Path To Buddhahood: Teachings On Gampopa's Jewel Ornament Of Liberation

The Jewel Ornament of Liberation is regarded by all Tibetan Buddhist schools as one of the most inspiring and comprehensive works of the tradition. Written by Gampopa (born 1079 CE) the main spiritual son of the great hermit Milarepa this important text lays out the stages of the Buddhist path and explains how an enlightened attitude is strengthened by practicing the six perfections of generosity discipline patience exertion meditation and knowledge. For the first time this sometimes difficult text is made accessible to Western readers in a clear and engaging commentary. Tibetan teacher Ringu Tulku explores this classic work of Buddhist practice and philosophy with the playful and fresh style that has made him so popular among students of Buddhism. Using folksy examples and anecdotes he brings this text to life discussing topics such as:    •  seeing through the illusions that cause us to suffer    •  advice on acting with kindness generosity and patience    •  instructions on how to put others first    •  guidance for attaining peace and lasting compassion Editorial Reviews The Jewel Ornament of Liberation written by a physician-turned-monk named Gampopa in the 11th century is one of the most important texts in Tibetan Buddhism. In the early 1990s Ringu Tulku a professor of Tibetan studies and director of numerous meditation centers gave a series of introductory talks on Gampopas work which were transcribed into this book. Tulku outlines the six factors Gampopa says are necessary to escape samsara (suffering) and realize nirvana: the cause (buddha nature is inherent in everyone) the basis (human life is especially conducive to attaining enlightenment) the condition (finding a spiritual friend or teacher to guide one to nirvana) the method (the spiritual friends instructions) the result (the state of buddhahood) and the activity (the com