Sage Advice: Selections of Tibetan Buddhism Texts by the Venerated Patrul Rinpoche (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

The teachings of Tibetan Buddhism focus on mindfulness of death and the ephemeral nature of life, leading to diligence in meditation and spiritual practice. The Venerated Master Patrul Rinpoche was a renunciate and revered for his teachings of bodhicitta or the awakening of wisdom and compassion for all sentient beings. He was also responsible for the abolishment of the custom of serving animal-people flesh at special gatherings. Today, it is a pleasure to present the wise Master’s text, “Advice for Alak Dongak,” a piece written for his close disciple, Alak Dongak Gyatso on the benefits of solitude.

“Forests, hermitages and isolated dwelling places— These are the outer solitude of the Victor’s heirs. Avoiding selfishness and faint-hearted fears— This is the bodhisattvas’ internal isolation. Keeping, therefore, to outer forms of solitude, Tame the inner afflictions through tranquility and insight, And aspire to the supreme conduct of Samantabhadra— Possessing such good fortune, one is truly the Buddhas’ heir.”

“Under the bright oppressive sunlight of busy, bustling crowds, Our own faults and unhelpful thoughts eclipse the constellations, But when embraced by threefold solitude’s cooling nectar beams, Such faults can easily be overcome through the proper antidotes.”

“When it is undisturbed by rippling thoughts of sadness, The pool-like surface of the mind is still, unmoving, And faith and compassion’s reflections readily arise. In such constancy, what need is there for a companion?”

“To the bodhisattva who sees suffering as a spur to diligence, There is nothing that could conflict with Dharma practice. Should a hundred or a thousand demonic hordes arise as foes, How could they affect the wise for whom adversities are allies?”

“A single nectar shower of the teacher’s compassion Can cause the ripening crop of qualities to grow, As the clouds of devotion amass again and again, And there is no need to fear an untimely frost.”

“The supreme, gracious teacher is like all the buddhas in person, So let his ambrosial teaching seep into the centre of your heart, And if, through diligent practice, you imbibe life’s essence, You will attain immortality in this very lifetime— that is avowed!”