"Compassion is the most important subject that we can study; it is the only subject that you can do something about with your own will power. It is the only dharmic realization that cannot be bestowed upon you. Did you know that? To a certain extent you can be blessed with levels of wisdom, but the one thing that cannot be given to you is compassion. It is the most important subject that you can learn."

With that revealing statement, Domo Geshe Rinpoche introduces the Thirty Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva.

Born into nobility, not unlike Lord Buddha himself, Atisha (982-1054) had a strong affinity for spiritual practice. Atisha already had great realizations at an early age. During pilgrimage to Bodhgaya, the place of Lord Buddha's enlightenment, the female Buddha, Tara, appeared to Atisha and instructed him that the swiftest path to full Buddhahood was the practice of bodhichitta. Bodhichitta means "mind of enlightenment" and is understood to be a high form of altruistic compassion - the highest form that is possible to achieve as a human. Bodhichitta is described as the unshakable determination to rescue every living being from suffering.
 
Atisha journeyed to Sumatra to study for twelve years with Serlingpa, the most renowned bodhichitta master of his time. After mastering the "mind training" of bodhichitta, Atisha returned to India and subsequently went to Tibet, taking with him the lineage of lojong (i.e., mind training - training the mind in bodhichitta) teachings for which the Tibetans have become famous. One of the great Tibetan lojong texts is the Thirty Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, by Thokme Zangpo (1285 to 1369).

 

Red Lotus Buddhist Wisdom: Nice for a small coffee table book. Many people have already purchased as Christmas gifts We hope these inspirational and thought provoking quotations by the 9th Domo Geshe Rinpoche, accompanied by dramatic portraits of lotuses, will awaken your natural joy as they have for her many students over the years.
Although Buddhism is ancient, it remains fresh and contemporary.
Known for purity, peace, and tranquility, the teachings of Buddhism also instill strength and determination in us to rise from the mud of ordinary life and gain enlightenment, just as the lotus emerges triumphantly. Quotations by Domo Geshe Rinpoche are presented in
graphics word art also created by Domo Geshe to emphasize the Buddhist concepts that can be used as meditations. Click on the picture (above) to order.

Price: $18.95 plus Shipping & Handling

Mystery of Emptiness & Love: "There are Buddhist centers in nearly every town and city, yet most people who are interested in spiritual development never walk into one. You are probably like them, researching on your own for many years before deciding to enter a group setting. Perhaps you will never meet Buddhists face to face but will choose to read and contemplate deep questions at your own pace. Whether you are studying on your own or under the guidance of a mentor, this book will assist you in uncovering answers to some of the deepest questions of philosophers and sincere thinkers about the nature of reality (i.e., what is real). Based on common sense, in easy language and with correct Buddhist reasoning, this guide will guide and encourage you to put into practice the analysis of reality, rather than simply acquire more knowledge. This book will also act as an guide to many important points regarding the core of Buddhist philosophy concerning compassion combined with the nature of reality, what is called �emptiness�. Click on the picture (above) to order.
Price: $16.95 plus Shipping & Handling