What does the word “renounce” mean? First, to renounce is to forsake all worldly concerns. In other words, to renounce is not to have any attachment to worldly things and, at the same time, to be fully aware of the suffering nature of samsara. Second, one must endeavor to seek liberation from all suffering. To lead a “renounced” life as a monastic monk or nun connotes the same meaning as one must leave home behind to pursue ultimate liberation. Home, in this sense, represents the secular world. It is not enough a clear evidence that one has renounced all worldly attachment by just walking out of one’s home and putting on a monastic robe; one must also have developed a genuine sense of revulsion toward samsara.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

The goal of dharma study is to dispel suffering. To dispel a part of suffering of samsara is referred to as Buddhism oriented towards the rebirth of the human and heavenly realms; to dispel all the suffering of samsara is referred to as the Shravakayana Buddhism; to endeavour to dispel all the suffering of samsara for the sake of oneself and all sentient beings is referred to as Mahayana Buddhism. From this perspective, Buddhism is the method to dispel suffering.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

When first joining Larung Gar, due to immaturity, we tended to be prideful when making progress in our study, H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche would regularly dismantle our ego by various means. Therefore, we dared not be conceited regardless how much progress we made. Our teachers were ruthless to a student with potential, seemingly scolding us daily. Because they were confident that the disciples would not get irritated and take off, thus he subdued us without holding back.

~Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series

People often ask: Buddhism speaks of reincarnation, but with the current population explosion, where do these extra people come from? According to reincarnation, when a person dies, he or she can be born as a human. But, beings from all six realms can also be born into the human realm. Therefore, the extra people that co Hme to the human realm can be from these six realms. (Heidi)

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

The Buddha stated: “It’s appropriate to regard samsara as permeated with suffering.” If having gained an understanding that the world is pervaded with suffering and having crisis awareness of samsara, the world, and life, then we will be prepared and take measures to get rid of it, thus our fate will be transformed.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

From the beginningless time up to now, everyone has committed countless killings. Let’s not mention from the beginningless time, even in this lifetime, from birth till now, the immense killings we have committed are sufficient to compel us to have rebirth in the hell realm. Engaging in life release is the best remedy to this.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

As the saying goes: One takes the behavior of one's company. The impact of one's environment upon oneself is difficult to determine. If you spend a long time with friends that are a bad influence, then not only will you not have the hope of arousing bodhicitta, but the good habits that you previously developed may fade away. A person's buddha nature can mature in this life, but due to encounters with others who are negative influences, the seed of buddha nature would not be able to mature and sprout. There would be no chance of liberation in this life. Isn't that a pity?

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Lay practitioner’s practice starts from observing precepts. Observing precepts is also considered as a kind of practice and it is in fact most vital. I have met many lay practitioners who, despite the fact that they have taken refuge in the Three Jewels and believed they’re a seasoned practitioner, have yet to take the five precepts of lay practitioners. This is rather unreasonable. In order be a lay practitioner, observing precepts is paramount. Precepts are the foundation of all practice and developing wisdom. Without observing precepts, one is not a genuine practitioner, thus observing precepts is compulsory.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

The world has its natural law, our subjective mind needs to be in accordance with the objective law. If refusing to accept and face with the natural law, then we’ll suffer. Hence observing the world with the right views and facing the world with the right mindset will enable us to be tougher.

~Depicted from Luminous Wisdom Book Series