His Holiness the Sakya Trichen (the 41st Sakya Trizin) bestowed this teaching in 1984 at Rigpa in London.
Two thousand five hundred years ago, Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment: a liberating insight into the nature of reality, freedom from all forms of suffering, and the ultimate happiness called buddhahood. After his awakening, in his first sermon, the Buddha taught the four noble truths to his first disciples. Made up of four succinct statements, the four noble truths describe the process by which freedom from suffering and awakening from illusion are possible. Since that day, the teachings of the Buddha have been treasured and transmitted from disciple to disciple, all the way to the 21st century. Over the centuries, many have become awakened.
In this teaching, His Holiness presents the wisdom, compassion, and power of the Buddha in an authentic, balanced, and inspiring manner—qualities for which he is renowned as a teacher. He explains the essential Buddhist insight of how suffering arises. When the primordial clarity of mind is obscured, yet we do not realize, and thus we are completely caught in the illusions that we cling to as a self. From grasping at self, defilements such as desire for self and hatred for others arise, which creates nonvirtuous actions, or negative karma, which is the cause of suffering.Utilizing this framework for understanding the nature of ourselves and the world, drawing on the words of the Buddha and the explanations of the great Indian sage Nāgārjuna, His Holiness describes the Buddhist Mahāyāna methods that lead to awakening.
Source: This teaching was obtained from The Meridian Trust Website.
Why are we having so much worries and concerns despite living in an era with technology advancement? Where do the worries come from?
Being a busy bee, have we taken time to really ponder: What is the most important thing in our lives?
We only want happiness but no suffering—to accomplish this goal, who can we rely on and what we can do?
Let’s search for the answer now!
In this teaching, His Holiness highlights the key for each stage of Dharma practice. This teaching, however, will inspire everyone, not just practitioners.
This Dharma teachings e-library is made possible by a grant from Sachen Foundation, and the generous donations of the Yueh Family Charitable Fund, and the Chan Family.