The Four Mindfulnesses – On the basis of a poem by the seventh Dalai Lama with commentary by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, written as transcripts of talks held by Gelek Rimpoche in 2005 and 2006. Download the entire ebook here (193 pages):
The Four Mindfulnesses
Who is Kyabje Ling Rinpoche?
Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, also known as Kyabje Ling Dorjechang, was a prominent Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader and teacher. He held the title of Ling Rinpoche, which is one of the highest-ranking positions in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the same school that the 14th Dalai Lama belongs to. The title “Rinpoche” is an honorific term used to address respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers and lamas.
Kyabje Ling Rinpoche was born in Tibet in 1903 and recognized as the reincarnation of the previous Ling Rinpoche. He served as the senior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, from a young age. This role involved providing religious and spiritual education to the young Dalai Lama, who would later become the spiritual and political leader of Tibet.
The Calm Abiding
Regarding mindfulness, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, like many Tibetan Buddhist masters, taught mindfulness as an essential practice in the path to spiritual development and awakening. Mindfulness, or “Tibetan: Trenpa,” is often referred to as “shamatha” in Tibetan Buddhism, which means “calm abiding.”
In the context of Tibetan Buddhism, mindfulness involves cultivating focused attention and mental clarity. Practitioners are encouraged to develop a calm and stable mind by paying close attention to their breath, thoughts, and bodily sensations. This practice helps individuals gain insight into the nature of their minds, emotions, and the impermanent nature of all phenomena.
Progressing along the path to enlightenment
While specific teachings on mindfulness may vary among Tibetan Buddhist teachers, the fundamental principles of mindfulness, such as cultivating awareness, concentration, and equanimity, are emphasized. These qualities are considered essential for progressing along the path to enlightenment.
Kyabje Ling Rinpoche’s teachings would have likely included guidance on mindfulness as part of the broader teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, helping students develop a deep and transformative understanding of their own minds and the nature of reality. However, for specific details about his teachings on mindfulness, you may need to refer to his writings, teachings, or the accounts of his students and followers.
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