Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave the teachings in this book during a Medicine Buddha retreat held at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, California, from October 26 to November 17, 2001. With the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and elsewhere still painfully fresh, Rinpoche emphasized the urgent need for compassion for Osama bin Laden and other terrorists, and shared the details of his open letter to President Bush about how to avert war and other disasters. There are numerous references to the war in Afghanistan, missles and other weapons, and world economic problems. However, Rinpoche also gave detailed, invaluable teachings on emptiness, focusing especially on identifying the ignorance that is the root of samsara and of all suffering and on how to eliminate it.
Rinpoche also covered a myriad of other subjects, including making extensive offerings, the nature of anger and desire, rejoicing, generating bodhicitta, the four immeasureable thoughts and ritual practice. As Rinpoche explains, "My stories are like a spider's web, with one strand connected here and another connected there." There are strands that connect teachings, for example, to stories of the great yogis Serkong Dorje Chang, Gen Jampa Wangdu and Geshe Lama Konchog and of Rinpoche's childhood in Solu Khumbu. When talking about the benefits of Medicine Buddha practice, Rinpoche was usually translating directly from sutra sources.
This is not meant as a coherent presentation on any particular topic; however, one is rewarded by just opening it and reading anywhere. Lama Zopa is a clear and effective teacher, and his stories are endlessly entertaining and inspiring.
May any merit created in the production of this book be dedicated to the long lives, good health and continued teaching of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and all other perfect, pure gurus.
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