Yesterday, Gen-la Jampa began four teachings on Kadam Lamrim based on the famous text Advice from Atisha's Heart.  Atisha is the original author of Kadam Lamrim. He was very close to Tara and she promised him that in the future she would take special care of his followers. For Kadampas, therefore, this is a special opportunity to receive teachings that are the very core of our tradition.

Gen-la explained how Lamrim is very practical and suitable for everyone and asked, 'Who doesn’t need these instructions?' Everyone does.

And he encouraged us that if we show such a good heart, people will really understand the value of Kadam Lamrim.

Now through the kindness of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a Kadampa master of modern life, we can receive these instructions like Atisha’s first disciples did, and accomplish Lamrim realisations in modern times.

Through engaging in Lamrim practice, we can destroy the darkness of ignorance and attain enlightenment in one short human life through the blessings of this lineage and the kindness of Venerable Geshe-la, who is providing every good condition, and more!

Gen-la explained that one very special reason we need to rely on our Spiritual Guide is to gain a perfect understanding of ultimate truth so that we can gain a direct realisation and attain liberation. We can’t do this just from reading books because we can easily develop misunderstandings, and no one can give us their realisations as a gift. We need to receive blessings and contemplate gradually in our Guru’s presence so that the teaching touches our heart.

Gen-la encouraged us saying we can receive teachings directly from Venerable Geshe-la. Venerable Geshe-la has told us:

'If you have faith, when you are reading you should regard it as if it is being spoken by me directly.'

Following Atisha’s advice to 'practice earnestly with understanding,' Gen-la gave simple but profound teachings on how to bring daily appearance into the path. He reminded us that death is not reserved only for the sick and the old, so we should make time for Dharma practice now.

Gen-la concluded by reminding us that we should aspire to have a daily Lamrim practice in conjunction with the Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa. The special determinations we generate in formal meditation guide our daily life, and our daily life deepens our Dharma experiences.