Heart Jewel presents two essential practices of the New Kadampa Tradition, the Mahayana Buddhist tradition deriving from the great Tibetan teacher Je Tsongkhapa that is currently flourishing in the West. The first practice is relying upon a Spiritual Guide, where by we lay the foundations for accomplishing all the realizations of the spiritual path and attain a very special Dharma wisdom. The second practice is relying upon a powerful Dharma Protector, whereby we can overcome all obstacles to our spiritual practice and create favourable conditions for developing and increasing pure spiritual realizations.
*'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.
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.
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.