The Six Perfections: The Practice of the Bodhisattvas

Description

A practical and actionable guide to the six perfections, a backbone of the Buddhist path, by an internationally beloved teacher. The six perfections are the actions of the bodhisattvas—holy beings who have transcended selfless concerns. But they’re also skills we can and should develop right now, in our messy, ordinary lives. In this clear, comprehensive guide to the backbone of Mahayana Buddhist practice, Lama Zopa Rinpoche walks us through each of the six perfections: -charity -morality -patience -perseverance -concentration -wisdom As he carefully describes each perfection, he not only reveals the depth of its meaning and how it intertwines with each other perfection, but he also explains how to practice it fully in our everyday lives—offering concrete ways for us to be more generous, more patient, wiser. With the guidance he gives us, we can progress in our practice of the perfections until we, like the bodhisattvas, learn to cherish others above ourselves. Review “A jewel of a book, containing much practical advice on how we can start working on these six precious practices, even if we are not yet bodhisattvas.” (Sangye Khadro (Kathleen McDonald), author of How to Meditate ) “This book is a treasure! With clarity, skill, and deep knowledge, Lama Zopa Rinpoche beautifully brings to life a bodhisattva’s motivation and actions. It’s a perfect complement to the presentations from the classic texts. He patiently guides us through the six perfections with many personal examples and insights. After reading this book, I felt so inspired and encouraged to practice the deeds of the bodhisattva right now!” (Joshua W.C. Cutler, editor in chief of the Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment ) About the Author Lama Zopa Rinpoche is one of the most internationally renowned masters of Tibetan Buddhism, working and teaching ceaselessly on almost every continent. He is the spiritual director and co-founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international network of Buddhist projects, including monasteries in six countries and meditation centers in over thirty; health and nutrition clinics, and clinics specializing in the treatment of leprosy and polio; as well as hospices, schools, publishing activities, and prison outreach projects worldwide. From the Author Lama Zopa Rinpoche is one of the most internationally renowned masters of Tibetan Buddhism, working and teaching ceaselessly on almost every continent. He is the spiritual director and co-founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international network of Buddhist projects, including monasteries in six countries and meditation centers in over thirty; health and nutrition clinics, and clinics specializing in the treatment of leprosy and polio; as well as hospices, schools, publishing activities, and prison outreach projects worldwide.