Introduction to the reading transmission of” Illuminating the Path to Liberation: A Preliminary Practice (Ngöndro)” and "The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas"
Questions for reflection:
1. What are the four thoughts on reliance? Please explain specifically in your own situation. Can you really carry out each of them?
2. What should you do if the guru is a great accomplisher but some of his actions are unacceptable? Please explain with scriptural evidence and koans.
3. Some people think, "I don't need to accumulate merits at all, and it doesn't matter if I create bad karma because my Guru is a great accomplisher, and if I pray to my guru properly, he will throw me to the World of Ultimate Bliss like a stone." Is this kind of thinking reasonable? Why? If you have such a person around you, how do you plan to discuss with him and guide him?
4. What is the meaning of Guru's compassion? How does this differ from your own understanding? How does this understanding help you?
5. Why is the present a warning line to plan for eternal happiness or eternal suffering? What is your understanding of this?
Zoom study schedule:
• Lesson 11, Friday, April 25, 8 pm EDT (Zone 1)
• Lesson 12, Friday, May 2, 8 pm EDT (Zone 1)
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82968647165?pwd=R8NbjaTrFZBnYAPEvSIY42wVvWuLBB.1.
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