the Sakya Tradition, Sachen ICunga Nyingpo (1092— 1158) at the age of twelve through a direct realization of Manjushri. The teaching itself was only one verse of four lines, but its meaning included the entire path leading to Buddhahood. Based on the root text of the Parting from the Four Clingings, Kyabgon Sakya Trizin Rinpoche gave a discourse from his extensive learning and experience. The discourse was given directly in English and transcribed and edited by Joyce Murdoch.

‘the teaching known as the Four Mindfulneses was originally received by Je Tsongkhapa, the founding master of the Gelug ‘I’ndition, in a direct realization of Manjushri. This work has only a few stanzas, but contains all the essentials of sutra and tantra. For the sake of easy memorization and application in meditational practice, the Seventh Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Kalsang Gyatso (1708— 57) versified these concise teachings. Holding the unbroken lineage of this teaching, Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche gave a discourse based on his ocean of wisdom and direct realizations. Using the verses of the Seventh Dalai Lama as a guide, he gave a most profound discourse demonstrating the entire path leading to Enlightenment. Kyabje Rinpoche spoke in Tibetan and Sharpa Tulku translated the discourse into English. The teaching was transcribed from the tapes by Tica Broch and edited by Joyce Murdoch.

The discourse on the Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones was based on a text written by the great Paltrul Rinpoche who was regarded as an emanation of Acharya Shantideva, a reputed poet, scholar and highly realised siddha of this century and the text contains the essence of the teachings, of both the Sutrayana and Mantrayana, and deals in a very practical way, with philosophy, Meditation and conduct. Kyabje Khyentze Rinpoche spoke spontaneously out of his profound insight and great compassion. Ven. Konchog Tenzin (Matthieu) translated into English. It was later transcribed from the tapes and edited by the translator himself.

Last but not the least, a discourse by Venerable Lama Kalu Rinpoche on Mental Peace and Enlightenment through Meditation. Rinpoche’s discourse was unique in terms of the way of presentation. He spoke extemporaneously on all essential and fundamental teachings of Buddha. The subjects he dealt with included law of Karma, impermanence of life, suffering nature of Samsara, Guru devotions and the nature of mind and so on. Chokyi Senge (FrancoisJacquemart) translated Rinpoche’s teachings into English.. It was revised by Betty Lavis and Ani Robin. Joyce Murdoch did the editing works and the final typing.

We are deeply grateful to the Masters for their wisdom and compassion. In particular, we feel honoured to have presented the teachings by Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, this being his last public discourse. Kyabje Rinpoche passed into the state of Peace on December 25, 1983 at the completion of his 81st year.

Readers will excuse us for not rendering it in a more literary style. This has been done on purpose to maintain, as far as possible, the flavour of the oral discourse. I wish to offer our thanks to the Most Venerable Masters and express my gratitude to all those who have kindly helped in the preparation of this volume. May this be of utmost benefit to earnest seekers.