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The Heart of Compassion: The Thirty-seven Verses on the Practice of a Bodhisattva
A Tibetan Buddhist master shares his commentary on Santideva's Way of the Bodhisattva , illuminating the path to enlightenment and the meaning of true compassion
What would be the practical implications of caring more about others than about yourself? This is the radical theme of this extraordinary set of instructions, a training manual composed in the fourteenth century by the Buddhist hermit Ngulchu Thogme, here explained in detail by one of the great Tibetan Buddhist masters of the twentieth century, Dilgo Khyentse.
In the Mahayana tradition, those who have the courage to undertake the profound change of attitude required to develop true compassion are called bodhisattvas . Their great resolve—to consider others’ needs as paramount, and thus to attain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures—carries them beyond the limits imposed by the illusions of “I” and “mine,” culminating in the direct realization of reality, transcending dualistic notions of self and other.
This classic text presents ways that we can work with our own hearts and minds, starting wherever we find ourselves now, to unravel our small-minded preoccupations and discover our own potential for compassion, love, and wisdom. Many generations of Buddhist practitioners have been inspired by these teachings, and the great masters of all traditions have written numerous commentaries. Dilgo Khyentse’s commentary is probably his most extensive recorded teaching on Mahayana practice.
What would be the practical implications of caring more about others than about yourself? This is the radical theme of this extraordinary set of instructions, a training manual composed in the fourteenth century by the Buddhist hermit Ngulchu Thogme, here explained in detail by one of the great Tibetan Buddhist masters of the twentieth century, Dilgo Khyentse.
In the Mahayana tradition, those who have the courage to undertake the profound change of attitude required to develop true compassion are called bodhisattvas . Their great resolve—to consider others’ needs as paramount, and thus to attain enlightenment for the sake of all living creatures—carries them beyond the limits imposed by the illusions of “I” and “mine,” culminating in the direct realization of reality, transcending dualistic notions of self and other.
This classic text presents ways that we can work with our own hearts and minds, starting wherever we find ourselves now, to unravel our small-minded preoccupations and discover our own potential for compassion, love, and wisdom. Many generations of Buddhist practitioners have been inspired by these teachings, and the great masters of all traditions have written numerous commentaries. Dilgo Khyentse’s commentary is probably his most extensive recorded teaching on Mahayana practice.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2007
116 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Dilgo Khyentse
52 books82 followersHis Holiness Khyabjé Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoché (Tib.: དིལ་མགོ་མཁྱེན་བརྩེ། Wylie: dil mgo mkhyen brtse), born Tashi Peljor (བཀྲ་ཤིས་དཔལ་འབྱོར། bkra shis dpal 'byor) and ordained a monk as Jigme Rabsel Dawa Kyenrab Tenpa Dargye (འཇིགས་མེད་ རབ་གསལ་ཟླ་བ་ མཁྱེན་རབ་ བསྟན་པ་དར་རྒྱས། 'jigs med rab gsal zla ba mkhyen rab bstan pa dar rgyas) and later Gyurme Labsum Gyeltsen (འགྱུར་མེད་ ལབ་ སུམ་ རྒྱལ་མཚན། 'gyur med lab sum rgyal mtshan), was a Vajrayana lama and 2nd Supreme Head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism from 1987 until 1991. He was held to be the "mind emanation" of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892). Having escaped Tibet close behind the Dalai Lama, he settled in Bhutan in 1965, where he maintained his primary residence for the rest of his life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 22, 2017
What a lot of thoughts of attachment and anger I have! Does that happen to you?
"All the joys and sufferings of this world are just projections of our minds and the result of our past karma," Thogme said. "As I have a little understanding that in relative truth everything is like an illusion, and that in absolute truth, everything is utterly beyond conceptual fabrications, I don't experience attachment and hatred at all."
Gyalse Thogme retired to the hermitage of Ngulchu at the age of 42. He remained there until he was 65, dedicating himself entirely to spiritual practice, and to showing in body, speech, and mind every aspect of perfection.
When the ruthless soldiers appeared brandishing their bloodstained swords and spears, they wanted to receive his blessing, but dared not approach.
"We are evil people," they said. "We may defile you."
"I can put up with that," Gyalse Thogme replied, and he gave them his blessing.
"My wish is to liberate all beings, so if I did have any power, how could I dare abandon those who rely on me? Yet, just as a doctor's prescription alone will not cure her patient, if you don't pray fervently to the Victorious Ones and apply their teachings, it's going to be difficult for them to protect you, let alone for me to do so. Therefore, practice correctly all the instructions you have received and you'll be able to help others, just as I have done. So you don't need to feel pain at the thought that we are going to be separated. Even if we part, rely upon the Three Jewels and pray to them -- is there any refuge more supreme?"
"To keep the three vows,
Give up all attachment and belief in things as truly existing,
And benefit others with your actions, words, and thoughts,
Is truly excellent practice."
I must carry myself and others across the ocean of samsara.
To that end, to listen, to reflect, and meditate
Day and night, without distraction, is the practice of a bodhisattva.
3
To rely on solitude is the practice of a bodhisattva.
5
In bad company, the three poisons grow strong,
Listening, reflections, and meditation decline,
And loving-kindness and compassion vanish --
To avoid unsuitable friends is the practice of a bodhisattva.
9
Like dew on grass, the delights of the three worlds
By their very nature evaporate in an instant.
If people's minds are permeated with the wish to help others, the general welfare of the world steadily increases.
Those who practice the Dharma of the Mahayana in accordance with the Buddha's intention are known as bodhisattvas.
The buddhas being those who have totally conquered the enemies of ignorance and other emotions, they are often referred to by the epithet "Victorious Ones," while bodhisattvas, in many texts, are called "children of the Victorious Ones."
The eight intrusive circumstances that cause you to drift away from Dharma are (1) to be greatly disturbed by the five poisonous emotions; (2) to be extremely stupid and thus easily led astray by unsuitable friends; (3) to fall prey to the devil of a mistaken path; (4) to be distracted by laziness even though you have some interest in Dharma; (5) to lead a wrong way of life, and be afflicted by negative karma; (6) to be enslaved or controlled by others; (7) to practice for mundane reasons, such as just to be protected from danger or out of fear that you might lack food or other basic necessities; and (8) to practice a hypocritical semblance of Dharma in the hope of wealth or fame.
The eight incompatible propensities that limit your nature potential to attain freedom are (1) to be fettered by your family, wealth, and occupation so that you do not have the leisure to practice the Dharma; (2) to have a very corrupt nature that drives you to depraved behavior, so that even when you meet a spiritual teacher it is very hard to turn your mind to Dharma; (3) to have no fear of samsara's sufferings, and therefore no feeling of disillusionment with samsara, or determination to be free from it; (4) to lack the jewel of faith and therefore have no inclination whatsoever to meet a teacher and undertake the teachings; (5) to delight in negative actions and have no compunction about committing them; (6) to have no more interest in Dharma than a dog in eating grass, being therefore unable to develop any positive qualities; (7) to have spoiled your pratimoksha vows and Mahayana precepts, and thus to have nowhere else to go but the lower realms of existence, where there is no leisure to practice the Dharma; and (8) having entered the extraordinary path of the Vajrayana, to break samaya with your teacher and vajra sisters and brothers, and thus be parted from your natural potential.
Having this precious human life is like having a well-rigged ship on which to sail across the ocean to an island of treasures. As Shantideva says in The Ways of the Bodhisattva:
Cross the sea of emotions
On the boat of human existence.
The time of death is uncertain;
The cause of death is unpredictable.
Practice to free yourself and all others from the suffering that is samsara.
Among human beings, there are 4 root sufferings: birth, old age, sickness, and death.
The meaning of leaving behind your native land is to leave behind the emotions of attachment, hatred, and the obscuring ignorance that permeates both.
Go to a completely unknown place where there is nothing that will engender negative emotions.
Affectionate relatives and friends
Are like jailers detaining you in samsara.
Entanglement in desire or aversion toward sensual experiences
Is like honey into which an insect falls.
Seized by fear, throw them all away!
Have good thoughts and intentions toward all beings.
Like the moon, which is always on the move, do not remain in one place too long.
Living in solitary places, the source of all good qualities -- your self-control and moderation increase.
Anything you do that is in accord with the Dharma, however small or trivial, will be beneficial.
Give up concerns of this life by reflecting on impermanence --
Consciousness, a guest, will leave the hotel of the body
In reality, phenomena are impermanent, and devoid of any true substantial existence.
Fear death now,
And thus become fearless at the time of death;
Do nothing.
Crave nothing.
Start the day by arousing the wish for enlightenment.
In the evening, examine everything you have done during the day, confess whatever was negative, and dedicate whatever was positive to the benefit of all beings. Make a promise to do better the next day.
To cherish the teacher more than yourself, and more than anyone else, is the practice of a bodhisattva.
People naturally search for refuge, for someone or something to protect them from sorrow and torment. Some people turn to the powerful with the hope of achieving wealth, pleasure, and influence.
True refuge can only be provided by something that is itself totally free -- true refuge is to be found only in the Three Jewels -- the Buddha (spiritual friends, animals, wheels, bridges, boats, fresh breezes, medicinal plants), Dharma (teachings of the Buddha: discipline, instruction, metaphysics), and Sangha (the community of Buddha's followers -- those who teach and practice) -- with their absolute wisdom, unbiased compassion, and unimpeded ability.
A king whose predominant concern was the welfare of his subjects would be considered noble, whereas a king who looked after his own welfare and comfort at the expense of his subjects would be shameless.
Throughout your past lives you have been connected with all beings, and at some time or other all of them must have been your loving parents.
Faith is the prerequisite for refuge, and its very essence. Taking refuge comes from the depth of your heart.
After taking refuge, (1) do not take refuge in worldly gods and powerful people of this world. (2) give up all forms of violence, in thought, word, or deed; (3) do not willingly share the lifestyle of those who live in a totally wrong way, nor distrust karmic law of cause and effect.
Having taken refuge in the Buddha (1) respect any representation of the Buddha. Having taken refuge in the Dharma (2) respect all the scriptures, down to a single letter of the alphabet. Never step over books. Having taken refuge in the Sangha (3) respect members of the monastic community and all Dharma practitioners.
Abandon evildoing
Practice virtue well
Master your own mind
Looking at the mind
There is nothing to see.
Seeing nothing, we see the Dharma,
The source of all buddhas.
Kharak Gomchung said:
In the mind of a beginner
There is clarity, but no stability;
To stop it being consigned to the wind of thoughts,
Fasten it with the rope of mindfulness.
Calming the mind is like closing the glass of a lantern around the flame so that it can shine brightly and steadily, protected from the wind.
Avoid attachment to the homes of friends and benefactors is the practice of a bodhisattva.
As Shantideva says:
For I am one who strives for freedom;
I must not be bound by wealth and honors.
Gyalse Thogme said:
To feel satisfied with whatever you have, that is the ultimate wealth;
Not to crave or be attached to anything at all, that is the ultimate happiness.
Most wars that devastate the world are started by harsh words. As Nagarjuna says in his Letter to a Friend, the words people speak are of three kinds: like honey, flowers, and excrement. World that help and please are like honey. Words that are honest and true are like flowers. Violent, harmful words are like excrement.
The way a bodhisattva uses speed is to bring people onto the path of liberation. Start by saying things and telling stories that open people's minds by making them happy. Gradually and skillfully introduce them to the meaning of Dharma.
Stay alert, and watch what your mind is doing. Think about it.
The buddha nature, tathagatargarbha, is present in all of us, but we fail to recognize it. If your mistaken belief in a self disappeared, you would realize the essential sameness of self and other.
The essence of the practice of a bodhisattva is to transcend self-clinging and dedicate yourself completely to serving others. True generosity is to have no clinging; true discipline is to have no desire; true patience is to be without hatred. A bodhisattva possesses impartial love for all beings.
Bless me that I may know how to use all difficulties and obstacles as friends along this path!
May I be able to benefit beings
Through my body, speech, and mind.
Even through my shadow.
And may not even the least harm
Ever come about because of me.
May all beings enjoy happiness and well-being
And perform the deeds of the bodhisattvas.
"All the joys and sufferings of this world are just projections of our minds and the result of our past karma," Thogme said. "As I have a little understanding that in relative truth everything is like an illusion, and that in absolute truth, everything is utterly beyond conceptual fabrications, I don't experience attachment and hatred at all."
Gyalse Thogme retired to the hermitage of Ngulchu at the age of 42. He remained there until he was 65, dedicating himself entirely to spiritual practice, and to showing in body, speech, and mind every aspect of perfection.
When the ruthless soldiers appeared brandishing their bloodstained swords and spears, they wanted to receive his blessing, but dared not approach.
"We are evil people," they said. "We may defile you."
"I can put up with that," Gyalse Thogme replied, and he gave them his blessing.
"My wish is to liberate all beings, so if I did have any power, how could I dare abandon those who rely on me? Yet, just as a doctor's prescription alone will not cure her patient, if you don't pray fervently to the Victorious Ones and apply their teachings, it's going to be difficult for them to protect you, let alone for me to do so. Therefore, practice correctly all the instructions you have received and you'll be able to help others, just as I have done. So you don't need to feel pain at the thought that we are going to be separated. Even if we part, rely upon the Three Jewels and pray to them -- is there any refuge more supreme?"
"To keep the three vows,
Give up all attachment and belief in things as truly existing,
And benefit others with your actions, words, and thoughts,
Is truly excellent practice."
I must carry myself and others across the ocean of samsara.
To that end, to listen, to reflect, and meditate
Day and night, without distraction, is the practice of a bodhisattva.
3
To rely on solitude is the practice of a bodhisattva.
5
In bad company, the three poisons grow strong,
Listening, reflections, and meditation decline,
And loving-kindness and compassion vanish --
To avoid unsuitable friends is the practice of a bodhisattva.
9
Like dew on grass, the delights of the three worlds
By their very nature evaporate in an instant.
If people's minds are permeated with the wish to help others, the general welfare of the world steadily increases.
Those who practice the Dharma of the Mahayana in accordance with the Buddha's intention are known as bodhisattvas.
The buddhas being those who have totally conquered the enemies of ignorance and other emotions, they are often referred to by the epithet "Victorious Ones," while bodhisattvas, in many texts, are called "children of the Victorious Ones."
The eight intrusive circumstances that cause you to drift away from Dharma are (1) to be greatly disturbed by the five poisonous emotions; (2) to be extremely stupid and thus easily led astray by unsuitable friends; (3) to fall prey to the devil of a mistaken path; (4) to be distracted by laziness even though you have some interest in Dharma; (5) to lead a wrong way of life, and be afflicted by negative karma; (6) to be enslaved or controlled by others; (7) to practice for mundane reasons, such as just to be protected from danger or out of fear that you might lack food or other basic necessities; and (8) to practice a hypocritical semblance of Dharma in the hope of wealth or fame.
The eight incompatible propensities that limit your nature potential to attain freedom are (1) to be fettered by your family, wealth, and occupation so that you do not have the leisure to practice the Dharma; (2) to have a very corrupt nature that drives you to depraved behavior, so that even when you meet a spiritual teacher it is very hard to turn your mind to Dharma; (3) to have no fear of samsara's sufferings, and therefore no feeling of disillusionment with samsara, or determination to be free from it; (4) to lack the jewel of faith and therefore have no inclination whatsoever to meet a teacher and undertake the teachings; (5) to delight in negative actions and have no compunction about committing them; (6) to have no more interest in Dharma than a dog in eating grass, being therefore unable to develop any positive qualities; (7) to have spoiled your pratimoksha vows and Mahayana precepts, and thus to have nowhere else to go but the lower realms of existence, where there is no leisure to practice the Dharma; and (8) having entered the extraordinary path of the Vajrayana, to break samaya with your teacher and vajra sisters and brothers, and thus be parted from your natural potential.
Having this precious human life is like having a well-rigged ship on which to sail across the ocean to an island of treasures. As Shantideva says in The Ways of the Bodhisattva:
Cross the sea of emotions
On the boat of human existence.
The time of death is uncertain;
The cause of death is unpredictable.
Practice to free yourself and all others from the suffering that is samsara.
Among human beings, there are 4 root sufferings: birth, old age, sickness, and death.
The meaning of leaving behind your native land is to leave behind the emotions of attachment, hatred, and the obscuring ignorance that permeates both.
Go to a completely unknown place where there is nothing that will engender negative emotions.
Affectionate relatives and friends
Are like jailers detaining you in samsara.
Entanglement in desire or aversion toward sensual experiences
Is like honey into which an insect falls.
Seized by fear, throw them all away!
Have good thoughts and intentions toward all beings.
Like the moon, which is always on the move, do not remain in one place too long.
Living in solitary places, the source of all good qualities -- your self-control and moderation increase.
Anything you do that is in accord with the Dharma, however small or trivial, will be beneficial.
Give up concerns of this life by reflecting on impermanence --
Consciousness, a guest, will leave the hotel of the body
In reality, phenomena are impermanent, and devoid of any true substantial existence.
Fear death now,
And thus become fearless at the time of death;
Do nothing.
Crave nothing.
Start the day by arousing the wish for enlightenment.
In the evening, examine everything you have done during the day, confess whatever was negative, and dedicate whatever was positive to the benefit of all beings. Make a promise to do better the next day.
To cherish the teacher more than yourself, and more than anyone else, is the practice of a bodhisattva.
People naturally search for refuge, for someone or something to protect them from sorrow and torment. Some people turn to the powerful with the hope of achieving wealth, pleasure, and influence.
True refuge can only be provided by something that is itself totally free -- true refuge is to be found only in the Three Jewels -- the Buddha (spiritual friends, animals, wheels, bridges, boats, fresh breezes, medicinal plants), Dharma (teachings of the Buddha: discipline, instruction, metaphysics), and Sangha (the community of Buddha's followers -- those who teach and practice) -- with their absolute wisdom, unbiased compassion, and unimpeded ability.
A king whose predominant concern was the welfare of his subjects would be considered noble, whereas a king who looked after his own welfare and comfort at the expense of his subjects would be shameless.
Throughout your past lives you have been connected with all beings, and at some time or other all of them must have been your loving parents.
Faith is the prerequisite for refuge, and its very essence. Taking refuge comes from the depth of your heart.
After taking refuge, (1) do not take refuge in worldly gods and powerful people of this world. (2) give up all forms of violence, in thought, word, or deed; (3) do not willingly share the lifestyle of those who live in a totally wrong way, nor distrust karmic law of cause and effect.
Having taken refuge in the Buddha (1) respect any representation of the Buddha. Having taken refuge in the Dharma (2) respect all the scriptures, down to a single letter of the alphabet. Never step over books. Having taken refuge in the Sangha (3) respect members of the monastic community and all Dharma practitioners.
Abandon evildoing
Practice virtue well
Master your own mind
Looking at the mind
There is nothing to see.
Seeing nothing, we see the Dharma,
The source of all buddhas.
Kharak Gomchung said:
In the mind of a beginner
There is clarity, but no stability;
To stop it being consigned to the wind of thoughts,
Fasten it with the rope of mindfulness.
Calming the mind is like closing the glass of a lantern around the flame so that it can shine brightly and steadily, protected from the wind.
Avoid attachment to the homes of friends and benefactors is the practice of a bodhisattva.
As Shantideva says:
For I am one who strives for freedom;
I must not be bound by wealth and honors.
Gyalse Thogme said:
To feel satisfied with whatever you have, that is the ultimate wealth;
Not to crave or be attached to anything at all, that is the ultimate happiness.
Most wars that devastate the world are started by harsh words. As Nagarjuna says in his Letter to a Friend, the words people speak are of three kinds: like honey, flowers, and excrement. World that help and please are like honey. Words that are honest and true are like flowers. Violent, harmful words are like excrement.
The way a bodhisattva uses speed is to bring people onto the path of liberation. Start by saying things and telling stories that open people's minds by making them happy. Gradually and skillfully introduce them to the meaning of Dharma.
Stay alert, and watch what your mind is doing. Think about it.
The buddha nature, tathagatargarbha, is present in all of us, but we fail to recognize it. If your mistaken belief in a self disappeared, you would realize the essential sameness of self and other.
The essence of the practice of a bodhisattva is to transcend self-clinging and dedicate yourself completely to serving others. True generosity is to have no clinging; true discipline is to have no desire; true patience is to be without hatred. A bodhisattva possesses impartial love for all beings.
Bless me that I may know how to use all difficulties and obstacles as friends along this path!
May I be able to benefit beings
Through my body, speech, and mind.
Even through my shadow.
And may not even the least harm
Ever come about because of me.
May all beings enjoy happiness and well-being
And perform the deeds of the bodhisattvas.
February 1, 2025
I will be "currently reading" these thirty seven verses for a long time. This isn't a book to be read cover-to-cover and then put on a shelf. It's really a handbook (and sometimes a textbook) on living a compassionate life. And writing a "review" of it is like a writing a review of the Bible. As Buddhist texts go, it is really very comfortable to read, but that by no means makes it easy. It's a lot of work, and pretty much turns my life upside-down each time I sit down with it. And that is precisely why I will continue to read it. I love how it shapes my heart. The Heart of Compassion is the only kind of heart that makes sense - no matter what kind of faith is behind it.
November 19, 2019
The most profound Buddhist teachings I have read so far. Bodhichitta - the desire to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. What a noble path. Having read many books on spirituality, meditation and spirituality I finally found the work which resonates with me on the deepest level. We are on this earth not to seek happiness just for ourselves - true, deep and lasting fulfillment comes from the wish and desire for others to be happy and, on the highest level, to bring all beings to liberation.
The 37 verses of the Bodhisattva will give you all information, all instructions you need to follow the path of the highest wisdom. The verses itself will help you to find the right way - but the commentary of each verse will help you to gain deep understanding about what it really means.
This book is for everyone who wishes to be a better and a happier human being. For me, this is the way to enlightenment. I know that there are many different paths, which will bring you to the final gate, but the bodhissatva path seems to be my personal truth.
The 37 verses of the Bodhisattva will give you all information, all instructions you need to follow the path of the highest wisdom. The verses itself will help you to find the right way - but the commentary of each verse will help you to gain deep understanding about what it really means.
This book is for everyone who wishes to be a better and a happier human being. For me, this is the way to enlightenment. I know that there are many different paths, which will bring you to the final gate, but the bodhissatva path seems to be my personal truth.
December 22, 2019
One line that strikes me from this book which I intend to practice in my daily life is :
Discipline is the basis for concentration. Concentration is the basis for Wisdom.
For me, the aforesaid principle is a prerequisite for practicing the verses written in this book.
Discipline is the basis for concentration. Concentration is the basis for Wisdom.
For me, the aforesaid principle is a prerequisite for practicing the verses written in this book.
Read
April 4, 2009Reading this book was a complete blessing. I felt that the root text was extremely well taught and that it was directed at me.
September 21, 2022
A bit disappointing, especially given the 4.6 average rating. The message of compassion is great, obviously, but the book is deeply superstitious (e.g. constant references to reincarnation) and it displays an unduly tradition-based epistemology (roughly, if something is said in the old Buddhist texts, then it's true, and the real, deep truth can only be found in Buddhism). Showed many of the pitfalls of Buddhism, in my opinion.
For those interested in the core themes without the superstition, I'd recommend Norman Fischer's Training in Compassion.
For those interested in the core themes without the superstition, I'd recommend Norman Fischer's Training in Compassion.
October 28, 2015
Excellent! If all children would read this by sixteen and really practiced these 37 practices, then in two generations war as we know it would end and maybe famine...
July 20, 2022
To read over and over.... life's best advice
February 25, 2025
I read this book while staying at Gomde buddhist centre in Austria, because Laurent recommended it to me. I found this book by amazing teacher Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche is very useful as an introduction to tibetan buddhism. Apart from a lot of important terms and concepts, the book contains incredible wisdom and examples.
February 15, 2009
This book so clearly elucidates the heart of Mahayana practice. I recommend this to anyone who has a solid foundation in Buddhist thought.
September 14, 2014
Excellent!
October 15, 2021
This is such a phenomenal commentary... 🙏
March 29, 2021
I am not Buddhist, however I enjoyed some wisdom from this book. About 20% of the book spoke to me, the other 80% had a hard time keeping my attention.
Quotes from the book:
“Aspirations bring their own results. A strong enough wish to accomplish some goal will probably be realized. If you direct all your efforts into becoming rich and famous you may manage to achieve that goal. While if instead you strive hard through study and meditation to understand and accomplish the sublime word of the spiritual path you will eventually succeed. Like a boatman steering his boat, use your own mind to take your life in the direction you choose.”
“Be content with whatever you have and satisfied with whatever happens day by day. Everything else will then fall naturally into place.”
“To feel satisfied with whatever you have, that is the ultimate wealth, not to crave or be attached to anything at all. That is the ultimate happiness.”
Hatred, attachment, stupidity - unsuitable friends encourage these behaviors.
“When you are with certain people you may see that your defects and emotions increase. And this shows that these people might not be true friends.”
“There is a saying that when you are with a turbulent person you will be carried away by distractions. When you are with a greedy person, you will lose everything you have. When you are with a comfort craving person, you will be preoccupied with petty things. When you are with an overactive person, your concentration will be scattered.”
“We would like to stay forever with those we love but we will surely part from them. We would like to stay in a pleasant place forever, but we will surely have to go. We would like to enjoy comforts and pleasure forever, but we will surely lose them.”
Quotes from the book:
“Aspirations bring their own results. A strong enough wish to accomplish some goal will probably be realized. If you direct all your efforts into becoming rich and famous you may manage to achieve that goal. While if instead you strive hard through study and meditation to understand and accomplish the sublime word of the spiritual path you will eventually succeed. Like a boatman steering his boat, use your own mind to take your life in the direction you choose.”
“Be content with whatever you have and satisfied with whatever happens day by day. Everything else will then fall naturally into place.”
“To feel satisfied with whatever you have, that is the ultimate wealth, not to crave or be attached to anything at all. That is the ultimate happiness.”
Hatred, attachment, stupidity - unsuitable friends encourage these behaviors.
“When you are with certain people you may see that your defects and emotions increase. And this shows that these people might not be true friends.”
“There is a saying that when you are with a turbulent person you will be carried away by distractions. When you are with a greedy person, you will lose everything you have. When you are with a comfort craving person, you will be preoccupied with petty things. When you are with an overactive person, your concentration will be scattered.”
“We would like to stay forever with those we love but we will surely part from them. We would like to stay in a pleasant place forever, but we will surely have to go. We would like to enjoy comforts and pleasure forever, but we will surely lose them.”
August 4, 2023
I'm listening to the audiobook, and am 34 minutes into the commentary chapter, which is the main chapter of the book, and it's just hard to listen to because I disagree with almost everything. Like he talks about how you'll achieve all these superworldly powers if you practice the dharma, and how precious life is because you have the opportunity to practice the dharma, and it's like okay but not really. Maybe the rest of the book contains useful information on meditation? That would be very cool. Parts of it *are* interesting, like listening to Tibetan stories and stuff, but some of it's just so unbelievable, and I'm not sure there's anything of real value, as I haven't heard anything of much utility yet.
January 11, 2019
A book you need to carry with you until your last breath unless you have gained a state where you're practicing everything. I was always curious about Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and his teachings. And it's clearly mentioned that we are bound by external activities no matter how sophisticated they are, we are bound by certain rules of life from which we can't escape. To me, it didn't matter whether I believe in Buddhism or not, it touched many parts of the human mind which are pretty basic to live a good life.
August 5, 2020
Probably the best commentary on the 37 practices of a bodhisattva in 20th century. I knew Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche as The Dalai Lama’s principle teacher. I picked up this book from Audible and never looked back. It’s the probably the book that you should read and review every day then integrate it into your life as much as possible. I got teary at some of the parts and got deeply moved by how these teachers demonstrated compassion through their way of living.
I Highly recommend his other books as well. Books like these help establish a strong foundation for tantric practice.
I Highly recommend his other books as well. Books like these help establish a strong foundation for tantric practice.
April 5, 2025
A clear, profound and powerful teaching and commentary from Buddhist wisdom tradition. Dilgo Khyentse was a Tibetan master liked and respected by each lineage. The strength of this book is an explanation of nature of mind and conditions that cause disturbances, particularly negative emotions or experiences and how these can be worked with whilst retaining a peaceful state of mind. Some practice suggested here will appear strange at first but when you get it turn your conventional thinking on it's head
May 31, 2023
This textbook is an ideal companion for a student of Buddhism. It’s also a joy to read because of the clarity of its ideas, beautiful prose and lovely similes and examples. I am overpowered with emotion after having completed this book. An easy recommendation for those already familiar with core concepts like Emptiness, Dependent Origination, Kushalas etc.
Those who have already read Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva can supplement their understanding with this book.
Those who have already read Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva can supplement their understanding with this book.
December 31, 2023
This is a commentary by an realized master on the 37 verses written by a bodhisattva. The theme is on the extreme compassion of Mahayana Buddhism - a dedicated practitioner fully dedicates him/her self to benefiting all beings. The verses progress from most accessible to higher levels, but all are easy to understand even if not always so easy to practice!
Dilgo Khyentse is such a warm being and writer, I find all his teachings extremely inspiring.
Dilgo Khyentse is such a warm being and writer, I find all his teachings extremely inspiring.
May 8, 2024
A Door to Compassion
This book introduces you to what compassion is and how to achieve it for the benefit of all sentient beings. Compassion won’t be achieved in this lifetime I now enjoy. But, perhaps in future lifetimes I may get nearer to it.
May this book be a blessing to you.
This book introduces you to what compassion is and how to achieve it for the benefit of all sentient beings. Compassion won’t be achieved in this lifetime I now enjoy. But, perhaps in future lifetimes I may get nearer to it.
May this book be a blessing to you.
July 18, 2019
A great spiritual book.
November 1, 2020
Marvelous.
November 30, 2020
An invaluable guide to understanding how to live a more compassionate life, Dilgo Khyentse’s wisdom and heart shine through in his profoundly moving commentaries on a classic text. A beautiful book.
April 17, 2021
Incredible beautiful, moving and practical.
June 1, 2021
Alas, a Bodhisattva I may never be, and although another life in the lower realms most likely awaits me, I learned a lot about compassion and navigating thoughts and emotions.
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August 20, 2021One of the most accessible commentary on 37 practices of the Bodhisattva. A must read for any practitioner of Mind-training.
October 14, 2021
Amazing book by an amazing teacher. 🙏🏽
April 27, 2023
Dilgo Khyentse is a phenomenal teacher. For any student/practitioner of Buddhism, I would highly recommend this text. The anecdotes, lessons, and commentaries are superb.
August 9, 2023
I am so glad to have found this commentary on the 37 Practices by Khyentse Rinpoche. It was profound but easy to read and understand. It has deeply inspired my Buddhist practice.
July 9, 2024
Helpful commentary on the ways of the bodhisattva text.
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