28 How Suffering Comes About and How to Practice to Overcome It 17-Sept-2004

This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.

00:00:00 The stanza "To not commit any unwholesome action, engage in perfect wholesome action, and subdue one's mind - this is the teaching of the Buddha" contains the Four Noble Truths.

00:16:06 The minute when one cherishes the I, one has a problem in life. The stronger one cherishes the I, even a small thing that didn’t happen exactly is regarded a huge problem, it become huge disturbance to oneself.

01:51:02 Doing actions with bodhicitta motivation is the best Dharma. Even eating, walking, sitting, sleeping, and doing jobs with a pure mind unstained by self-cherishing becomes Dharma.

02:04:05 The self-cherishing thought is the root of all problems in life. Cherishing the "I" brings no real peace or happiness, while cherishing others with loving-kindness brings joy and peace.

03:17:12 Guru devotion practice protects the mind. Looking at the guru as a buddha and following their advice is the "emergency practice" and brings quick realizations on the path to enlightenment.

04:31:00 Dedicating that all sentient beings never generate negative thoughts towards the guru, be guided by qualified gurus, and realize emptiness. May all the organization's projects, social services, and centers be successful and beneficial by receiving all necessary funding.

Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/