Practicing the Path: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo

Rating:
Summary: Good Commentary
Review: In this work Yangsi Rinpoche, a tulku with the training of a Tibetan scholar, brings the power of Tsongkhapa's masterwork alive for all of us. The Lamrim Chenmo is a Tibetan Mahayana teaching for a fortunate being to go to enlightenment. It is well expounded by Nagarjuna and Asanga. Originally, it had been composed by Lama Atisha. The lamrim is the essence of Lama Atisha's enlightenment. It's also the essence of Tsongkhapa's realizations, who had written extensive commentary on Atisha's masterwork, "Lamp on the Path to Enlightenment." This particular lamrim, according to Yangsi Rinpoche, contains everything one needs to know about Mahayana Buddhism. What's more, as what lies within is attainable by each and every one of us with the correct sincerity and effort employed toward our Buddhist practice. Here is a brief segment from the book:

"Even when you practice a complete path, that path must not be chaotic and random. If it is complete but chaotic and random you cannot achieve enlightenment, which means you cannot do perfect work for sentient beings. Therefore, you have to practice the whole path towards enlightenment and you must do so in the correct order."

At this point, he introduces the lamrim as that path. You know, I must admit this book is at times a little stuck in doctrine, but it's forgivable. All around it's a fascinating text and quite alive in concern to the often perplexing reads you find while approaching Tibetan Buddhism. If you are looking to learn more about the Tibetan way, this is a really good book to start with. I personally don't practice Tibetan Buddhism, but I respect the tradition and like what many of it's teachers have got to say. So get the book, it's beyond doubt worth the read.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended commentary on Tsongkhapa's Great Treatise
Review: This is an excellent, well writen, and enjoyable book, and I strongly recommend it. You cannot really call yourself a Buddhist and not know this stuff. It is a commentary on THE GREAT TREATISE ON THE STAGES OF THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT: The Lamrim Chenmo by Tsong-kha-pa, which has been partly translated into English by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. I use it for studying in order to memorize the important knowledge that one needs on the Mahayana path to full enlightenment, such as the three kinds of ethics. I also follow the advice that Yangsi Rinpoche gives. It is crucial to know these things and to live virtuously in order to calm one's mind enough to gain realizations. Also it is the only proper way to live, which will bring happiness and prosperity. Tsong-kha-pa (1357-1419), completed his masterpiece in 1402 and it soon became one of the most renowned works of spiritual practice and philosophy in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsong-kha-pa took great pains to base his incisive insights on the classical Indian Buddhist literature and created an entire course of study for people to follow. Tsongkhapa is the best! Using this book will bring results, I guarantee it. Plus I find the book to be easy to read even though it is 533 pages. Buy it!