The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, also known as the Thargyen, was originally composed by Ven. Gampopa (1079-1153) and presents in one text all of Buddha’s 84,000 teachings.  It is a kind step-by-step outline of the path to enlightenment, and a primary text in the Kagyu tradition.   The 2018 book club commentary is a teaching by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, given over four months specifically for a western audience.  The language is simple and the concepts are clearly presented.    Using this commentary and discussing how to put the teachings into practice in daily life, we will be well-prepared to continue our study once Khenpo Karten Rinpoche returns to teach his beautiful 80-verse summary of this seminal work.   Details on the book club text and an outline of topics is below.  Even if you cannot read the chapters ahead, the discussion of each topic will help us to better understand the path of Dharma.  Join us on Thursday evenings as we discuss the Jewel Ornament of Liberation.

Book Club Book Details:

Jewel Ornament of Liberation, commentary by:  Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, ISBN:  1-877294-27-6
Originally published in 2003, updated 2014, Namo Buddha Publications and Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust Publications.

 

 

 

Available on Amazon (2014 update, white cover) for roughly 30.00:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8120836987/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore (2003 version, gold cover) for roughly 40.00
https://www.namsebangdzo.com/Je_Gampopa_s_The_Jewel_Ornament_of_Liberation_p/12086.htm

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion Topics:

Thursday, January 4th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 1:  Buddha Nature

Thursday, January 11th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 2:  Precious Human Life

Thursday, January 18:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 3:  The Spiritual Friend

Thursday, January 25:  No book club due to All-Sangha Meeting

Thursday, February 1st:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 4:  Instructions on Impermanence

Thursday, February 8th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 5:  The Suffering of Samsara

Thursday, February 15th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 6:  Karma and Its Results

Thursday, February 22nd:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 7:  Loving-kindness & Compassion

Thursday, March 1st: 6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 8:  Refuge & Precepts

Thursday, March 8th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 9:  Cultivation of Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 15th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 10:  Training in Aspiring Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 22nd:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 11:  Training in Action Bodhichitta

Thursday, March 29nd:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 12:  The Perfection of Generosity

Note:  Rinpoche returns on March 30th, and we will ask his permission to continue our book club on Thursdays at the Center. 

Thursday, April 5th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 13:  The Perfection of Moral Ethics

Thursday, April 12th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 14:  The Perfection of Patience

Thursday, April 19th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 15:  The Perfection of Diligence

Thursday, April 26th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 16:  The Perfection of Meditative Concentration

Thursday, May 3rd:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 17:  The Perfection of Wisdom-Awareness

Thursday, May 10:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 18:  The Aspects of the Five Paths

Thursday, May 17th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 19:  The Levels of the Path

Thursday, May 24th:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 20:  Perfect Buddhahood

Thursday, May 31st:  6:30-8:00pm, Manjushri Dharma Center

• Chapter 21:  Activities of the Buddha