Lama Yeshe Gyamtso's teaching on overcoming obstacles is based on The Light of Wisdom, which is a commentary by Jamgon Kongtrul on The Wisdom Essence, a precious, concise and profound teaching by Guru Rinpoche that was recorded by Yeshe Tsogyal. Some portions of The Light of Wisdom are translated and published. The portion on which this teaching is based has not been translated into English. Lama Yeshe's teaching provides access to amazing material that is not otherwise available. Guru Rinpoche's advice on working with obstacles or hindrances addresses this issue from both an ultimate and a relative perspective. It ranges from obstacles on the path that are primarily experienced by long time practitioners to obstacles encountered by beginning meditators. Because the essence of the path is the process of working with obstacles, the material in this teaching is of fundamental importance.

With respect to accumulating merit, Lama Yeshe began by teaching the meaning of merit and the importance of motivation and dedication. After explaining the difference between the causal (sutra) and resultant (vajrayana) vehicles of practice, he provided an extensive, detailed teaching on the seven branches of accumulating merit in the causal vehicle. This teaching included some wonderful stories about the Buddha, the Bodhisattvas and the Arhats. He concluded by teaching the methods for accumulating merit in the resultant vehicle (vajrayana).

Overcoming Obstacles and Accumulating Merit, Lama Yeshe Gyamtso, Vajra Echoes, 2 DVDs, $48.00

Lama Yeshe Gyamtso was a student of Kalu Rinpoche and completed two three-year retreats. He has translated for many eminent Kagyu teachers including His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa. The Dzoghcen Ponlop Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and others. He has published three books translating significant texts, Vajra Garland and The Lotus Garden: Treasure Biographies of Padmakara and Vairochana; Precious Essence: The Inner Autobiography of Terchen Barway Dorje and Treasury of Elegance: The Songs of Barway Dorje.