WORDS OF WISDOM AUTHOR: KHENPO TSULTRIM LODRO

One should also think, “When facing hurt and insult, if I can calm down and endure it, not only will this cause other people to look at me in a different light, but it will also contribute to my inner discipline. If everyone treated me well, how would I have the chance to practice patience? Since they have created such a good opportunity for me, and helped me accumulate this positive karma, how is it that I neglect to recognize their kindness and remember to express my gratitude, but rebuke them with harsh words instead?”

~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 10

This practice is called the Three Supreme Methods. Previously, I translated it as the “Three Key Points” in order to get the attention of practitioners. All who study and practice Buddhist teachings must incorporate these three points in everything they do . It was translated as the “Three Key Points” simply due to its utmost importance. The direct translation from Tibetan is the Three Supreme Methods.

~ Depicted from THE RIGHT VIEW - The Three Supreme Methods—the ultimate methods of cultivating virtue and training the mind

Many people used to think there is really no need to learn Buddhadharm or uphold traditional culture since living conditions have improved and material goods are plentiful. But we realize now we need help to maintain our spiritual health and soothe the soul more than ever before. Humans are different from animals. A pig after being fed will happily go take a nap, with nothing else on its mind. Humans have additional and higher aspirations after their basic needs are met. When these aspirations are not fulfilled, suffering ensues. Neither money nor superstitious beliefs can end this suffering. Only through practice can we hope to find the solution; the method we use must also be wise and reasonable.

~ Depicted from "THE HANDBOOK FOR LIFE"S JOURNEY : On The Three Poisons - How to Handle Desire"

If happiness is a feeling, what is the basis of this feeling? A feeling of happiness comes from satisfaction; a feeling of satisfaction comes mostly from a new and fresh sensation. These types of feeling are all related to our mind and have no direct connection with the material world.

~ Depicted from THE PAPER TIGER - The Tibetan Buddhist View on Happiness

When we are very attached to a person, any of that person’s actions may at times make us happy, while at other times they might make us sad. The possibility of our feeling pain is far greater than that of experiencing happiness. After the relationship between two people breaks apart, and to the extent that they then become like strangers to each other, such attachment disappears and they are brought back to a state of peacefulness. On the other hand, there are many other things that we never seem to care about, and it is those very things that would probably bring us more happiness.

~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 10

Reality is anything but sentimental. For eons, no one has been able to refute the existence of past and future life. This is the reality that everyone has to face. If one is not prepared when a calamity hits, no amount of worrying will help at that moment. Thus, practitioners must have the foresight to prepare for the unexpected and steadfastly take the path to liberation for themselves and others. While the body and the mind can still be exercised at will, one should seize every opportunity to practice, and practice diligently as an antidote to impermanence. Leave no chance for regrets later on.

~ Depicted from THE RIGHT VIEW - The Three Supreme Methods—the ultimate methods of cultivating virtue and training the mind

For a seed to germinate, the right temperature, humidity and space must all be in place. These are the internal causes. The arising of desire also has three causes.

~ Depicted from "THE HANDBOOK FOR LIFE"S JOURNEY : On The Three Poisons - How to Handle Desire"

The true nature of happiness is a special feeling from within. Sometimes this feeling is to material matter; other times there is no connection at all. Material matter is only one cause or condition which creates a feeling of well-being. It can bring about a temporary sense of security or satisfaction, from which one can in turn derive temporary happiness. The different forms of happiness, such as a steady income, are sources of happiness but are not happiness itself.

~ Depicted from THE PAPER TIGER - The Tibetan Buddhist View on Happiness

Buddhism should not be considered as an ordinary religion or a superstitious belief system, but rather as a culture. Described in modern language, a lot of Buddhist concepts are compatible with modern science, which itself is of great necessity in our daily lives. Without these concepts, we will make various mistakes and act incorrectly. Because of a lack of understanding of the truth of the universe, our lives will unfold with all kinds of afflictions and suffering. It is therefore essential to introduce the Buddhist view of the world.

~ Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series 3