Wheel of Sharp Weapons
Geshe Thubten Sherab
The Mahayana path is characterized by the bodhisattva’s aspiration to become a buddha for the sake of all beings. The means to develop and enhance this extraordinary attitude are revealed in a genre of teachings, at once practical and radical, known as ‘mind training’, or ‘thought transformation’ (Lojong). Dharmarakshita’s Wheel of Sharp Weapons is one of the most esteemed mind training teachings, and a powerful weapon to cut through our true enemies - the self-grasping and self-cherishing which oppose altruistic intent and prevent lasting happiness and peace. Dharmarakshita’s verses on mind training begin by contrasting the qualities of the heroic bodhisattva with the lot of beings bound by ignorance. Various samsaric sufferings are then enumerated and explained as the workings of the law of karma, with a view to developing the resolve to avoid negative actions in the future. A forceful denunciation of the twin negativities of self-grasping and self-cherishing supported by petitions to the wrathful deity Yamantaka makes up the greater part of the second half of the teaching, which concludes with prayers of altruistic aspiration and a reminder that phenomena are illusory. Don Handrick assumes the role of teacher from 2016-10-26 on. Note: Lecture 16 (2016-11-30) is not available due to audio problems.