BOKKTR005 - The Three Vehicles of Buddhist Practice
by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
translated by Ken Holmes

When Buddhism came to Tibet the three levels or vehicles of instructions were preserved intact.

Accomplished masters transmitted how a practitioner could progress through these levels and achieve the final goal of enlightenment.

Training the mind begins with Shamatha and Vipashyana meditation. This strong foundation leads to a deeper understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the benefit of accumulating merit.

The second vehicle, the Mahayana, enhances the foundation practice expanding the experience of selflessness. By examining phenomena the difference between ultimate and conventional truth can be distinguished. Experiences of ultimate truth engender the behavior of bodhisattvas while experiences of great compassion lead to practicing the six perfections.

Having explained the essential practices, Thrangu Rinpoche then teaches the profound Vajrayana. This diamond vehicle includes the practices of the preliminaries as well as yidam deity practice. Beyond these formal practices that train the mind, the meditation of Mahamudra is explained. Rinpoche shows how Mahamudra, and especially appropriate practice for these busy modern times can be integrated into a practitioner's ordinary life.

Paperback: 122 pages
Publisher: Namo Buddha Publications (2003)