The Three Principles: Extensive Commentary

by Gelek Rimpoche

The Three Principles of the Path was written by Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), one of the greatest lamas in the history of Tibet. In fourteen stanzas, the entire path to enlightenment is explained, summarized in three main features, i.e the need for a determination to be free, the need to develop altruism and insight in the true nature of reality. Gelek Rimpoche’s commentary is both practical and modern, revealing the deeper layers of this poetic text together with tips on how to meditate on its meaning.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2014

About the author

Kyabjé Gelek Rimpoche (Tibetan: དགེ་ལེགས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་, Wylie: Skyabs-rje Dge-legs Rin-po-che) is tulku (incarnate lama) of Drepung Monastic University, where he received the scholastic degree of Geshe Lharampa, the highest degree given within the Gelug tradition.

Gelek is a nephew of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. He was tutored by many of the same masters as the current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.

In 1959, Gelek fled to India from Tibet and gave up monastic life. He is the founder and president of Jewel Heart, "a spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian organization that translates the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism into contemporary life." Beat-poet Allen Ginsberg was among the more prominent of Jewel Heart's members.