A Song of my Spiritual Life

A Song of my Spiritual Life

written by Je Tsongkapa with commentary by Choney Lama Drakpa Shedrup

Throughout Je Tsongkapa's life, he rarely spoke about his own inner spiritual life. However, in his work, "Song of My Spiritual Life", also known as "The Short Book on the Steps of the Path", written by Je Tsongkapa, he recounts the events of his own spiritual journey—showing us how he applied the Lam Rim—and continually mentions the following verse to encourage us: “I, the deep practitioner, this is how I practice; you, who seek freedom, must try to do the same.”

It will be in the form of a pocket book, meaning you can put it in your backpack and take it out whenever you need a chunk of wisdom from the master. In this treatise, you will receive personal advice from Je Tsongkapa, from how to find your own teacher and properly rely on them, to how to practice the six perfections, starting from sharing, and ultimately, achieving total enlightenment.

A Praise of Dependence

A Praise of Dependence

written by Je Tsongkapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419)

Je Tsongkapa's Praise of Dependence is a profound and poetic homage to the fundamental Buddhist teaching of dependent origination. Composed by the renowned Tibetan Buddhist master Je Tsongkapa in the 14th century, this text celebrates the interconnectedness and interdependence of all phenomena.

In Praise of Dependence, Je Tsongkapa extols the wisdom of dependence as the key to understanding the nature of reality and transcending the cycle of suffering. He elucidates the profound implications of this teaching, emphasizing its role in uprooting ignorance and eradicating the causes of suffering. He praises the beauty and profundity of this teaching, exhorting practitioners to contemplate its meaning deeply and integrate it into their spiritual practice.

This work serves as both a devotional hymn and a profound philosophical treatise, inviting practitioners to explore the profound insights contained within the teaching of dependence and its implications for their spiritual journey. It is revered as a masterpiece of Buddhist literature, inspiring practitioners to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and insight into the true nature of reality.

Gibson first received teachings on the Tibetan language in 2014 when Geshe Michael Roach taught the Steps on the Path. During the lecture, Gibson was inspired by Geshe Michael mentioning that less than 1% of the Tibetan classics had been translated into modern languages. He emphasized the significance of these translations, stating that these teachings in Tibetan hold greater importance than even the cure for cancer, as they have the potential to conquer death itself. This profound statement ignited Gibson’s interest in learning the Tibetan language greatly.

When DCC program began in 2017, Gibson knew that he must attend. He immersed himself in the process of learning these teachings and in how to translate Tibetan texts in a way that makes them accessible and applicable in everyday life. Till now, Gibson’s love for Ancient teachings and Tibetan never stops, he is very grateful to be part of the Mixed Nuts, to help to bring Ancient Teachings to Modern Life.

Sessions by
Gibson Chang

Gibson Chang