The Paths and Grounds of the Bodhisattva
Gyume Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin
Sravasti Abbey, Newport, Washington, USA
August 2006

Venerable Gyume Khensur Rinpoche gave a series of talks at Sravasti Abbey on the paths and grounds (tib. Salam) of the Bodhisattva. He talked about what is abandoned and what is attained on each of the Bodhisattva bhumis or grounds.. He talked about how the Lamrim is the foundation for the wisdom and realizations that are attained on these higher paths.

Talk 1 [17 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Some recording lost.
Rinpoche explains why practitioners of the great scope need the foundation of the practices of the small and middle scope. He talks about how to relate to one's spiritual teacher and taking advantage of our precious human rebirth.

Talk 2 [77 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Rinpoche talks about the methods and importance of cultivating bodhicitta. He also talks about the three distinctive paths for the three vehicles, hearer, solitary realizer and Bodhisattva and explains how they differ. He begins the explanation of the paths of accumulation
and preparation.

Talk 2 Questions and Answers [24 minutes] : Download mp3 file

• What is it that the solitary realizer abandons?
• Can you explain the possibility of degeneration of bodhicitta on the path of accumulation?
• When do you enter the path of accumulation, when one has contrived or uncontrived Bodhicitta?

Talk 3, Part 1 [60 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Rinpoche continues the explanation of the paths with the path of seeing. He explains the afflictions that are to be abandoned on the path of seeing.

Talk 3, Part 2 [32 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Talk 4, Part 1 [42 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Rinpoche talks about the grounds and paths of the 3 vehicles. He explains the 10 grounds or bhumis in terms of the objects of abandonment and practices.

Talk 4 - Part 2 [43 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Talk 4 - Questions and Answers [26 minutes] : Download mp3 file

• When the student is abandoning delusions on the paths is the student or teacher aware of that?
• Can you explain how the Bodhisattva on the path of seeing is
  meditating on impermanence?
• What would be good practices when you feel discouraged?
• Is the meditation on impermanence present in meditative equipoise on emptiness?
• Can you explain the three exalted minds of the path of seeing?
• Is grasping at "I" an artificial view or an innate view?

Talk 5 [67 minutes] : Download mp3 file

Rinpoche continues the explanation of how one progresses through the 10 grounds or bhumis. He also talks about the qualities of a Buddha and how the Buddhas benefit sentient beings.