19 The Meaning of Blessings and Lama Tsongkhapa's Extensive Contributions 13-Sept-2004

[00:01:45] Rinpoche leads a reflection on the nature of samsara and three types of suffering. [00:08:03] Why do we need to take refuge in the Three Jewels? Guru, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha have the perfect power and qualities to liberate oneself and all sentient beings from the oceans of samsaric suffering and its causes. [00:27:22] The four immeasurable thoughts - equanimity, loving kindness, compassion and joy - is a preliminary practice, but it is an important practice as it is about making a very important decision to transform one's life to benefit all sentient beings. [00:29:40] Rinpoche explains the meaning of jin lab, blessings of the Guru. [00:52:05] The power of regret and how to do the practice of confession. [01:05:20] By rejoicing in Lama Tsongkhapa’s qualities and extensive holy deeds, one creates the cause, sooner or later, to be able to complete the path. One creates the cause to be able to have unmistaken realization of Lama Tsongkhapa’s path and to offer extensive benefit to sentient beings and the teaching of Buddha, the same as Lama Tsongkhapa did. [01:29:30] The group recites prayers Requesting to Turn the Dharma Wheel and Dedication, Special Request for the Three Great Purposes, The Foundation of All Good Qualities, and final dedications. This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004. Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/