We now include the option of supplemental readings to our Sunday teachings on Words of My Perfect Teacher. You can learn more about this series of teachings on the Series page.
The recording of Session 3 can be found here on Lama Yeshe Ling’s YouTube Channel.
Session 3 Supplemental Readings:
For those who have Words of My Perfect Teacher, Padmakara edition:
pages 8-12.
For All Students:
Ven. Thubten Chodron, How to Listen and Explain the Teachings: The Three Faults of the Pot
Introduction – Thubten Chodron
Session 3 Questions & Answers:
- What are the three defects of the pot?
The upside-down pot: Although you are physically present, you do not hear a word of the teaching because your attention is elsewhere. Therefore no information goes in, this is like an upside down pot upon which liquid is poured, nothing goes in.
The pot with a hole in it (leaky pot): If you listen to the teachings without remembering anything you hear or understand, you will be like a pot with a hole in it.
The pot containing poison (contaminated pot): If you listen to teachings with an incorrect attitude (i.e. to become famous) or with a mind affected by the five poisons, the dharma will not help your mind. It is like pouring nectar into a pot containing poision.
(Answer to question 1 as found in Words of My Perfect Teacher by Dza Patrul Rinpoche, Padmakara Edition)
2. What three trainings did Geshe Sonam mention as the antidotes to the three defects of the pot?
The three trainings in hearing, contemplation and meditation.
3. What fundamental principle does the story of Aku Thonpa mixing the yellow tsampa with the white tsampa illustrate?
The story of Aku Thonpa mixing the yellow tsampa with the white tsampa illustrates the principle of dedicating our merit. When we dedicate our merit, it is like pouring a cup of water into a great ocean. Some of the potential of that water will remain until the ocean dries up. Similarly, merit dedicated to enlightenment for the sake of all beings will last until the goal of enlightenment is reached.