The Four Contemplations:
The Precious Human Life, Impermanence, Karmic Cause and result, and The Defects of Samsara

In Tibetan Buddhism, contemplation of these "four thoughts that turn the mind to Dharma" is considered to be the gateway to authentic spiritual practice, without which our motivation for spiritual progress will be weak or distorted. The precious human life refers to the profound good fortune and potential of our situation as human beings. The contemplation of impermanence refers to looking at the transitory nature of all things (including ourselves). The third and fourth contemplations are concerned with the inexplorable workings of karmic cause and effect, and the shortcomings of our immersion in the unfavorable condition of samsara (cyclic existence). Lama Tsulden goes over these four subjects in detail, with good humor, precision, and clarity, based on the traditional texts The Torch of Certainty and The Jewel Ornament of Liberation. These teachings will be of special interest to those who are doing, or consider doing, the ngondro (foundation) practices, since these four contemplations are an integral part of ngondro.


Turning the Mind to Dharma, Video, 140 min., Lama Tsulden, KKI, $24.95