Introduction
During the nineteenth century the Great Jamyang
Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892) was
famous in
Tibet as a Non-Sectarian (Tib: Ri.med) Master. Along with Jamgon
Kongtrul
and Patrul Rinpoche he pioneered
the spirit of tolerance and eclecticism which became
known as the Remay Movement. This movement led to a complete
revitalisation of the
rich spiritual
culture of Tibet.
When he died it was believed that he
dissolved into the heart of the Indian saint
Vimalamitra, who resides on Manjushri's Mount Wutai in China.
Then, as he had
predicted, he manifested
five incarnations (Body, Speech, Mind, Quality, and Activity).
Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (1896-1959) from
Dzongsar, an authority on all
Traditions
and holder of all the major lineages, was the activity incarnation
and
became known as one of the most
outstanding Tibetan Masters of this century.
In his book, "Opening the Dharma", Chokyi
Lodro gives explanations of the four
major
sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Gelug, Kagyud and Nyingma),
outlining
their lineages and histories,
their individual special characteristics and the main
practices common to all four Traditions. Included is a brief
explanation of how to find
happiness by
cultivating virtues of body, speech and mind, how to accumulate the
Merit and Wisdom required for
Enlightenment.
Forward
Recently Lama Sherab Gyaltsen insisted I
translate this text into English, as
these
days many people all over the world are interested to know about the
Buddha's
Dharma. I hope this book will
benefit all sentient beings, especially in this present
age of degeneration, when there are many disputes and
disagreements among
the followers of the
different Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
I would like to thank Ms. Diane Bowen for
editing and helping with the translation,
Ms. Yong Siew Chin for typing and other assistance, and Mrs. Leong
of Ipoh for her
donation.
May all sentient beings find bliss and perfect happiness.
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse.
Malaysia,
October,
1984
The Limitless Vehicles of the Buddha
The Essential Path of all Traditions
Prayer for Propagation of the teachings of the Khyentse Lineage
Notes to the English Translation