Practicing the Path: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo (Paperback)

~ Yangsi Rinpoche (Author)
Key Phrases: direct valid perception, pure guru devotion, ten innermost jewels, Lama Tsongkhapa, Lama Atisha, Lamrim Chenmo (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Practicing the Path is a complete commentary on Tibetan Buddhism's Lamrim Chenmo in a single volume. Yangsi Rinpoche, a thirty-something tulku who has spent the last several years in Madison, Wisconsin, gave these teachings to a group of Western students over a month-long period a few years ago in Dharamsala, India. While having the full training of a Tibetan scholar, Rinpoche uses Western metaphors and demonstrates an appreciation for the Western mind. The text is particularly well edited and is a pleasure to read, and will be an excellent resource for those studying and meditating on the lamrim, the steps on the path to enlightenment. The Lamrim Chenmo is a comprehensive overview of the entire path to enlightenment, superimposing the essential principles of renunciation, bodhicitta, and the pure view of emptiness. It is unique in combining scriptural authority and perfect logic in order to clarify all doubts on the path. The author's deep knowledge of the traditional teachings and his ability to elucidate them in contemporary language and form provide a unique opportunity for readers to refine their understanding and develop their practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (September 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 086171346X
• ISBN-13: 978-0861713462
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #553,037 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buddhist Practitioners, February 24, 2006

By	Seth A. Shaffer (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Langsi Rinpoche goes into much detail on Lama Tsongkhanpa's Lamrim Chenmo. The graduated path to enlightenment is broken down into three stages: small, medium, and great scopes. Rinpoche uses his own experiences as a Buddhist scholar/student/teacher to help the reader make connections between the philosophy and real life (or conceptual reality). He also quotes other Buddhist masters who have written about the Lamrim including, Shantideva, and Manjushri to give a poetic/metaphorical perspective on the teaching. I recommend this book to practitioners of Buddhism, and or those who are interested in becoming practitioners of Buddhism. Scholars would enjoy this read, but it is meant for practitioners to help guide you through the path to enlightenment. Read and re-read this book word for word! There is a lot of information in this book to grasp. I see myself re-reading it many times. I have incorporated many of the concepts, meditation techniques, and ideologies into my life, and noticed immediate effects! Good book to have high up on the the shelves.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Commentary, February 28, 2004

By	Swing King (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

In this work Yangsi Rinpoche, a tulku with the training of a Tibetan scholar, brings the power of Tsongkhapa's masterwork alive for all of us. The Lamrim Chenmo is a Tibetan Mahayana teaching for a fortunate being to go to enlightenment. It is well expounded by Nagarjuna and Asanga. Originally, it had been composed by Lama Atisha. The lamrim is the essence of Lama Atisha's enlightenment. It's also the essence of Tsongkhapa's realizations, who had written extensive commentary on Atisha's masterwork, "Lamp on the Path to Enlightenment." This particular lamrim, according to Yangsi Rinpoche, contains everything one needs to know about Mahayana Buddhism. What's more, as what lies within is attainable by each and every one of us with the correct sincerity and effort employed toward our Buddhist practice. Here is a brief segment from the book:

"Even when you practice a complete path, that path must not be chaotic and random. If it is complete but chaotic and random you cannot achieve enlightenment, which means you cannot do perfect work for sentient beings. Therefore, you have to practice the whole path towards enlightenment and you must do so in the correct order."

At this point, he introduces the lamrim as that path. You know, I must admit this book is at times a little stuck in doctrine, but it's forgivable. All around it's a fascinating text and quite alive in concern to the often perplexing reads you find while approaching Tibetan Buddhism. If you are looking to learn more about the Tibetan way, this is a really good book to start with. I personally don't practice Tibetan Buddhism, but I respect the tradition and like what many of it's teachers have got to say. So get the book, it's beyond doubt worth the read.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended commentary on Tsongkhapa's Great Treatise, January 29, 2004

By	Bruce (Calgary Canada) - See all my reviews

This is an excellent, well writen, and enjoyable book, and I strongly recommend it. You cannot really call yourself a Buddhist and not know this stuff. It is a commentary on THE GREAT TREATISE ON THE STAGES OF THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT: The Lamrim Chenmo by Tsong-kha-pa, which has been partly translated into English by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. I use it for studying in order to memorize the important knowledge that one needs on the Mahayana path to full enlightenment, such as the three kinds of ethics. I also follow the advice that Yangsi Rinpoche gives. It is crucial to know these things and to live virtuously in order to calm one's mind enough to gain realizations. Also it is the only proper way to live, which will bring happiness and prosperity. Tsong-kha-pa (1357-1419), completed his masterpiece in 1402 and it soon became one of the most renowned works of spiritual practice and philosophy in the world of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsong-kha-pa took great pains to base his incisive insights on the classical Indian Buddhist literature and created an entire course of study for people to follow. Tsongkhapa is the best! Using this book will bring results, I guarantee it. Plus I find the book to be easy to read even though it is 533 pages. Buy it!