The Three Principal Aspects of the Path: An Oral Teaching [Paperback]

The wish for freedom, the altruistic intention, and the wisdom realizing emptiness constitute the essence of the Buddhist path. In this teaching, Geshe Sonam Rinchen explains, in clear and readily accessible terms, Je Tsongkhapa’s (1357–1419) famed presentation of these three essential topics. This quintessential teaching of the three principles straight from the bodhisattva Manjushri via Jey Tsong Khapa is beautifully translated and insightfully elucidated in this little jewel of a book. I hugely enjoyed it and recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who wants to understand the practice the Buddha Dharma. —Robert Thurman, author ofWhy the Dalai Lama Matters

A perfect introduction to Mahayana Buddhist practice! Geshe Sonam Rinchen gives us a concise and authoritative guide to the heart of the bodhisattva path. Replete with vivid teaching stories from traditional Tibet and the tough-love proverbs of the Kadampa masters, the volume also includes a clear edition and translation of Tsong-kha-pa's 14-verse root text. —Guy Newland, author ofIntroduction to Emptiness

This oral commentary by Geshe Sonam Rinchen is perhaps the most complete comprehensive and clear explanation I have read. He has brought to bear a huge depth of experience and an extensive knowledge of Buddhist teachings to create a rich and inspiring illumination of the root text. This is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the essential foundations of Tibetan Buddhist psychology and practice. —Rob Preece, author ofThe Courage to FeelandThe Wisdom of Imperfection

Sonam has captured the storytelling tone that makes good teachers so popular ('don't listen like a pot which has been turned upside down'). Geshe Rinchen's years of experience teaching Westerners makes the text very accessible without compromising its integrity. His depth of wisdom makes this a valuable book for the seasoned Buddhl3Y