What are the Preliminary Teachings?

[Bandi]

"Focus on preliminary teachings for now and leave the chakra for later. They are not important yet." Grigoris

I am new to Buddhist practice, although I had already developed a meditation practice, and I have read a number of books by Buddhist authors. I want to structure my learning as best I can and I would love to know what are considered the "Preliminary Teachings."

Thank you in advance.

[Jangchup Donden]

"Focus on preliminary teachings for now and leave the chakra for later. They are not important yet." Grigoris

I am new to Buddhist practice, although I had already developed a meditation practice, and I have read a number of books by Buddhist authors. I want to structure my learning as best I can and I would love to know what are considered the "Preliminary Teachings."

Thank you in advance.

I'd say the four thoughts that turn the mind to dharma, and teachings on bodhichitta.

Without renunciation for this life, and without bodhichitta the rest of the path is pointless.

[Josef]

"Focus on preliminary teachings for now and leave the chakra for later. They are not important yet." Grigoris

I am new to Buddhist practice, although I had already developed a meditation practice, and I have read a number of books by Buddhist authors. I want to structure my learning as best I can and I would love to know what are considered the "Preliminary Teachings."

Thank you in advance.

I'd say the four thoughts that turn the mind to dharma, and teachings on bodhichitta.

Without renunciation for this life, and without bodhichitta the rest of the path is pointless.

Seconded.
The four thoughts and bodhicitta are absolutely essential and the key to all other practices.

[Natan]

"Focus on preliminary teachings for now and leave the chakra for later. They are not important yet." Grigoris

I am new to Buddhist practice, although I had already developed a meditation practice, and I have read a number of books by Buddhist authors. I want to structure my learning as best I can and I would love to know what are considered the "Preliminary Teachings."

Thank you in advance.

Really, and truly... love and bodhicitta are the beginning and the result in a sense of ultimate bodhicitta. Impermanence, karma etc also

[Losal Samten]

"Focus on preliminary teachings for now and leave the chakra for later. They are not important yet." Grigoris

I am new to Buddhist practice, although I had already developed a meditation practice, and I have read a number of books by Buddhist authors. I want to structure my learning as best I can and I would love to know what are considered the "Preliminary Teachings."

Thank you in advance.

Taranatha's Essence of Ambrosia clearly lays out in sequential and clear steps first how to develop a virtuous worldly mind, then building upon that how to develop the proper Hinayana mind of renunciation towards samsara, and then how to develop the Mahayana mind of twofold bodhicitta in order to benefit both oneself and others.

I can't think of a better preparatory Mahayana book, as it lays out its series of reasoning and contemplations both succinctly and completely.

[Bandi]

Thank you all for your replies. By four thoughts, are you referring to the Four Noble Truths?

[Josef]

Thank you all for your replies. By four thoughts, are you referring to the Four Noble Truths?

The Four Thought that Turn the Mind
1) the difficulty of finding the freedoms and advantages of this precious human life
2) the impermanence of life,
which turn the mind away from the concerns of this life;

and the reflections on

3) the defects of samsara, and on
4) karma: cause and effect),
which turn the mind away from our attitudes and conduct with respect to future lives.

[conebeckham]

Before "subtle body" practices, you should have learned, and engaged in, the trainings common to the so-called Hinayana and Mahayana paths.

These include: Reflection on the four thoughts, taking refuge in the three Jewels and three roots; developing altruistic intention (Bodhicitta) which includes the four immeasurables--Compassion, love, establishing others in bliss, and equanimity; making the Bodhisattva Vow part of your mental stream; Understanding Emptiness to some degree; purification practices such as Vajrasattva; Gathering the accumulation of Merit, which includes offering practices, such as mandala offerings and Seven Limbed practice, which includes praises, confession, etc.; Guru Yogas; and the Creation Stage of appropriate Yidam deities.

Taranatha's book, "Essence of Ambrosia," is a great guide, as is Gampopa's Jewel Ornament, Atisha's Graduated Path, Jigme Lingpa's "Words of My Perfect Teacher," and Tsong Khapa's LamRim Chenmo. What you read and follow may depend on your particular teacher's lineage affiliation, but all of these are worthwhile.

[Natan]

Words is Patrul

[Josef]

Words is Patrul

Patrul was a tulku of Jigme Lingpa and Im sure Cone is well aware of this.

[Natan]

Words is Patrul

Patrul was a tulku of Jigme Lingpa and Im sure Cone is well aware of this.

Prob just slip up

[Bandi]

Before "subtle body" practices, you should have learned, and engaged in, the trainings common to the so-called Hinayana and Mahayana paths.

Taranatha's book, "Essence of Ambrosia," is a great guide, as is Gampopa's Jewel Ornament, Atisha's Graduated Path, Jigme Lingpa's "Words of My Perfect Teacher," and Tsong Khapa's LamRim Chenmo. What you read and follow may depend on your particular teacher's lineage affiliation, but all of these are worthwhile.

Thank you for the reading list. I'll be studying these books next.

[conebeckham]

Words is Patrul

Patrul was a tulku of Jigme Lingpa and Im sure Cone is well aware of this.

Prob just slip up

Definitely a slip up!

Good to keep my honest, and proper" though--thanks guys!

[Natan]

Patrul was a tulku of Jigme Lingpa and Im sure Cone is well aware of this.

Prob just slip up

Definitely a slip up!

Good to keep my honest, and proper" though--thanks guys!