Ethical Guidelines

• A Powerful Pith Instruction to Abstain from Tobacco, the Tenacious Demon Plaguing People of Degenerate Times revealed by Jigdral Tutop Lingpa

This text from the terma cycle known as The Ocean of the Profound Essence (zab tig rgya mtsho) relates the mythical origins of tobacco and warns readers against its use, noting how it incites destructive emotions and ultimately leads to rebirth in hell.

• Song of Advice for Giving Up Meat Eating by Nyala Pema Dündul

In this text from his collected songs Nyala Pema Dündul describes the visionary encounter with Avalokiteśvara which first made him aware of the suffering brought about by eating meat and which led to his becoming a vegetarian.

• The Mirror Clearly Showing What to Adopt and Abandon 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.

• Drodung Monastery Guidelines by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

These behavioural guidelines for Drodung (bro brdung), a branch of Katok Monastery, were co-authored by Drimé Shingkyong Jigme Dechen Dorje (1899–1939?) and Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö in 1936.

• The Pellucid Mirror: Behavioural Guidelines for the Saṅgha by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse wrote these behavioural guidelines (bca' yig) for the Sakya monastery of Tupten Tashi Gepel Ling (thub bstan bkra shis dge 'phel gling), also known as Sagang (sa sgang), from his residence at Dzongsar during the Earth Tiger year (1938–1939).

• The Seed of Benefit and Happiness: Behavioural Guidelines by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

One of several short texts of behavourial guidelines (bca' yig) that Jamyang Khyentse composed, this does not appear to be for a specific institution but is applicable to any monastic community.

• A Plea to Those who Present ‘Red Offerings’ to Worldly Deities 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.

• Nine Considerations and Criteria for Benefiting Beings 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.

• Saving Lives Series