The essential nectar : meditations on the Buddhist path : an explanation of the Lam rim text of Yeshe Tsöndrü entitled the Essential nectar of the holy doctrine, and the text itself

The root text by Yeshe Tsondru, used by Geshe Rabten in his explanation and published here, presents concisely and in their order of development all the meditations and practices involved in entering the Buddhist Path and proceeding along it towards Enlightenment, up to the point at which one is ready to practise Tantra. It is written entirely in verse, so that one can easily memorize it and use it in meditation. Front Cover Contents PREFACE INTRODUCTION by Geshe Rabten THE PREPARATORY PRACTICES (1-96) THE ACTUAL PRACTICE Part One: Basics 1. Meditation 1: Guru Devotion (97-139) 2. Meditation 2: The Opportune, Fortunate Rebirth (140-176) Part Two: Path of the Inferior Person 3. Meditation 3: Death (177-200) 4. Meditation 4: The Sufferings of the Realms of Woe (210-238) 5. Meditation 5: The Practice of Taking Refuge (239-252) 6. Meditation 6: How to Generate Confidence in the Laws of Actions and Results (253-264) Part Three: Path of the Intermediate Person 7. Meditation 7: The Sufferings of the Happier Realms and the General Sufferings of Samsara (265-296) 8. Meditation 8: How to Think about the Process of Functioning of Samsara, and Practise the Path to Liberation (297-304) Part Four: Path of the Superior Person 9. Meditation 9: The Development of Bodhicitta (305-366) 10. Meditation 10: How to Train in the Six Perfections (367-382) 11. Meditation 11: How to Train in the Four Means of Attraction (383-384) 12. Meditation 12: How to Meditate on Quietude (385-393) 13. Meditation 13: How to Meditate on Insight (394-423) 14. Meditation 14: How to Enter the Adamantine Vehicle (424-425) THE TEXT by Yeshe Tsöndrü APPENDICES 1. The Confession of Downfalls 2. A Lam rim Prayer by Je Tsongkhapa 3. Je Tsongkhapa on the Six Sufferings and the Three Sufferings 4. Je Tsongkhapa's Dedication Prayer 5. Structure of the Text GLOSSARY BIBLIOGRAPHY NOTES Exploring crucial points on the path to enlightenment, "Stages of the Path" literature continues to hold its place as one of the great treasures of Buddhist thought. In this volume, Geshe Rabten presents a structured explanation of the popular and practical text, The Essential Nectar of Holy Doctrine , by the 18th century scholar Yeshe Tsondru. Geshe Rabtens teachings reveal how we may see lifes great value and, by taking up the profound practice described herein, make the most of its abundant opportunity. In a voice both sweet and potent, The Essential Nectar reveals the essence of the path to enlightenment. An explanation of the Lam Rim--the steps necessary to achieve enlightenment.