Steps on the path to Enlightenment

What an introduction, “so here we are”.  Beautifully written with many meanings and phrase not yet understood.  My beliefs, growing up Catholic and attending a Catholic school where religion in those times, created an awareness of faith, and discipline to honor God and his teaching,  stood strong among all families.

In reading this book, and realizing all the wonderful things we all have yet to learn, captivated my interest in so many ways.  Bodhicitta, awakening mind or mind of enlightenment, is only one word of many used to describe the teaching of Buddha.  Cultivating your mind and thoughts as to plant your seeds in soil, through positive virtue, behavior showing high moral standards.  Lamrim Chenmo, stages of the path to enlightenment.  There is much to be understood, the Lamrim Tradition is vas with many texts written.  I felt as thou these words and phrase had propelled my thoughts, clearer than ever before.  Atisa – was a Buddhist teacher from the Pala Empire of Bengal.  Developed an attitude that cherished others more than himself.

Enlightenment, how to describe or give its definition took some thought and soul-searching.  To reach this place required time and much effort, lots of meditation, many days alone, seeking the acquired mind-set and spiritual peace, found within yourself.  All towards helping others, before looking at one’s self.  The determination and focus are heart stopping, how can one person create the inter peace and happiness required, is amazing in its self.  To be alone and condition your body, on food intake and water by means of meditation alone.  Our minds are truly an amazing gift to be share with others.

The greatness of the teaching, wonderfully explained.  Using a three distinctive qualities, it is comprehensive, easy to practice, and superior system.  Atisa, simply did not lay out instructions using verbal commands, but wrote them out in text to be followed using a three-step process.  Illustrates their pure focus and commitment in teaching others, whether they are Hinayana, Mahayana, Sutrayana, or Tantrayana, whatever subject they explain – they are all the same in that they lead beings to the achievement of buddhahood. 

Everything the Buddha taught unerringly presents the four noble truths.  My understandings are eliminating, what needs to be manifested, and cultivated.  The messages where clear, eliminating the cause, suffering and mental afflictions.  Once this is completed and permanently eliminated the process to emancipation would lead you to cultivation and achievement of buddhahood.

Relying on the spiritual teaching, the key in this chapter identifies the (Buddhas) person or persons qualified or who understands the teaching taught and demonstrates purpose to those disciples eager to follow the messages and teaching of many years passed.  It’s just not enough to have someone speak, with no real understanding of the texts written.  We all need a spiritual guide in our lives, a person who will direct you in the direction you seek.  It talked about, three characteristics of a spiritual teacher are referred to as the three training, pure ethical conduct, meditative stabilization, and higher insight.  The focus, dedication, and self-discipline acquired towards teaching those willing to make the sacrifice, of body, mind, and heart.

Meditation sessions, this topic and discussion used to illustrate the fundamentals and practices used by the spiritual teachers, and preparations.  Meditating is not difficult, but one must find a religion that suits their individual purpose and goals.  I’ve not been successful yet, in the meditation process.  I find myself thinking of too many things all at once.  This chapter read with purpose and direction, showing the readers, how and why its important to find the time to cleanse the mind.

I truly enjoyed reading the many texts and passages outlining in this book.  At times I felt overwhelm, simply because I didn’t understand or interpreted their thoughts correctly.  More reading is required and many more years of studying the teaching of Buddha’s and their discipline.  I would recommend this book to anyone who looks for better ideas or methods used many years ago.  Methods proven or an awareness made clearer outlined in this book.

Thank you, Katherine for sharing this amazing book.