YEAR 2010: Lam gTso rNam gSum or The Principal Aspects of the Path by Je Tsongkhapa with Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye’s commentary, sKal bZang Thar Pa’i Jug Ngogs or The Path of Liberation for the Fortunate Ones.  In this context, the root and principal aspect of all paths, whether sutra or mantra, is the triad of genuine renunciation, bodhicitta, and the correct view of reality. Why is that? Because, without the renunciation that turns one's mind away from samsara, the urge to strive for liberation does not develop. In addition, without correct view, the means for counteracting the clinging to material existence which is the root of samsara, it is not possible to attain liberation. Therefore, it is said:

For as long as there is clinging to the skandhas
There will likewise be clinging to an "I."
Where there is clinging to an "I," there is also karmic action.
From karmic action, once again there is birth.

Yet, even if one possesses both renunciation and view, but lacks the bodhicitta that reverses fascination with one's own self-interest, they will not serve as a cause for enlightenment. If, however, one trains in all three of these, by transcending the extremes of existence and pacification, one readily actualises unconstrained nirvana.

Consequently, these three are like the lifeblood of all the paths of sutra and mantra. Seeing the power of this truth, the human manifestation of Manjushri as Lobsang Drakpa, the Lord Tsongkhapa, skilfully taught The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, a pre-eminent treatise that places complete liberation in the palms of one's hands. In doing so, he created a means for nourishing the happiness and well-being of beings.

The master of non-sectarian teachings, the Lord of Refuge, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche the Great, perceiving this very text as a genuine passageway for those striving on this path, wrote a comprehensively clear commentary through his own experience, in loving consideration of future disciples, which is found among the Treasury of Spiritual Instructions, where it remains as a blossom of well-being and peace.

Thus, hoping that this will occur just as intended, at this juncture between the first and second series of Rigpe Dorje Institute’s five-year programmes, we have chosen this subject to serve as a link, for new and old students alike.

 Additionally, there will be teachings on the introduction to the tenets of the Vaibhashika, Sautantrika, and Cittamatra schools, incorporating essential points of science of mind and science of reasoning. This is aimed at directing the mind toward the system of tenets of the Vaibhashika and Sautantrika as they actually are, and to facilitate an initial realisation of the basic nature through the Cittamatra tenets.

YEAR 2011:  AUTONOMY MIDDLE WAY VIEW. Madhyamakalamkara or Ornament of the Middle Way by the Great Abbott Shantarakshita, with commentary by Mipham Rinpoche, Part One. The topic is the presentation of the Autonomy Middle Way or Svatantrika view which, when realised, opens the door to the treasury of the basic nature. As to ascertaining the presentation on apparent reality precisely, it is said:

Those who ignore the ladder of apparent reality in climbing to the highest ramparts of the palace of genuine reality are certainly fools!

YEAR 2012:  AUTONOMY MIDDLE WAY VIEW (continued). Madhyamakalamkara, or Ornament of the Middle Way, by the Great Abbott Shantarakshita, with commentary by Mipham Rinpoche, Part Two.

YEAR 2013:  CONSEQUENCE MIDDLE WAY VIEW.  The wisdom chapter of the Bodhisattva Shantideva's Bodhicharyavatara, or Guide to Bodhisattva Conduct, with commentary by Mipham Rinpoche. The topic is the presentation of the Consequence Middle Way or Prasangika view, which, when realised, allows one to penetrate to the very depths of the basic nature.

YEAR 2014:  SHENTONG, EMPTY OF OTHER VIEW. Praise of the Dharmadhatu by the Protector Nagarjuna. The topic is the Empty of Other or Shentong view, which, when realised, is the recognition of the basic nature itself.

Consequently, if this process transpires correctly, one's mindstream will ripen, rendering it a fit vessel for engaging in any of the higher practices, such as Mahamudra, Dzogchen, and secret mantra. In any case, assuming the certainty of the nature of interdependence and karmic cause and effect, by not mistaking the fundamental root of these, as explained above, you can show yourself great kindness through a positive attitude and an honest mindset towards yourself. So by all means, do so!

YEAR 2010:  SHAMATHA. Training the mind in the methods of shamatha meditation through the general method for stabilising the foundation of the practice through the causes and conditions of shamatha, namely, understanding how to abandon what is to be eliminated and how to cultivate the remedies.

YEAR 2011:  BODHICITTA THROUGH EQUALISING SELF AND OTHER.  The meditation on equalising self and others, guarded by the skilful means of shamatha, based on the chapter on meditative concentration of Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, or Guide to Bodhisattva Conduct.

YEAR 2012:  BODHICITTA THROUGH EXCHANGING SELF AND OTHER. The meditation on exchanging self and others, guarded by the skilful means of shamatha, based on the same text and chapter as in year 2011.

YEAR 2013:  VIPASHYANA. Vipashyana meditation, applying the four establishments of mindfulness unique to the Madhyamaka, or Middle Way school, based on the chapter on wisdom of Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, or Guide to Bodhisattva Conduct.

YEAR 2014:  MAHAMUDRA. Having ripened the mindstream through the preceding subjects, we will listen, contemplate, and meditate on "The Naturally Dawning Innate State," Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye's song of realisation about meditating on the Mahamudra view.

By nurturing one's own benefit through such a progression, one ripens one's mindstream and achieves liberation. Consequently, one distils the very essence of the freedoms and resources and makes one's precious human existence meaningful, thus showing oneself great kindness – so do not fall prey to self-doubt and indolence!

     
     Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgial & Jim Scott