Heart Jewel: The Essential Practices of Kadampa Buddhism

by Kelsang Gyatso

A Bodhisattva is a friend of the world who, motivated by compassion, spontaneously seeks enlightenment to benefit all living beings.

In this practical guide to compassionate living, Geshe Kelsang explains in detail how to take and keep the Bodhisattva vows, how to purify downfalls, and how to practise the Bodhisattva’s deeds of giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom. 

With this handbook as our companion, we can enter the Bodhisattva's way of life and progress along the path to full enlightenment.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Prayer, Religion

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.

He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.

The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.

To discover more about Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s compassionate vision and activities visit http://tharpa.com/us/benefit-all-worl....

Reviews

[Hein Htet Kyaw]

I came across Kadampa Buddhism in Australia around 2019. Seems alright. I studied a bit. At that time, I was not a radical materialist and was really into Zen, so I gave it a try. But it's too supernatural, just like other Tibetan Buddhism. The origins of Kadampa Buddhism can be traced back to a dispute over the existence of a deity.

This book will tell you the main tenets of Kadampa Buddhist Tradition. Since they're minority dissent among Tibetan Buddhism, I still give them my solidarity even though I am not impressed by the content of this Buddhist sect.

[Gianmichael Salvato]

Bringing access to the two foundational practices of the New kadampa Tradition of Mahayana Buddhism, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's Heart Jewel beautifully presents Tsongkhapa's Guru Yoga sadhana and the timeless method for relying upon the Pure Dharma Protector. Explaining these in great detail, with clear and concise instruction, Geshe-la makes it possible for practitioners to make the most of this precious incarnation to gain merit and progress toward realisation.

[Turquoise Brennan]

helping me to understand the meaning behind certain gurus and unfamiliar terms. the sadhanas in the appendix are helpful.

[Nick Ball]

Awful. Don't believe the 5 star reviews, they're mainly written by New Kadampa cult members

[Lightwhisper]

Interessante para conhecer mais sobre esta religião, bastante detalhado.