On the Path to Enlightenment: Heart Advice from the Great Tibetan Masters

by Matthieu Ricard

An anthology of the most inspiring and instructive texts on spiritual enlightenment from great Tibetan masters—handpicked by a best-selling author and Tibetan Buddhist monk
 
Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard has selected and translated some of the most profound and inspiring teachings from the eight traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The selected teachings are from the Buddha himself, Nagarjuna, Guru Rinpoche, Atisha, Shantideva, and Asanga; the great masters of the past, Thogme Zangpo, the Fifth Dalai Lama, Milarepa, Longchenpa, and Sakya Pandita; and contemporary masters, including the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and Mingyur Rinpoche. The teachings address such topics
 
• The nature of the mind
• The foundations of taking refuge, generating altruistic compassion, acquiring merit, and following a teacher
• View, meditation, and action
• How to remove obstacles and make progress on the Buddhist path
 
Inspired by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Ricard creates his anthology with Khyentse’s religious philosophy in “When we come to appreciate the depth of the view of the eight great traditions [of Tibetan Buddhism] and also see that they all lead to the same goal without contradicting each other, we think, ‘Only ignorance can lead us to adopt a sectarian view.’”

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Self Help, Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2010

About the author

Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk, trained as a molecular biologist before moving to Nepal to study Buddhism. He is the author of The Monk and the Philosopher (with his father, Jean-François Revel); The Quantum and the Lotus (with Trinh Thuan); Happiness; The Art of Meditation; Altruism: The Power of Compassion; A Plea for the Animals; and Beyond the Self: Conversations between Buddhism and Neuroscience (with Wolf Singer). He has published several books of photography, including Motionless Journey and Tibet: An Inner Journey, and is the French interpreter for the Dalai Lama.

Reviews

[Steve Paulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly interesting read as a non-Buddhist. I enjoy learning about different religions, and this struck me more as a philosophy than a religion. The aspect of selflessness, charity, and love for mankind seems far more central to the tenets of this faith than modern day Christianity. I think we can learn a lot from this. I wouldn't call this a must read for all, regardless of faith, but if you're interested in the teachings of other belief systems, general world philosophies, and personal growth, this is a great read. Whether you adopt the beliefs and practices, or challenge and grow your own beliefs, this is certainly a book that will make you think.

[Rob Hermanowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of numerous inspirational thoughts and stories from experienced practitioners of buddhist-based mindfulness and meditation practice. I would have liked it more if the author had supplemented this material with more of his own observations, but the narration of the Audible edition is beautifully realized through the soothing voice of Edoardo Ballerini.

[EMMANUEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. I've read a few books on Enlightenment and I guess "Buddhist" teachings. Nonetheless, the reason I read this book, was because I was trying to find a book that would be a good reference book of the foundation teachings of Buddhism.

I've been on this search for a while, and have encountered many books about the divine life, etc... blah... blah... blah... but, I was unsuccessful. So basically, and unfortunately, I'm still on the search to find a good book on Buddhism, where the foundation teachings are clear, concise, and simple. Just like what buddhism advocates - simple life.

[Teo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2020.09.12–2020.09.14

Contents

Ricard M (2010) (06:17) On the Path to Enlightenment - Heart Advice from the Great Tibetan Masters

Preface

Introduction

Part I: Turning the Mind to the Spiritual Path

01. The Value of Human Existence
• Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdröl
• Shechen Gyaltsap
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé
• Shechen Gyaltsap
• Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche: Advice for a Basket Weaver
• Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje: Advice to ease the pain of the noble lady named Sönam Paldrön, a native of Ukpa Lung
• Shechen Gyaltsap

02. Reflections on Impermanence and Death
• Nagarjuna
• Padmasambhava
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Padmasambhava
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Shechen Gyaltsap
• Gunthang Tenpai Drönmé
• Tennyi Lingpa: A Meditation on Impermanence
• Shakyamuni Buddha
• The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso
• Godragpa Sonam Gyaltsen
• Gampopa
• Milarepa
• Jigme Lingpa
• Patrul Rinpoche: The Meeting of Patrul Rinpoche and Chöying Rangdröl

03. From Seed to Fruit, or the Law of Cause and Effect
• Shantideva
• Jetsün Mingyur Paldrön
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
• Kangyur Rinpoche

04. The Inherent Unsatisfactoriness of the World Conditioned by Ignorance
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
• Asanga
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
• Jigme Lingpa: The Conditions That Perpetuate Suffering
• Commentary by Kangyur Rinpoche

05. Giving Up the Causes of Suffering
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso: The Meaning of True Renunciation
• Shabkar
• Milarepa
• Drigung Jigten Gönpo
• Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé
• Pema Lingpa
• Patrul Rinpoche: Patrul Rinpoche and the Thief
• Milarepa: Milarepa and the Hunter

Part II: The Foundations of Practice

06. Taking Refuge
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
• Padmasambhava

07. Altruistic Love and Compassion
• Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
• Shantideva
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso
• Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche
• Shabkar
• Jigme Lingpa
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso
• Shantideva
• Kangyur Rinpoche
• Atisha
• The Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso: Cultivating Compassion
• • It is possible to transform your mind
• • How to cultivate compassion
• • Where to start?
• • Friends and enemies
• • Defeating the enemy within
• • Impartiality
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: The Alchemy of Suffering
• Gyalse Thogme: A Life of Compassion

08. The Six Perfections or Transcendent Virtues
• Sakya Pandita
• Drigung Döndrup Chögyal
• Jigme Lingpa
• Atisha
• Geshe Potowa Rinchen Sel
• Generosity
• Drigung Döndrup Chögyal
• Mipham Rinpoche
• Kangyur Rinpoche
• The Gift of Material Things
• The Gift of Protection from Fear
• The Gift of Dharma
• Discipline
• Patience
• Gampopa
• Kangyur Rinpoche
• Chengawa Lodrö Gyaltsen
• Shantideva
• Shechen Gyaltsap
• Patrul Rinpoche: Testing the Patience of a Hermit
• Langri Thangpa
• Joyous Effort, Kangyur Rinpoche: The Three Kinds of Laziness
• Shakyamuni Buddha
• Milarepa
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: An Anecdote Illustrating Determination
• Gyalwa Yangönpa
• Milarepa
• Concentration
• Kangyur Rinpoche
• • Giving up attachment to wealth
• • Giving up attachment to bad company
• • Giving up attachment to objects of the senses
• • In praise of solitude
• • The actual practice of concentration
• Jigme Lingpa
• Dzatrul Ngawang Tenzin Norbu
• Wisdom
• Kangyur Rinpoche
• Drigung Jigten Gönpo
• Ratna Lingpa

09. Purifying Obscurations and Acquiring Merit
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Anonymous text: How to Make Negative Emotions Part of the Path to Enlightenment
• Jigme Lingpa
• Kangyur Rinpoche

10. The Spiritual Master: Uniting with the Mind of the Teacher
• Kangyur Rinpoche
• • The importance and the qualifications of a spiritual teacher
• • Fully qualified teachers
• • False teachers
• • Authentic spiritual teachers
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé
• Drigung Jigten Gönpo
• Shabkar
• Shabkar
• Kangyur Rinpoche: Good and Bad Disciples
• Patrul Rinpoche: Patrul Rinpoche’s Decisive Meeting with Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje (1800–1866)

Part III: The Main Path

11. Understanding the Nature of the Mind
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Mipham Rinpoche
• Nyendrak Lungrig Nyima
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Mipham Rinpoche: The Nature of Mind: Essential Instructions in Three Points
• Shabkar
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Shabkar
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje
• Gyalwa Gotsangpa, Gönpo Dorje: His Last Words
• Patrul Rinpoche: Introduction to the Nature of Mind

12. The Hermit
• Sangye Wön Re Dharma Senge
• Gyalse Thogme
• Godragpa Sonam Gyaltsen
• Gyalwa Yangönpa
• Jigme Lingpa
• Drigung Döndrup Chögyal
• Jetsün Trakpa Gyaltsen: Cutting the Four Attachments
• Shabkar
• Shabkar
• Shabkar
• Shabkar
• Rigdzin Chökyi Trakpa
• Lhatsün Namkhai Jigme
• Dudjom Rinpoche: Advice for Retreat (First Part)

13. Deepening Spiritual Practice
• Drigung Döndrup Chögyal
• Phagmo Drupa, Dorje Gyalpo
• Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö: Crucial Points of Spiritual Practice

14. View, Meditation, and Action
• • Gyalwa Longchen Rabjam: Six Essential Instructions to Free the Mind
• • Atisha
• • Jetsün Taranatha
• View
• • The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso
• • Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• • Geshe Chayulwa
• • Gyalwa Longchen Rabjam
• • Shechen Gyaltsap
• • Dudjom Rinpoche
• Meditation
• • Rigdzin Chökyi Trakpa
• • The Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso
• • Rigdzin Chökyi Trakpa
• • Drigung Döndrup Chögyal
• • Dudjom Rinpoche: Advice for Retreat (Continued)
• • Gampopa
• • Mokchokpa Rinchen Tsöndru
• • Mipham Rinpoche
• Action
• • Rahulabhadra
• • Gampopa
• • Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: The Cessation of Negative Emotions
• • Dudjom Rinpoche: Advice for Retreat (Continued)
• • Patrul Rinpoche
• • Dudjom Rinpoche: Advice for Retreat (Continued)
• The Fruit
• • Shabkar
• • Rangrig Repa, Kunga Lodrö
• • Gampopa

Part IV: Removing Obstacles and Making Progress in the Practice

15. Exposing Faults
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Shabkar: The Sharp Needle
• Patrul Rinpoche: One Taste
• Patrul Rinpoche: “Drive Them Away with Stones …!”
• Kalden Gyatso
• Guru Chökyi Wangchuk: Om mani padme hung hri
• Rinchen Phuntsok: Advice to Myself
• Patrul Rinpoche: Advice to Himself
• Dodrup Tenpai Nyima
• Gyalwa Longchen Rabjam

16. Overcoming Inner Demons
• Machik Lapdrön
• Jatshön Nyingpo: Advice Given by Padmasambhava to Nyang Ben Tingzin Sangpo

Appendix: The Eight Great Chariots of the Accomplishment Lineage in Tibetan Buddhism

Sources
Bibliography
Biographical Notes

[Emna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. I recommend it, though it seemed to me more targeting the population that desire an hermlitage experience.

[Craig Bergland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book featuring Matthieu Ricard's introduction to several topics followed by quotes from different Masters. Not in depth by any means, but more than superficial. A nice overview.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most amazing book ever. Probably my favorite book of the year. The book has advice from all the different people like Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche to the Dalai Lama, and has everything you need to know.

[Ata A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterpiece in English representing the schools of Tibetan Buddhist thought. Matthieu Ricard and his team of translators/interpreters have presented the English reader with a wonderfully clear guide for the reader regarding numerous topics; turning the mind to the spiritual path and the methods to achieve awakening/enlightenment. They use quotes from masters of all Tibetan lineages, and show reverence to those masters’ beliefs/interpretations/views on how to achieve and excel on the path. I appreciated so many quotes in this work and there was not a single quote that did not give cause for deeper reflection.

I saw some complain that they wished Matthieu Ricard would have commented on the texts etc. I wonder why these “critics” would hold such a view, when the words of the masters of Tibetan sages are clear, concise, and utilize simple language and instruction for the seeker. Additionally, Ricard does introduce the chapters and provide minor notes on translations.

This work is a must have for anyone interested in gaining insight into the methods of the Tibetan Buddhist masters!

[Phil Calandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

"On The Path to Enlightenment" is a good reference book on the foundation and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. The author has translated and chosen key Buddhist teachings including the value of Human Existence, Impermanence and Death, Understanding the Nature of Mind and several other important topics. This is a comprehensive book albeit it somewhat repetitive.

[Linus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of great advice from various amazing Tibetan teachers and practitioners: very hands on and down to earth!

[Purnima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and highly recommended...

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical and illuminating selection of heart advice from the Tibetan Masters. Of particular interest to anyone on the Mahayana path.

[Bryan Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very wise.

[bepassersby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection to flip through at your leisure.

[Nithila P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd bought this book a few years ago. But i'm drinking in the nectar of the selections, Mathieu Ricard, beloved monk has introduced - they clarify, my daily practice. Source of great inspiration.

[JeremyDanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read if you are already famliar with the subject

[Jeremy I Skipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏👏👏🪷

[Marjorie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! But not for the feint of heart.

Enjoyed: MEDITATION (p.204-205) Dudjom Rinpoch: "whatever thoughts arise, let them arise. Do not follow them, do not obstruct them." "That is the natural expression of awareness itself." "..leaving them freely to themselves.."

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little book of pertinent quotes. I'll be referencing this one into the future.

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good book of quotes that help you bring Buddhist thought into everyday life.

[Saffron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book, not in depth though. My father translated this from the French.