Life and Spirituality

On the first day of Saga Dawa, we’re happy to introduce a new book edited by Khenpo Sodargye, Life and Spirituality — 365 Teachings by His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. Through the vajra words recorded in this book, the devotion to our teacher will be ignited and affirmed. Progressively, our mind will mingle inseparably with the teacher’s wisdom mind.

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The Saga Dawa (starting from 23 May to 21 June, 2020) is celebrated in the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. In commemoration of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana that are aligned in this period of time, it is considered to be the most important month of the year for vigorous practice.

Among all Dharma practices, the most vital and essential one is the recollection of our teacher, whose compassion and kindness even exceed that of all buddhas. The best and ultimate way to recollect the teacher is to integrate one’s mind with the teacher’s wisdom mind in unity. Yet, this is easily attainable for those of sharp capacities. For general practitioners, the practical recollection is to immerse and dive into the ocean of his teachings and vajra words, the expressions of his inconceivable wisdom.

On this auspicious day, may 365 Teachings by His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche elevate your life and spirituality. Hope with this book, our devotion to the teacher will be ignited and affirmed, and eventually we will be able to mingle our mind with the teacher’s wisdom mind.

In particular, we would also like to dedicate this book to all those who have suffered and are suffering due to the present Coronavirus pandemic, as well as those who contribute selflessly, even a tiny bit, for the well-being of others in this difficult time. May all find ease and happiness!

If we tame our minds with the pith instructions of the Great Perfection, we will understand that all phenomena lack inherent existence and all we see or hear are empty. Meanwhile, at the conventional level, samsara may still be fully evident and as such, we should treat everything with the eight similes of illusion.

There are two essential requirements in order for us to be one with the Dharma.
First, we need to gain a right view, particularly a clear understanding, recognition, and acceptance of the
principle of cause and effect, without which one would never be able to reach a state of true peace and joy.
Second, we need to cultivate an untainted and unshakable faith in the Three Jewels, the foundation from which we begin our quests for perfection in this and future lifetimes.

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Resources

Within this precious existence of ours and having been made aware of the supreme Dharma, regardless of who we are, as human beings, we should seize the opportunity to practice what we’ve learned. Only in this way can we gain more certainty when this existence ends.

If you have any suggestion about those translations or you are interested in making a contribution to the work of translation, please contact us at: translation@khenposodargye.org.