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Chapter 2 The Greatness of the Teaching - Lamp of the Path to…

- - - - It draws together the key points of both the sutra and mantra vehicles, its subject matter is comprehensive; since it emphasizes the stages of disciplining the mind
        
        It is easy to put into practise as it has a systematic order that is also complete.
        
        It is adorned with the instructions of two gurus who were skilled in the systems of the two great trailblazers, it is superior to other systems: Profound view; extensive deeds
        
        Combining the two, they can complement each other to achieve the completeness to their fullest.
        Hence,it surpasses the various contents of all other lineages; this is its greatness.
        Showing the greatness of the teaching in order to engender respect for the instructions.
        The content of Lamrim, the essence of its content, its greatness, and outstanding qualities are illustrated in 4 parts:
        
        C. It enable one easily to find the Conqueror's intent.
        
        Conqueror is the Buddha.
        The original intention of the scripture was to introduce us to the profound meaning of Buddha Dhara.
        but because we lack capacity for the aforementioned regulation and reasoning, the guidance of a virtuous teacher, we realize. "Oh, so this what he meant!".
        This will save us a lot of effort, a lot of incovenience. The shortest can be several decades, the longest may be countless eons. Whereas now, by the proper guidance of this virtuous teach, we can quickly grasp, so this is the true content of why he taught it this way - you then understand. Upon understanding, you then apply it accordingly, put it into practice. Your suffering is purified and your contaminated deeds are transformed into virtuous deeds. The cause of cyclic existence is resolved! The conqueror's intent is there to benefit self and others.
        
        what is the purpose of learning Buddha Dharma?
        
        B. It enable one to understand that all of the scriptures are instructions for practice.
        
        A. All of the teachings are free of contradiction.
        
        What is "Teachings": the teachings are what the Conqueror (Buddha) explained well. P46L19. it thoroughly includes all sublime teachings*. It includes the all encompassing teachings from Buddha.
        
        *sublime teachings refer to profound and elevated instructions that guide practitioners toward enlightenment. These teachings encompass all of the Buddha’s wisdom, including those that indirectly contribute to understanding bodhicitta (the awakened mind) and the path to liberation. One well-known aspect of sublime teachings is the Four SUblime States (Brahmaviharas), which are:
        
        Loving-kindness (Metta) - Cultivating unconditional goodwill toward all beings.
        
        Compassion (Karuna) - Feeling empathy and wishing to alleviate suffering.
        
        Sympathetic Joy (Mudita) - Rejoicing in the happiness and success of others.
        
        Equanimity (Upekkha) - Maintaining inner balance and impartiality in all situations.
        
        These teachings are considered sublime because they elevate the mind, remove negativity, and foster harmony in relationships. They are essential for developing wisdowm and compassion on the path to awakening.
        
        Why all the teachings are free from contradiction: All teachings are the path by which one person becomes a buddha.
        
        Elaborates reasons for those non-believers: Bodhisattvas make it their goal to accomplish the good of the world. They must train in the paths of those three lineage (also known as three vehicles). It refer to the distinct paths that lead to enlightenment:
        
        a. Śrāvaka Vehicle (Śrāvakayāna) – The path followed by śrāvakas (listeners or disciples), who seek personal liberation by understanding the Four Noble Truths and practicing the Eightfold Path.
        b. Pratyekabuddha Vehicle (Pratyekabuddhayāna) – The path of pratyekabuddhas, solitary practitioners who attain enlightenment independently, without teaching others.
        c. Bodhisattva Vehicle (Bodhisattvayāna) – The path of bodhisattvas, who cultivate wisdom and compassion to help all beings achieve enlightenment.
        
        There are shared (theravada) and unshared paths to enter the Mahayana. P47L16. A perfect buddha has extinguished all types of faults and accomplished all types of
        good qualities. P47L26
        
        Qualm: Should one enter into the Vajrayana need to practice the perfection vehicle? P47L36
        
        Answer: The substance of the path of the perfection vehicle is part of the path of the Vajrayana P48 L1. On frequent occasions of entering mandalas of highest yoga tantra, you must take both the shared (Bodhisattva vows) and unshared tantric vows. P48L12
        
        a. Apart from certain points about what is or is not to be done, the scriptures are very
        much in agreement. P48L29
        b. If you do not gain such an understanding, you will abandon other teachings.
        P49L10
        
        How to practice? Having relied upon an excellent protector, solidify your certainty about the way that all the scriptures are causal factors for one person to become a buddha. Then practice those things that can practice now. P49 L21
        
        Because these instructions in the “Lamp for the path to enlightenment" guide students by gathering all the key points of the sutra and mantra vehicles into the path for one person to become a buddha, they have the greatness of producing the certainty that all of the teachings are free of contradiction. P49L37
        
        D. It enable one to refrain automatically from great wrongdoing.
        
        Great wrongdoing is particularly slandering the Dharma especially from the practitioner.
        From the proper understanding of the first 3 qualities, you will naturally not engage in slandering.