Quote Archives: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

The choice is clear ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Through the unfailing process of cause and effect, our acts, our words and our thoughts determine the happiness or the suffering that we will later experience. If the balance of the scale of our acts leans to the negative side, we will suffer in the lower states of existence of samsara. If it leans towards […]

Nothing to be grasped ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

When a rainbow appears vividly in the sky, you can see its beautiful colors, yet you could not wear it as clothing, or put it on as an ornament. It arises through the conjunction of various factors, but there is nothing about it that can be grasped. Likewise, thoughts that arise in the mind have […]

Guru yoga ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

The essence of guru yoga is simply to remember the guru at all times: when you are happy, think of the guru; when you are sad, think of the guru; when you meet favorable circumstances, be grateful to the guru; and when you meet obstacles, pray to the guru, and rely on him alone. When […]

Recognizing awareness ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

The moon’s reflection on water appears without obstruction and seems to shine very brightly, yet it is simply the appearance of something that does not exist. There is no such thing as a moon in the water. Likewise, when one recognizes that thoughts have no true existence, one recognizes awareness, and this is dharmakaya. Dilgo […]

A firm determination to get out of samsara ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

A bedridden patient only thinks about getting well again. He or she has no wish to remain sick forever. Likewise, a practitioner who yearns to leave the miseries of samsara behind will make use of all the ways in which that can be done, such as taking refuge, generating the mind set on attaining enlightenment […]

Failing to use the instructions as an antidote ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

If it happens that we are slighted in public, we should never think to ourselves that despite the fact that we are such good practitioners, people have no regard for us and do not come to pay respects or to receive our blessings. We should not react with annoyance and harsh words. At the moment, […]

Projections of the mind ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

All our different activities are projections of the mind, created by our thoughts. If you follow these deluded thoughts, there will be no end to your mind being upset by delusion, just as when the wind blows over the surface of a lake, the crystal clarity of the water is masked by ripples. It is […]

Just leave it like it is ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

We can never understand the nature of the mind through intense effort but only by relaxing, just as breaking a wild horse requires that one approach it gently and treat it kindly rather than running after it and trying to use force. So do not try to catch hold the nature of the nature of […]

A practice based on your mind ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

The essence of the practice of a bodhisattva is to transcend self clinging and dedicate yourself completely to serving others. It is a practice based on your mind, rather than how your actions might appear externally. True generosity, therefore, is to have no clinging; true discipline is to have no desire; and true patience is […]

Nothing but fading illusions ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Through faith in the Three Jewels and the practice of generosity, it could happen that, by way of karmic fruit, we become rich, gain a high position in society and so on. This might lead us to think, ‘I am rich, I am important, I am the best, I have come out on top.’ If […]

The shortest path of realization ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

The literal meaning of guru yoga is ‘union with the teacher´s nature’. To blend your mind with the teacher’s mind is the most profound of all practices, and the shortest path of realization. It is the life force of the path and the one practice that includes all others. It was through relying on a […]

Examine your actions very closely ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

It is important to examine your actions very closely. Particularly with minor negative actions, we do not see what the results will be immediately, but it is certain that those actions will mature and that we will have to experience the result. Enlightened beings can see this very clearly. For them even the most minute […]

Internalising the teaching ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Immerse yourself in the meaning of the teachings, day after day, month after month, and the spiritual qualities of a bodhisattva will develop without difficulty, like honey collecting in the hive as the bees go from flower to flower, gathering nectar. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

A rare and precious treasure ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

To meet someone who really hurts you, is to meet a rare and precious treasure. Hold that person in high esteem, and make full use of the opportunity to eradicate your defects and make progress on the path. If you cannot yet feel love and compassion for those who treat you badly, it is a […]

Don’t reject external phenomena ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

The more you attempt to reject external phenomena, the more they will spring back to you. Hence, therefore, the importance of recognizing the empty nature of your thoughts and simply allowing them to dissolve. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Taking advantage of suffering ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

We all know that Bodhichitta begins to develop in us when we have met with a Teacher and received his teachings. If, with the seed of Bodhichitta once planted in our hearts, we continue to practise, evildoers and the troubles they cause, indeed suffering in general, will all conspire to make our Bodhichitta grow. There […]

The source of all buddhas ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Letting the mind to become peaceful and staying in meditation state of stillness free from many thoughts is called shamata or sustained calm. Recognizing the empty nature of the mind within that state of calm is called vipashyana or profound insight. Uniting shamata and vipashyana is the essence of meditation practice. It is said: Look […]

The impurity of our perception ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

When we see defects in others, people in general but particularly those who have entered the Dharma, who are the banner of the monastic robes, are the support for the offerings of gods and men alike, we should understand that it is the impurity of our perception which is at fault. When we look into […]

The Innate Beyond Subject And Object ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Phenomena are the radiance of the innate absolute; Mind’s nature is the wisdom of the innate absolute. The ultimate teacher – phenomena and mind merged in one taste – Dwells naturally within myself. Ah ho! What a joy! Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Dwelling in the simplicity of the present moment ~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Do not encumber your mind with useless thoughts. What good is it to brood over the past and fret about the future? Dwell in the simplicity of the present moment. Live in harmony with the dharma. Make it the heart of your life and experience. Be the master of your own destiny. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche