English ⌄
Deutsch Español Français Italiano Nederlands Português 中文 བོད་ཡིག
Explore Projects Updates About Donate
The Home of Tibetan Buddhist Texts in Translation
ISSN 2753-4812
ISSN 2753-4812

Advice Series

Advice

English (199) | Deutsch (52) | Español (31) | Français (61) | Italiano (7) | Português (36) | 中文 (44) | བོད་ཡིག (199)

A series of texts of advice and practical instructions on the path in general as well as more specific topics such as the intermediate states (bar do), Dzogchen, Mahāmudrā and retreat:

Acrostic

by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A simple song of advice addressed to yogins and yoginīs in abecedarian form, meaning that each line begins with the successive letters of the Tibetan alphabet—an effect that is (inadequately) reproduced in the translation.
Songs and Poems Acrostic
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Advice in abecedarian form, meaning that each line begins with the successive letters of the Tibetan alphabet (ka, kha, ga, nga, and so on).
Acrostic

Bardos

by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
This short work, written for an unnamed disciple, contains general advice on how to prepare for the moment of death.
Dying & the Bardos
by Longchen Rabjam
In this profound instruction on the process of dying and the intermediate state, or bardo, the great Longchen Rabjam explains how to see death from a Dzogchen perspective and how to attain liberation either at the moment of death or thereafter in the bardos of dharmatā or becoming.
Dying & the Bardos
by Marpa Chökyi Lodrö
This brief instruction on using death as an opportunity to recognize luminosity and attain the dharmakāya is part of a collection of instructions known as the five nails that dispel hindrances (gegs sel gzer lnga), a teaching that derives from Nāropa.
Dying & the Bardos
by Patrul Rinpoche
This short work details the phases of dissolution during and immediately following death, and also outlines the crucial points of practice to be born in mind at this critical time.
Dying & the Bardos

Chöd

by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A letter containing supporting instructions (rgyab yig) or the quintessence of crucial points (gnad kyi bcud phur) for the Chöd practice known as the Whispered Transmission of Secret Conduct (gsang spyod snyan brgyud).
Letters Chöd

Dzogchen

by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
This short text from Jigme Tenpe Nyima's Dzogchen corpus explains the distinction between the ordinary mind (sem) and pure awareness (rigpa), as well as the ways in which the Great Perfection is superior to other approaches.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of crucial advice covering the whole path but especially the practice of Dzogchen, composed at the request of someone named Asé Chatralwa.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Pithy and practical, this advice — composed at the request of Garje Khamtrul Rinpoche, Jamyang Döndrup (1928–2019) — summarizes the key points of the path of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Simple advice on investigating the origination, presence and departure (byung gnas 'gro gsum) of thoughts and resting without fabrication or contrivance in order to see the essence of mind.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
These few lines of verse, taken from the advice section of Jamyang Khyentse's collected writings, are effectively an aspiration for mastering the Dzogchen practice of Tögal.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In this short text, written in verse, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö explains (with characteristic humility) the prerequisites and view, meditation and action of Dzogchen, or the Great Perfection.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Simple instructions on the practices of Trekchö and Tögal composed at the request of the daughter of Katok Gyalse Kunzang Rinpoche.
Dzogchen Notes Restricted
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This practical instruction in just a few lines covers the path of Dzogchen by highlighting only its most crucial elements.
Dzogchen
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Written at the request of Lhasé Sogyal, the king of Yönru in Lithang, this short text covers the key points of Trekchö, from the foundational prerequisites to the unique Dzogchen preliminary of 'demolishing the house of the ordinary mind' and the main meditation practice of Dzogchen itself.
Dzogchen Notes Restricted
by Katok Rigdzin Tsewang Norbu
This brief advice on the practice of the Great Perfection and the importance of devotion was written for the king of Lowo in Ngari in 1750.
Dzogchen
by Khenpo Pema Vajra
In this short instruction in verse, Khenpo Pema Vajra explains the key points of the path in general and of the Great Perfection in particular. His practical advice includes what to do in the intermediate state, or bardo.
Dzogchen
by Nyala Pema Dündul
Taken from his collected songs (mgur 'bum) this spontaneous poem offers advice on the practice and its fruition, with Nyala Pema Dündul explaining that his view corresponds to Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, his meditation to Mahāmudrā, and his action to the Vinaya.
Dzogchen
by Nyangral Nyima Özer
One of the better known instructions from the collection known as Responses to Questions, Advice from the Guru's Direct Instructions (bla ma dmar khrid kyi zhal gdams zhus lan skor), which is included in the Precious Treasury of Revelations (rin chen gter mdzod). The text contains simple advice from Guru Padmasambhava for his elderly disciple, Ngok Sherab Gyalpo.
Dzogchen Termas Replies Rinchen Terdzö
by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche recalls the advice of Khenpo Ngawang Palzang, who managed to encapsulated the Dzogchen practice of Trekchö (khregs chod) in a single pithy instruction.
Dzogchen
by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
In this short essay, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche explains the theory behind the Dzogchen preliminary practice known as Khordé Rushen ('khor 'das ru shan), or separating the domains of saṃsāra and nirvāṇa.
Dzogchen Notes
by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
Definitions of the five wisdoms (ye shes lnga), i.e., the wisdom of dharmadhātu, mirror-like wisdom, wisdom of equality, wisdom of discernment and all-accomplishing wisdom, according to the oral tradition of Khenpo Ngawang Palzang, aka Khenpo Ngakchung.
Dzogchen Notes
by Patrul Rinpoche
This short work in verse offers advice on the natural self-liberation (rang grol) of thoughts and emotions, which Patrul Rinpoche repeatedly identifies as the key to the view, meditation and conduct of the Great Perfection.
Dzogchen Meditation
by Patrul Rinpoche
Sometimes known by its first four syllables as Eko Eko (translated as "Have you heard? Have you heard?") and sometimes as Self-Liberated Wisdom-Mind, this is a comprehensive and popular instruction on Dzogchen meditation. Although the emphasis is on remaining natural and unaltered (machöpa), the text also offers advice on how to integrate and adapt to the various experiences and circumstances a practitioner might face. The style is direct, eloquent and moving.
Dzogchen Meditation
by Sera Khandro
A four-line Dzogchen poem in abecedarian form.
Acrostic Ḍākinī Treasury
by Sera Khandro
Two verses of Dzogchen advice composed for Lama Kyab. The first verse is in abecedarian form.
Acrostic Ḍākinī Treasury
by Tertön Sogyal
Pith instructions on liberating thoughts, translated from a rare manuscript in the library of Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdral Yeshe Dorje.
Dzogchen Meditation
by Yangthang Rinpoche
Yangthang Rinpoche composed these powerful verses on the view, meditation and action of the Great Perfection at the request of his close friend, Lama Tsewang.
Dzogchen
by Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol
These notes discuss the ālaya, or 'ground of all', as well as the ālaya-consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna) and other forms of consciousness from a practical, experiential perspective, rather than a scholastic or theoretical point of view. They drew upon the sayings and explanations of such masters as Adzom Drukpa, Tertön Sogyal and Dudjom Lingpa.
Dzogchen Notes

Ethical Guidelines

by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In this appeal to Hindu worshippers who practise animal sacrifice, Jamyang Khyentse explains the karmic consequences of taking life and questions how compassionate deities could ever sanction such a rite.
Ethical Guidelines
by Khenpo Chime Rigdzin
A record of the most crucial point from a conversation with Khenpo Tsultrim Lodrö of Larung Gar, emphasizing the importance of leaving aside all selfish concern when engaging in such practices as releasing animals from captivity.
Saving Lives Ethical Guidelines

Following a Teacher

by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
In this brief text, Jigme Tenpe Nyima explains the most important reasons for regarding the teacher as a buddha, a central tenet of the Vajrayāna.
Following a Teacher
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This warning of the dangers of criticising a guru from whom one has received empowerment—and to whom one therefore has samaya commitments—was written in the wake of opposition to Jamyang Khyentse's decision to take a consort.
Following a Teacher

General

by Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje
Verses of advice stressing the importance of maintaining ethical discipline, generating a vast altruistic motivation and diligently practising the Great Perfection.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje
Verses of advice written for a nun from Tsering Jong, the site of Jigme Lingpa's hermitage, in central Tibet.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Atiśa Dīpaṃkara
Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Śrījñāna imparted this advice to his disciples at the request of Lha Changchub Ö as he was preparing to return to India. In it, he offers basic guidance on how to lead a spiritual life, escape "the swamp of saṃsāra" and reach "the dry shores of liberation."
by Atiśa Dīpaṃkara
This short text (Bodhisattvamaṇyāvalī in Sanskrit), which is included in the Middle Way section of the Tengyur (Toh 3951), is regarded as a classic work of the Mind Training (blo sbyong) tradition. With its direct and pithy language, it is not so much a poem as a series of maxims on the bodhisattva path.
Mind Training (Lojong) Tengyur Damngak Dzö
by Atiśa Dīpaṃkara
In response to a question from his heart-disciples Tsöndrü Yungdrung, Ngok Lekpé Sherab, and Dromtön Gyalwé Jungné, Jowo Atiśa outlines the core principles of mind training or lojong in twenty-one pithy statements. The advice was recorded in a work entitled Miscellaneous Sayings of the Kadam Masters (bka' gdams gsung thor).
Kadam
by Butön Rinchen Drup
In this brief advice the great scholar Butön Rinchen Drup (1290–1364) explains what it is to be truly wise, a true bodhisattva, and a true adept of the secret mantrayāna.
by Chatral Rinpoche
In this song of yearning devotion, or prayer of 'calling the guru from afar' (bla ma rgyang 'bod), the late Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche offers his followers some profound advice related to "the swift path of the luminous Great Perfection."
Calling the Guru from Afar
by Chatral Rinpoche
Important words of advice for all serious Dharma practitioners from the great Dzogchen yogin Chatral Sangye Dorje.
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Six verses of practical advice for a lama from Bumthang in Bhutan.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Verses of advice composed for the benefit of disciples at the sacred site of Khala Rongo.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Two verses of profound meditation instruction for a disciple called Göndrak.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Four lines of advice, each of which incorporates the syllables kön (dkon) and chok (mchog), meaning 'rare' and 'supreme', the first part of Könchok Paldrön's name.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Verses of advice stressing the importance of study, thoroughness and an altruistic attitude, composed for a physician named Könchok Tenzin
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Brief advice given near the Yelphuk Cave at the request of a disciple named Kyilu (skyid lu).
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Verses of instructions on what to adopt and avoid on the path, which Chokgyur Lingpa imparted to his patrons.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Verses of advice spoken at the request of a female disciple named Tashi Lhamo and transcribed by Khenpo Rinchen Dargyé (b. 1835).
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
In these verses for an elderly lay disciple, Chokgyur Lingpa notes a lack of seriousness on the part of some followers and explains what it means to be a true practitioner.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Basic Dharma advice in verse composed at the request of a devoted disciple from Trindu ('khri 'du).
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Four lines of advice that stress the importance of reflection upon impermanence, prayer to one's gurus, settling in the emptiness of mind, and dedication and aspiration.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
These verses, Chokgyur Lingpa says, provide sound advice for all practitoners of Dharma, but for holders of mantra (mantradhara) in particular they represent the heart samaya.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
In this response to questions, Chokgyur Lingpa addresses controversy surrounding Nyima Drakpa (1647–1710) and the Mindrolling tradition by advocating a nonsectarian attitude of universal acceptance.
Chokling Tersar Nonsectarianism
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
This brief instruction draws upon three pieces of advice given by great masters of the past.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
In pithy verses, Chokgyur Lingpa explains the heart of meditation and identifies the major signs of realization.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Advice on how to combine and integrate the three sets of vows: 1) the precepts of personal or individual liberation (pratimokṣa), 2) the bodhisattva vows, and 3) tantric samayas.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
In these four short lines, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa encapsulates, as the colophon reveals, the four qualities that all contemporary tantric practitioners should have.
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Chokgyur Lingpa imparted this advice at the sacred place of Kyijam Nyida (skyi 'byams nyi zla), while he and his disciples were seated in meditation.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Composed for the sixth Drikung Chungtsang, Könchok Tenzin Chökyi Lodrö (1801–1859), this short text offers straightforward advice on measuring one's progress on the Dharma path.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Pithy words of counsel, pointing out some of the most common shortcomings among practitioners.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Verses of advice spoken in response to a request from a mother and child to explain the essence of dependent origination.
Chokling Tersar Dependent Origination
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Chokgyur Lingpa gave this oral advice, explaining the source of permanent benefit and bliss, to a retinue of followers in Dzözhol Gyurme Ling.
Chokling Tersar
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Candid verses inviting practitioners to turn their minds inwardly and integrate the teachings.
Chokling Tersar
by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
In these four short lines, written in 1989, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche encapsulates the entire Buddhist path, which includes the cultivation of devotion, non-distraction, the recollection of death and impermanence, and compassion.
by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
On the basis of classical sources, Jigme Tenpe Nyima warns of the dangers of sleep and drowsiness; he also offers some practical suggestions for cutting down on sleep and enhancing diligence.
Sleep and Dream
by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
A candid, somewhat comical description of what it means to take a limited and superficial approach to scholarship, which Jigme Tenpe Nyima tells us is based on his own experience.
Scholasticism Notes
by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
In this very short text, Jigme Tenpe Nyima describes the best, middling and inferior ways of using pain and illness as part of the Mahāyāna path.
Sickness & Healing
by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
One of Jigme Tenpe Nyima's best known works—and indeed one the most famous Tibetan texts of recent times—this is a pithy and practical guide to integrating all experiences, good and bad, happy and sad, into the path to enlightenment. As the text itself puts it, this is “indispensable for leading a spiritual life, a most needed tool of the Noble Ones, and quite the most priceless teaching in the world.”
Mind Training (Lojong)
by Dola Jigme Kalzang
The author offers a concise yet complete overview of the entire path according to the Longchen Nyingtik, applicable to monastics and lay tantrikas alike. Using the structure of virtuous beginning, middle and end, he covers the common and uncommon preliminary practices, the generation and perfection phases, and the practices of Trekchö and Tögal.
Longchen Nyingtik
by Dudjom Lingpa
General advice on how to apply the teachings and gain liberation in a single lifetime through recognising the nature of mind.
by Dudjom Rinpoche
In this short text, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche explains some important points of conduct to be observed by the saṅgha of monastic practitioners and the saṅgha of vidyādhara yogins. It was written with a view to preserving aspects of tradition in danger of being lost forever.
Ethical Guidelines
by Fifteenth Karmapa
Six lines of essential advice from the Fifteenth Karmapa Khakhyab Dorje to his spiritual consort, the celebrated ḍākinī Urgyen Tsomo (1897–1961).
by Gatön Ngawang Lekpa
Verses of advice that Gatön Ngawang Lekpa gave to his heart-disciple Dezhung Tulku Ajam (1885–1952) and which were published within the latter’s collected writings.
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
This general advice from the great Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé covers every level of the spiritual path. Drawing upon famous statements by Atiśa and Śāntideva, he offers ethical guidance and practical instructions for watching the mind, cultivating renunciation, compassion and devotion, and realising the nature of all phenomena.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This simple advice covering the entire Buddhist path was composed at the request of Degyal Rinpoche (b. 1937).
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses focusing on the reality of impermanence and the need to rely upon the guru as a refuge, composed in 1943.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of general advice composed for a noblewoman named Nordzin Wangmo.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Pithy instructions on the nature of mind and the indivisibility of saṃsāra and nirvāṇa ('khor 'das dbyer med), sent as a letter to Luding Zhabdrung.
Letters
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Pithy instructions on the nature of mind and the indivisibility of saṃsāra and nirvāṇa ('khor 'das dbyer med).
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This letter to Damchö Gyaltsen of Tsechu (tshes bcu) includes four verses of extraordinarily pithy advice covering every stage of the path from the recollection of impermanence through to Dzogchen meditation.
Letters
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
General advice on renunciation, bodhicitta, the generation and perfection phases, and guru yoga, written in verse.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of general advice written for Jamyang Zangpo, chant master of Bentsang Monastery.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of advice for the Third Neten Chokling, Pema Gyurme (1928–1973).
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of pithy advice for the Sakya khenpo Jamyang Losal Zangpo (1919–1993).
Songs and Poems
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This general advice, written for a student called Karma Chöchok (karma chos mchog), includes the Tibetan syllable ang — indicating insistence or encouragement and translated here as "hey!" — in each of its first four verses.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
These verses of advice for Khenpo Jamyang Losal emphasize the importance of recognizing the view and practising guru yoga.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This remarkably concise and pithy instruction on Dzogchen practice and preparation for death was composed for Ane Kalchö of Lakar.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of advice on the path in general and the approach of the Indivisibility of Saṃsāra and Nirvāṇa ('khor 'das dbyer med) in particular.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A verse on resting in the nature of mind, which is said to have been composed for Palpung Situ Pema Wangchok Gyalpo (1886–1952).
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In just four verses, Jamyang Khyentse summarizes the instructions on the three sets of vows—pratimokṣa precepts, bodhisattva vows and tantric samayas—and shares the key to Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
General advice for a Nyingma lama called Gyalsé Kunnyi (Kunzang Nyima?) belonging to the Nyang (myang) clan.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
These pithy verses of advice for an unnamed disciple cover the entire path from the outer preliminaries through to the advanced yogas of the generation and perfection phases.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Written for a disciple named Osam (Orgyen Samdrup? Orgyen Samten?), this short text in verse covers the whole path from the most basic contemplations of the outer preliminaries through to the highest form of meditation.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Concise counsel on every stage of the path, from recognizing the preciousness of a human life onwards, composed for an unnamed disciple.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In the form of an address to himself, Jamyang Khyentse delivers some urgent and uncompromising advice, before offering a heartfelt prayer to his teacher and concluding words of aspiration.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse says he composed this candid song of self-counsel during the first month of a Snake year as he felt by turns joyous and sorrowful.
Songs and Poems
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
An exceptionally succinct presentation of the entire path, from contemplating the freedoms and advantages through to meditation on the nature of mind.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Pithy advice on not wasting one's time but making the most of the opportunity afforded by a precious human life.
Impermanence
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Pithy counsel for an unnamed tulku.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Simple pithy advice covering the entire path, from contemplating the preciousness of human life through to meditation on the Great Perfection.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A single verse of advice highlighting the need to tame the mind right away.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A simple instruction based on the so-called Four Dharmas of Gampopa: 1) turning the mind toward the Dharma, 2) making progress along the path, 3) clarifying confusion, and 4) allowing confusion to dawn as wisdom.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Four pithy verses of general advice on cultivating renunciation and altruism and meditating upon the guru, thereby developing enlightened qualities.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In response to a question from his spiritual consort, Khandro Tsering Chödrön, Jamyang Khyentse explains the essence of the path in just a few lines. (Khandro's question is in the form of an acrostic poem, the opening syllables of its four lines being the first four syllables of the Tibetan alphabet).
Acrostic Replies Songs and Poems
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Requested by a Paksam Gyatso, this general advice in verse covers the entire path from the preliminaries through to the most advanced meditation and its fruition.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This pithy survey of the entire Buddhist path is one of the few texts in Jamyang Khyentse's collection of advice that is written in prose. It was composed for a student called Pema Tekchok.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Simple advice in verse apparently requested by someone named Arapatsa.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A comprehensive guide to the Mahāyāna path in the Sakya tradition written at the behest of a lama referred to as Kangyurpa.
Lamrim Sakya Vehicles
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A short song of advice on the theme of the 'Three Greats', i.e., Great Middle Way (Madhyamaka), Great Seal (Mahāmudrā) and Great Perfection (Dzogpachenpo).
Songs and Poems
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
General counsel, including a simple Dzogchen instruction, composed for an unnamed disciple.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of general advice written for a noble woman called Chabtsang Jetsün Kusho and sent to her as a letter.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of general advice on how to practise the path, from the preliminary contemplations through to the more advanced practices of the generation and completion phases, written for an unnamed student.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Basic spiritual counsel, in verse form, composed for the benefit of a disciple named Pema Gyaltsen.
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
Khyentse Wangpo composed this commentary to The Essence of Nectar: Graduated Stages of the Path (lam rim bdud rtsi'i snying po) at the request of Chöying Palden, who had also requested the original root verses. The text covers every stage of the paths according to the vehicles of the transcendent perfections (pāramitā) and secret mantra.
Lamrim Khyentse Kabab
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
These verses of advice for renunciant meditators (spong ba bsam gtan pa) cover the entire Buddhist path, from instructions on following a spiritual friend through to the most advanced generation and perfection phase practices.
Lamrim Khyentse Kabab
by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
In these verses Khenchen Ngawang Palzang offers a lesson in humility as he expresses dismay at his plight and issues a heartfelt plea for the guru's guidance.
by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
These words of advice, written for a female disciple, cover every aspect of the path, up to and including the Great Perfection. The text is included in the 53-volume Ḍākinī Treasury anthology.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
Simple advice on the cause and effect of actions, the benefits of exchanging happiness for suffering, and the necessity of reciting the Seven-Line Prayer and Vajra Guru mantra.
by Khenchen Tashi Özer
In this brief, practical instruction written for a disciple, the great Khenpo Tashi Özer explains the root of meditation, which he describes as "mind looking into itself".
Meditation
by Khenmo Rigdzin Chödrön
These words of advice from Khenmo Rigdzin Chödrön of Larung Gar were recently shared widely on social media.
by Khenpo Shenga
In this text from his miscellaneous writings, Khenpo Shenga offers advice on visualizing oneself as the tutelary deity, or yidam, and cultivating what is known as vajra pride.
Kyerim
by Khyenrab Chökyi Özer
A brief text in verse, written for a monk who said that he sometimes felt sad when remembering his parents and sought advice on how to channel that feeling constructively.
by Könchok Tenpe Drönme
In this famous poem Könchok Tenpe Drönme offers a powerful and moving contemplation on impermanence and mortality, inspiring the reader to focus on Dharma practice without delay.
Songs and Poems Impermanence
by Longchen Rabjam
Essential advice on every stage of the path from beginning to end. As Longchenpa puts it in the text itself: "Even if we were to meet in person, I would have no greater instruction to give you than this. So take it to heart, all the time, and in any situation."
Dzogchen
by Longchen Rabjam
Longchen Rabjam tells us that he composed these thirty verses of heartfelt advice for himself and others like him, out of a sense of renunciation. In what has become one of his most famous and popular teachings, he advocates simplicity, ethical discipline, humility, and, above all, diligent practice.
Mind Training (Lojong)
by Mipham Rinpoche
This very short yet practical set of instructions, composed in verse, was written at the request of several beginners.
by Mipham Rinpoche
Mipham Rinpoche gave this text in thirty-seven verses to the Third Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima as a sealed scroll while they were both at Dzongsar Monastery. Although the precise date is unclear, it seems likely that this was in or around 1886. The text is a mixture of personal, often cryptic advice and prophecy.
Prophecy
by Mipham Rinpoche
In a few lines of verse, Mipham explains the essence of Dzogchen Atiyoga, which is, in turn, the essence of the 84000 approaches of the Dharma.
by Mipham Rinpoche
A four-line verse that Mipham Rinpoche composed while recalling Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892) who had passed into parinirvāṇa two days earlier.
by Mipham Rinpoche
This short advice in verse explains the perfect equality (mnyam pa nyid) of the dharmadhātu (chos kyi dbyings), the space-like nature of phenomena, which, Mipham says, is a crucial point to understand in both sūtra and tantra. Mipham wrote this text in 1901.
by Mipham Rinpoche
Three pith instructions for dealing with fear, sickness and harm: dissolving the outer world into the body, dissolving the body into the outer world, and dissolution into space-like non-duality.
Restricted
by Mumé Yeshe Tsomo
Composed in 2000, these ten verses of advice explain how to follow the path to liberation by creating a sound basis of ethical discipline according to the three vehicles, from which to practise the ultimate Great Perfection.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Nyala Pema Dündul
This short song from Nyala Pema Dündul explains that whether or not we have realised the truth of the teachings and progressed along the path is apparent in our character and our actions.
by Nyala Pema Dündul
In this brief song Nyala Pema Dündul advises his audience how to give up the eight ordinary concerns, or 'worldly dharmas' ('jig rten chos brgyad), i.e., hope for happiness and fear of suffering; hope for fame and fear of insignificance; hope for praise and fear of blame; hope for gain and fear of loss.
by Nyala Pema Dündul
This poem explains the tell-tale signs for determining whether the common preliminary practices (sngon 'gro) have penetrated the mind of a practitioner.
Ngöndro
by Palyul Choktrul Jampal Gyepe Dorje
In a few simple verses, Palyul Choktrul sets out the basic elements that make human life meaningful, from thoughts that generate renunciation to cultivating devotion for the guru.
by Patrul Rinpoche
In this succinct account of the difference between ethical and unethical companions, Patrul explains the various ways in which they can influence one's own character for good and ill.
by Patrul Rinpoche
In this important guide to Mahāyāna ethics, Patrul Rinpoche elaborates upon nine points or criteria that a follower of the bodhisattva path should consider when seeking to act for others' benefit.
Ethical Guidelines
by Patrul Rinpoche
One of the best-known and most popular texts of Patrul Rinpoche's, in which he offers pithy mundane and dharmic counsel (to himself) in sets of three.
by Rendawa Zhönnu Lodrö
Seven verses of advice on the nature of the ground, path and fruition and the techniques of view, meditation and conduct.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Rongtön Sheja Künrig
In this brief series of verses, Rongtön explains the benefits of the six transcendent perfections, or pāramitās, and shows how they incorporate many other aspects and qualities of the Mahāyāna path.
Six Pāramitās
by Śākyaśrībhadra
The Viśuddhadarśanacaryopadeśa (lta spyod rnam dag gi man ngag) is a very brief work included in the Tengyur (Toh 2464). It discusses the empty, illusory nature of reality and recommends meditation on 'emptiness with compassion as its core' (stong nyid snying rje'i snying po can).
Tengyur Emptiness
by Sera Khandro
This short text in verse offers a clear and concise description of the liberated experience that results from practising the path of the development and completion stages.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Sera Khandro
Pithy verses of advice on the need to practise the path by letting go of attachment to saṃsāra and, upon the foundation of bodhicitta, meditating intensively in solitude.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Sera Khandro
Poetic and playful verses on the incredible, seeming paradoxical nature of reality.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Shechen Gyaltsab Gyurme Pema Namgyal
Pithy verses of counsel covering the entire path, which Shechen Gyaltsab composed for the bhikṣu Jampa Dargye at Lhodrak Kharchu.
by Trulshik Rinpoche
This short instruction on relative and absolute bodhicitta was composed at the request of the English monk Tenzin Jamchen (Sean Price).
Bodhicitta
by Trulshik Rinpoche
These four lines of advice that encapsulate the entire path were requested by Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche on behalf of his students.
by Tsultrim Wangmo
Delok Tsultrim Wangmo here records the advice given by Khenpo Akhyuk Lungtok Gyaltsen (1927–2011) in response to her account of her dream experiences.
Autobiography
by Tulku Arik
These verses of advice, published in a history of Yachen Orgyen Samten Ling, constitute the only composition of Tromge Tulku Arik's currently available.
by Yudra Nyingpo
Extracted from the biography known as The Great Image ('dra 'bag chen mo), this is the advice that the Chinese yoginī Chudun gave to the translator Vairotsana.
Ḍākinī Treasury
by Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol
In this brief text Yukhok Chatralwa explains the common outer and uncommon inner preliminary practices in very simple terms.
Ngöndro

Guru Yoga

by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
A letter to a fellow disciple of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö offering essential advice on how to practise the celebrated Nyingtik Saldrön guru yoga, which focuses on Jamyang Khyentse in heruka form.
Guru Yoga Letters

Heart Advice

by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse offered these words of heart-advice, encapsulating the entire Buddhist path, to Khandro Tsering Chödrön, his spiritual consort.
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This pithy text of advice offered to Ani Pelu of the Lakar family covers the entire path, but with a special focus on Dzogchen meditation, Guru Yoga and preparation for the moment of death.
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
Composed spontaneously at the sacred mountain of Wu Tai Shan, this is one of the late Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok's most famous works. In 23 verses, which were written down in just 23 minutes, it encapsulates the entire Buddhist path from basic instructions on how to follow a spiritual teacher through to the advanced meditations of the generation and perfection phases and the pinnacle of all forms of practice, the Great Perfection.

In Jest

by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse wrote this playful text on the real nature of sickness to console Rabchok, a student who had fallen ill.
Sickness & Healing
by Mipham Rinpoche
Properly titled Wondrous Talk Brought About by Conversing with a Friend (Grogs dang gtam gleng ba'i rkyen las mtshar gtam), this playful text pokes fun at followers of the Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyü and Gelug (or Gendenpa) schools, in order to highlight potential pitfalls associated with each tradition, while also pointing out the absurdity of sectarian prejudice in general.
Nonsectarianism

Mahāmudrā

by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
A brief outline of the fivefold practice of Mahāmudrā that is unique to the Drikung Kagyü school: train in bodhicitta, visualize one's body as the deity, visualize the guru as the deity, train in the non-conceptual view, and seal with prayers of dedication and aspiration.
Chokling Tersar Mahāmudrā
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
Drawn from the collection of advice called Ambrosia of the Heart (snying gi bdud rtsi) this brief text offers a very simple guide to practising Mahāmudrā.
Mahāmudrā
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
This brief explanation of how to meditate on the Mahāmudrā of the innate (lhan skyes phyag chen) on the path of liberation (grol lam) is taken from the Ambrosia of the Heart collection of advice.
Mahāmudrā
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
In this text Jamgön Kongtrul, referring to himself as a "kusāli"—a virtuous beggar—offers instruction on how to sustain an experience of the essential nature of mind in meditation.
Mahāmudrā
by Khenpo Gangshar
Khenpo Gangshar describes this pithy advice on how to be truly happy by settling into realization of mind's essential nature as "insane ramblings", but it will surely be of great benefit to practitioners.
Mahāmudrā
by Mipham Rinpoche
In this short text of practical advice, Mipham Rinpoche defines mental stillness, movement and awareness and explains how understanding the 'secret of the mind' leads to deeper levels of realization.
Mahāmudrā Meditation
by Situ Paṇchen Chökyi Jungne
This concise commentary draws from the tradition of Fivefold Mahāmudrā teachings passed down from Pakmodrupa to Jikten Sumgön, and thus especially emphasized within the Drikung Kagyü lineage. When included in a single session of practice, these five points—bodhicitta, guru yoga, yidam practice, Mahāmudrā, and dedication—are held to provide a complete path to awakening. Chokyi Jungné’s instruction expands upon traditional presentations by concluding with specific instructions on how to practice during all periods of the day, as well as at the time of death.
Mahāmudrā
by Situ Paṇchen Chökyi Jungne
A straightforward yet profound instruction on the nature of mind written in response to a request from an unnamed practitioner.
Mahāmudrā

Meditation

by Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje
Crucial advice on how to eliminate three types of obstacle that may imperil beginning-level practitioners of meditation.
Meditation
by Mipham Rinpoche
A short text in verse that outlines various stages in the cultivation of śamatha, or calm abiding.
Meditation
by Mipham Rinpoche
Written in 1906, this short text contains the most profound instruction on the practice of śamatha, or calm abiding, in which mind is turned upon itself.
Meditation
by Mipham Rinpoche
A short text in verse, composed in 1893, which highlights the shortcomings of wild discursive thought and the consequent need for mindfulness (smṛti; dran pa) and vigilance (saṃprajanya; shes bzhin).
Meditation Mindfulness

Mind Training

by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
This is a classic work on 'bringing difficult circumstances onto the path' (lam khyer), a subgenre of mind training. Tokme Zangpo reveals what it is like to live beyond hopes and fears, and how to face sickness, poverty and death (as well as good health, prosperity and long-life) with joy.
Sickness & Healing Mind Training (Lojong)
by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
One of the most famous native Tibetan texts on mind training, this classic by Tokme Zangpo summarises the teachings of Śāntideva's Bodhicaryāvatāra and other sources, in order to present the path of the bodhisattva in just thirty-seven four-line verses.
Mind Training (Lojong)
spoken by Mañjuśrī to Sachen Kunga Nyingpo
This famous four-line teaching was spoken by Mañjuśrī, who appeared in a vision to the young Sachen Kunga Nyingpo during a six-month retreat. It is said to encapsulate the entire bodhisattva path of the pāramitās.
Parting from the Four Attachments Damngak Dzö

Nonsectarianism

by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
In an address to disciples, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa sets out a vision of nonsectarianism, in which he emphasizes the commonality of traditions and decries the divisiveness that periodically plagues Tibet and constitutes an act of forsaking the Dharma.
Nonsectarianism Chokling Tersar
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Written in verse, this short text addresses some of the sectarian attitudes and activity attributed to the controversial Gelugpa teacher Phabongkha Dechen Nyingpo (1878–1941) and his supporters.
Nonsectarianism
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Among the best-known compositions of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, this short text in verse provides an introduction to the history and practice of Tibetan Buddhism and concludes with an appeal for nonsectarianism. It was written at the request of the Indian diplomat and author Apa Pant (1912–1992).
Nonsectarianism Vehicles
by Mipham Rinpoche
In these six pithy verses, composed in 1896, Mipham explains the relative strengths of each of the four main Tibetan Buddhist Schools—Nyingma (rnying ma), Kagyü (bka' brgyud), Gelug (dge lugs) and Sakya (sa skya)—and appeals to their followers to tolerate and respect one another.
Nonsectarianism

Parting from the Four Attachments

by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
Drakpa Gyaltsen's famous commentary on the four-line instruction that his father, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, received from Mañjuśrī, is so closely associated with the root text that it is often known by the same title, Parting from the Four Attachments.
Parting from the Four Attachments Damngak Dzö
by Nubpa Rigdzin Drak
Little is known about the author, Nubpa Rigdzin Drak, who may have been a student of Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen (1147–1216), but his commentary is among the best known works on Parting from the Four Attachments—partly as a result of its inclusion in the Blo sbyong brgya rtsa compendium. The text explains the antidotes to each of the four attachments and the results that will accrue from applying them.
Parting from the Four Attachments Damngak Dzö
by Sakya Paṇḍita Kunga Gyaltsen
A brief commentary on Parting From the Attachments (zhen pa bzhi bral), the famous four-line instruction originally revealed by Mañjuśrī to Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158), Sakya Paṇḍita's great uncle.
Parting from the Four Attachments Damngak Dzö

Retreat

by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
In this teaching, which was originally intended for participants in a three-year retreat in Chanteloube, in the Dordogne region of France, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche discusses the importance of faith, renunciation, compassion, and looking into the nature of mind.
Retreat & Solitude
by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima
A very short text on the best conduct and attitude to adopt when practising in meditative retreat.
Retreat & Solitude
by Longchen Rabjam
Longchenpa describes this text as a letter sent from his mind to itself, and, as befits such a personal message, it is heartfelt and candid. The core of the message is simple enough: to leave behind the busyness of saṃsāra and set out instead for the peace and tranquility of the forest, where "meditation naturally grows" and "one can find the bliss of inner peace." Yet while Longchenpa makes this point uncompromisingly, his language, particularly in describing the kind of wild woodland sanctuary he recommends, is often beautifully evocative and poetic.
Songs and Poems Retreat & Solitude
by Nyala Pema Dündul
In this poem Nyala Pema Dündul praises the peace of isolated mountain hermitages and retreats, contrasting it not only with the hustle and bustle of towns and villages, but also with the everyday comings and goings of ordinary monasteries.
Retreat & Solitude
by Patrul Rinpoche
Written for his close disciple Alak Dongak Gyatso (1824–1902), this text of Patrul Rinpoche offers advice on the purpose and significance of solitude. Brief as it is, the work is of interest not only for its comments on retreat, but also for the clues it holds about Alak Dongak's life, especially as no complete biography has yet come to light and his writings have not survived.
Retreat & Solitude
by Patrul Rinpoche
Verses in praise of mountain solitude inspired by a recognition of the turbulence and futility of ordinary affairs and interactions, including some aspects of monastic life.
Retreat & Solitude
by Trulshik Rinpoche
This pithy advice for a lama about to enter retreat explains the ultimate sense of the Tibetan term tsam (mtshams), which means 'retreat' but also 'boundary' or 'limit'.
Retreat & Solitude
by Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol
Yukhok Chatralwa records the pithy advice of the Nyarong Lama, i.e., Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa, on the subject of how to remain in solitary retreat.
Retreat & Solitude Dzogchen

Samaya

by Khenpo Yönten Gönpo
In this short piece of advice, written in verse, Dzogchen Khenpo Yönten Gönpo explores samaya from the definitive or ultimate perspective, according to which all commitments are perfectly maintained by realizing the true nature of phenomena.
Samaya

Songs

by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Notes on one of Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen’s (1147–1216) best known songs, which incorporates key points related to both sūtra and mantra, written at the request of Sakya Dagchen Rinpoche (1929–2016).
Songs and Poems
by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
This short song, consisting of eight requests to a disciple, offers essential advice on view, meditation and conduct.
Songs and Poems
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok sang this dohā spontaneously in 1996 at a time when various outer, inner and secret obstacles had been overcome. It stresses the importance of meditating on Dzogchen, cultivating bodhicitta, maintaining ethical discipline, and having a positive basic character.
Songs and Poems
by Mipham Rinpoche
In this inventive song a debate between Waking and Dreaming, about which one is real, is adjudicated by Profound Wisdom (prajñā).
Songs and Poems
by Seventh Dalai Lama
This famous song summarizes four forms of mindfulness, which Mañjuśrī taught to Tsongkhapa: 1) mindfulness of the guru; 2) mindfulness of bodhicitta; 3) mindfulness of the body as a divine body; and 4) mindfulness of the view of emptiness.
Songs and Poems Mindfulness
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
In this short song the famous yogi Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol explains the essence of all practices, from the contemplations of the outer preliminaries to the practices of the inner preliminaries, and the main practices of the generation and perfection stages.
Songs and Poems
by Tsultrim Wangmo
In 2006, Khenpo Akhyuk (1927–2011) told Tsultrim Wangmo to record for posterity her experiences of other realms as a delok, or revenant. The following year, a team of women joined her to help record her stories. In the course of their work, as their faith in Tsultrim Wangmo grew, they requested teachings from her. She told them that she did not know how to give formal teachings but offered this song of advice instead.
Songs and Poems Autobiography
by Tsultrim Wangmo
Three summarizing verses from the conclusion of Delok Tsultrim Wangmo's memoirs.
Songs and Poems Autobiography

Related Topics

Benefits Damngak Dzö Lamrim Mind Training (Lojong) Parting from the Four Attachments Sickness & Healing

Saraha

Courtesy of Himalayan Art Resources

Further information:

BDRC T58 (zhal gdams)
BDRC T613 (gdams ngag)

Download this collection:

EPUB  PDF 

DONATIONS

If you find this site useful, please consider helping us to achieve our goal of translating more classic works from the Buddhist tradition and making them freely available. Please support us on Patreon.

Quick Links

Words of the Buddha | Indian Masters | Tibetan Masters | Topics

Tools

Other Sites

84000 | Rigpa Wiki | Himalayan Art | Buddhist Digital Resource Center | Treasury of Lives

Social

Twitter/X | Facebook | Instagram

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

LICENSE

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

ISSN 2753-4812

This website uses cookies to collect anonymous usage statistics and enhance the user experience.
Decline
Accept