Advice from a Spiritual Friend

By Geshe Gabten, Geshe Rabten, Geshe Dhargyey

Book Overview

"Do not wish for gratitude. Never strike at the heart. Now if you die, you will have no regrets." - The Seven-Point Thought Transformation Like wise old friends, two Tibetan masters offer down-to-earth advice for cultivating compassion, wisdom, and happiness in every situation. Based on practical Buddhist verses on "thought training" ( lojong ), Advice from a Spiritual Friend teaches how to develop the inner skills that lead to contentment by responding to everyday difficulties with patience and joy. Following Stephen Batchelor's introduction to the Kadamapa tradition that gave rise to these earthy, pithy instructions, Part One is a commentary by Geshe Dhargyey to Atisha's (982-1054) Jewel Rosary of a Bodhisattva . Part Two includes a commentary by Geshe Rabten to the famous Seven-Point Thought Transformation . First published in 1977, Advice from a Spiritual Friend is a Wisdom classic that has enriched readers in many editions over the years. As Batchelor says in his introduction, "These teachings are as applicable today as they were when Atisha first introduced them to Tibet."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0861711939
• ISBN13: 9780861711932
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Advice from a spiritual Friend by Geshe Rabten

This was a great transaction. I thought the book exceeded the write-up and so I was very pleased. Thanks so much!

Great Start--Good Advice

In Tibet, a Spiritual Friend is equivalent to one's lama or guru. This book is a superior introduction to some of the best aspects of Tibetan Buddhism (i.e. Vajrayana). It is written in a very readable form with sensitivity and grace. I cannot think of a better book to give a friend interested in knowing about or starting out on a journey to Vajrayana. I heard of it long before I read/bought it. Presently, I've loaned it out. It's a great book to have on your shelf for reference and especially to loan to other seekers.

Must Have For The Bodhisattva In Training

This book gives great advice along the path of the Bodhisattva. You will learn how to make your heart pure and compassionate if you follow the advice in this book. It will give you a verse from the path of the Bodhisattva, then an easy description of it's meaning and how to make it part of your life. Buy this book! This is some of the best advice documented in my opinion from a spiritual friend.

A small handbook to enlightenment

This concise but profound book is a beautiful commentary by two contemporary Tibetan lamas on the centuries-old Indian and Tibetan teachings on "lojong," or "thought transformation." The subjects include meditation on emptiness, generation of bodhicitta, and changing adverse circumstances into the path. This is one of the most practical and helpful books on Buddhist philosophy and practice that I have read.