Essence of Buddhism: Teachings at Tibet House

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Established in 1965 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 it inception, the institute as undertaken various academic and cultural programmes, such as conducting 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 Buddhist tradition as preserved and practised by the Tibetans, and in keeping with its aims, Tibet House has annually organized formal religious discourse by prominent Tibetan masters of the four Tibetan Buddhist traditions. They have included Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, Head pf the Sakya Tradition, Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, senior Tutor to His holiness the Dalai Lama and 97th Throneholder of Gaden, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentze and eh 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 bzhi bral) given at Tibet house from 11-15 January 1982, Kyabje Yongzin Line Rinpoche on the four Mindfulnesses (Dran pa bzhi ldan ) 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 Mediation from 9-15 Februar, 1985

The parting from the four Clingings was received by the founding patriarch of the Sakya Tradition, Sachen Kunga 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 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 realized 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 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 (Francois Jacquemart) translated Rinpoche’s teachings into English. It was revised by Betty Lavis and Ani Robin joyce Murdoch did the editing works ad 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 peace on December 25, 1983 at the completion of his 81st year.

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.