Published 2010
Tharpa Publications US
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New Kadampa Tradition-International Kadampa Buddhist Union © 2010
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means except for the quotation of brief passages for the purpose of private study, research, or review.
Painting of Amitayus on p. 18 (and details from it on ppp. 18-19) by Sherab Thubten. Paintings by Chating Jamyang Lama on pp. 4 (Buddha Shakyamuni), 8-9 (Offering Goddesses, detail of a Je Tsongkhapa thangka), 9 (Avalokiteshvara), 10-11 (Je Tsongkhapa and Sons, including details in page background), 15 (Manjushri), 16-17 (background images, detail o a Refuge Assembly thangka), 21 (White Tara), 22 (Medicine Buddha), 24 (Vajrasattva), and 30-31 (clouds, detail o a Je Tsongkhapa thangka).
Prayer verses and mantras are taken from sadhanas (prayer booklets)published by Tharpa Publications
Library of Congress Control Number: 2009930541
Hardback ISBN-13 978-0-9817277-4-5 (ISBN-10 0-9817277-4-3)
Set in Arno Pro by Tharpa Publications USA
Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper.
Profits received by Tharpa Publications from
the sale of this book will be donated to the
NKT-International Temples Project
Part of the New Kadampa Tradition A Nonprofit Buddhist Organization,
Building for World Peace
www.kadampa.org/temples.htm
Buddha means ’ Awakened One ’, someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees the truth perfectly. May people have become Buddhas in the past, and we all have the potential to become a Buddha in the future.
There is nothing Buddhas do not know, because they have developed perfect wisdom. Buddhas also have perfect love and compassion. Their love embraces every human, animal, insect, and all other living beings, and they care for each one equally
For this reason, the Buddhas are our closest friends and helpers. Benefitting every living being is their main purpose, so the Buddhas are always beside us, working to lead us to happiness. If we remember this with faith and request their help, they can easily teach, bless, guide, and protect us. Then one day we will be able to benefit others in the same way!
