Geshe Sonam Rinchen - The Practice of Bodhisattvas Combines Skillful Means and Wisdom

THE THIRTY-SEVEN PRACTICES
OF BODHISATTVAS
by Geshe Sonam Rinchen
translated and edited by
Ruth Sonam
more...

Dharma Quote of the Week

30.
Since the five perfections without wisdom
Cannot bring perfect enlightenment,
Along with skillful means cultivate the wisdom
Which does not conceive the three spheres [as real]
This is the practice of Bodhisattvas.
--Gyelsay Togmay Sangpo

Practice of the five perfections without the understanding of reality remains contaminated, and though it may yield boundless happiness, it doesn't lead to omniscience. Love and compassion without the understanding of reality cannot help us to escape from worldly existence.

On the other hand, we may easily remain trapped in a state of personal peace if we have understood reality but lack enough love and compassion. It is therefore the practice of Bodhisattvas to combine the two--skillful means and wisdom. Which of us can say we don't want to possess knowledge, kindness and pure conduct? Our text is a manual of instruction on how to gain these qualities and become a fully developed human being. (p.70)

--from The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, by Geshe Sonam Rinchen, translated and edited by Ruth Sonam, published by Snow Lion Publications

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Tags: books, Buddhism, dharma, wisdom, skillful means, The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, Geshe Sonam Rinchen, translation, Ruth Sonam, Snow Lion Publications, Bodhisattvas, five perfections