Introduction

This booklet contains two texts that convey the essential practices of the New Kadampa Tradition: Advice from Atisha’s Heart, and The Three Principal Aspects of the Path by Je Tsongkhapa.

The first encapsulates the way of life of the early Kadampa Geshes, whose example of purity and sincerity all New Kadampa Tradition disciples should try to emulate.

The second is a profound guide to meditation on the stages of the path, Lamrim, which Je Tsongkhapa composed based on the instructions he received directly from the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri.

If we try sincerely always to put Atisha’s advice into practice, and strive constantly to meditate on Lamrim according to Je Tsongkhapa’s instructions, we shall develop a pure and happy mind and gradually progress towards the ultimate peace of full enlightenment.

Now that we have attained a precious human life and met such pure teachings, we should make the most of this opportunity and put them into practice sincerely. If we do this, our human life will become truly meaningful, and we shall experience great results. As Shantideva says:

By depending upon this boat-like human form,
We can cross the great ocean of suffering.
Since such a vessel will be hard to find again,
This is no time to sleep, you fool!