The Jewel Ornament of Liberation is a masterwork of Tibetan Buddhism. For more than eight centuries, this text has provided a complete foundation for Buddhist study and practice–covering the initial entry into the path and continuing through to the achievement of Buddhahood. It includes teachings on Buddha-nature, finding a spiritual master, impermanence, karma, the cultivation of bodhicitta, the development of the six perfections, the ten Bodhisattva bhumis, Buddhahood, and the activities of a buddha.
II. Primary Characteristics of Each Classification 112
A. Non-Meritorious Karma and its Result112
1. Taking Life112
2. Stealing113
3. Sexual Misconduct113
4. Lying114
5. Divisive Speech114
6. Harsh Words114
7. Idle Talk115
8. Covetousness115
9. Harmful Thought116
10. Wrong Views116
B. Meritorious Karma and Result117
C. Karma and Result of Unshakable Meditative Concentration118
III. Ascription 119
IV. Strict Result 120
V. Increase from the Small 120
VI. Inevitability 121
Antidote to Attachment to the Pleasure of Peace123
Chapter 7: Loving-Kindness and Compassion125
I. The Practice of Loving-Kindness 125
A. Classification126
B. Object126
C. Identifying Characteristic126
D. Method of Practice126
E. Measure of the Practice129
F. Qualities of the Practice129
II. The Practice of Compassion 129
A. Classification130
B. Object130
C. Identifying Characteristic130
D. Method of Practice130
E. Measure of the Practice131
F. Qualities of the Practice131
Antidote to Not Knowing the Method of Practice for Achieving Buddhahood133
Introduction to the Antidote to Not Knowing the Method of Practice 135
Chapter 8: Refuge and Precepts137
I. Foundation 137
A. Mahayana Family138
B. Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels138
1. Classification139
2. Working Basis139
3. Objects139
4. Time141
5. Motivation141
6. Ceremony141
7. Activities143
8. Training143
9. Beneficial Effects143
C. Pratimoksa Precepts 144
Chapter 9: Cultivation of Bodhicitta147
II. Essence 147
III. Classification 147
IV. Objectives 151
V. Cause151
VI. From Whom You Receive It152
VII. Method (Ceremony)153
VIII. Beneficial Effects168
IX. Disadvantages of Losing It171
X. The Cause of Losing It171
XI. The Method of Repairing172
Chapter 10: Training in Aspiration Bodhicitta173
XII. Training173
A. Training in Aspiration Bodhicitta173
1. Not Forsaking Sentient Beings from One's Heart173
2. Recollecting the Beneficial Effects of Bodhicitta174
3. Gathering the Two Accumulations175
4. Practicing the Enlightened Mind175
5. Rejection of the Four Unwholesome
Deeds and Acceptance of the Four Wholesome Deeds176
Chapter 11: Training in Action Bodhicitta179
B. Training in Action Bodhicitta179
1. Definite Number180
2. Definite Order180
3. Characteristics181
4. Definition181
5. Division181
6. Grouping182
Chapter 12: The Perfection of Generosity183
I. Reflection on the Faults and Virtues183
II. Definition185
III. Classification185
IV. Characteristics of Each Classification185
V. Increase 191
VI. Perfection191
VII. Result192
Chapter 13: The Perfection of Moral Ethics195
I. Reflection on the Faults and Virtues195
II. Definition197
III. Classification197
IV. Characteristics of Each Classification197
V. Increase202
VI. Perfection202
VII. Result202
Chapter 14: The Perfection of Patience205
I. Reflection on the Faults and Virtues205
II. Definition207
III. Classification207
IV. Characteristics of Each Classification207
V. Increase211
VI. Perfection211
VII. Result211
Chapter 15: The Perfection of Perseverance213
I. Reflection on the Faults and Virtues213
II. Definition214
III. Classification216
IV. Characteristics of Each Classification216
V. Increase218
VI. Perfection218
VII. Result218
Chapter 16: The Perfection of Meditative Concentration219
I. Reflection on the Faults and Virtues219
II. Definition220
III. Classification229
IV. Characteristics of Each Classification229
V. Increase230
VI. Perfection230
VII. Result231
Chapter 17: The Perfection of Wisdom Awareness233
I. Reflection on the Faults and Virtues233
II. Definition235
III. Classification235
IV. Characteristics of Each Classification235
V. What is to be Known236
VI. What is to be Practiced247
VII. Result255
Chapter 18: The Aspects of the Five Paths257
I. Path of Accumulation257
II. Path of Application258
III. Path of Insight259
IV. Path of Meditation259
V. Path of Perfection260
Chapter 19: The Ten Bodhisattva Bhumis263
I. Definition264
II. Significance of the Bhumis264
III. The Reason Their Classification Is Tenfold264
A. First Bhumi 265
B. Second Bhumi 267
C. Third Bhumi 268
D. Fourth Bhumi 269
E. Fifth Bhumi 270
F. Sixth Bhumi 271
G. Seventh Bhumi 272
H. Eighth Bhumi 273
I. Ninth Bhumi 274
J. Tenth Bhumi 275
K. Buddhahood 277
Part 5: The Result 279
Chapter 20: Perfect Buddhahood 281
I. Nature 281
II. Significance of the Name 286
III. Classification 287
IV. Definition 287
V. Reason There Are Definitely Three Kayas 288
VI. Characteristics of the Three Kayas 288
VII. Special Traits 292
Part 6: The Activities 295
Chapter 21: Activities of the Buddha 297
I. Activities of the Body 297
II. Activities of Speech 298
III. Activities of Mind 299
Appendices 303
Appendix A: Dharma Lord Gampopa 305
Section 1: A Brief Account of Dharma Lord Gampopa's Life 305
Section 2: Miraculous Manifestations 323
Section 3: Gampopa's Method of Teaching 325
Appendix B: Stories Referred to in the Text 333
Sudhana 335
Sadaprarudita 340
KingAnala 348
Maudgalyayana 351
Sangharakshita 357
Nawa Chewari 362
Old Born 366
King Krika's Daughters 368
Mahadatta 371
King Bala Maitreya 379
Angulimala 381
Udayana 385
Nanda 388
Ajatashatru 393
Appendix C: Outline of the Text 397
Appendix D: A Brief Biography of the Translator 413
Titles of Works Quoted 417
Glossary 427
Notes 437
Bibliography 459
