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Commentary on The Presentation of Grounds, Paths, and Results

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This edited transcript from Nītārtha Institute includes a detailed presentation of the five paths (accumulation, junction, seeing, meditation, completion), the two grounds (grounds free from attachment and the Buddha grounds), and the results (three nirvanas, three kayas, five wisdoms, and qualities of freedom and maturation), which was given in Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye's work, Treasury of Knowledge (shes bya mdzod), and presented by a graduate of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen.

Citation	Gyaltsen, Acharya Lama Tenpa. Commentary on The Presentation of Grounds, Paths, and Results in the Casual Vehicle of Characteristics from the Treasury of Knowledge by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye ('jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha' yas). Root text translation and oral translation by Karl Brunnhölzl. Seattle, WA: Nītārtha Institute, 2004.

Table of Contents About the Book Texts Translated Quotes

• Chapter 1
• Two Approaches to Ultimate Realization1

THE PRESENTATION OF THE PATHS

• Chapter 2
• The Presentation of the Paths 3
  • The Meaning of Path 3
    • The Presentation of Grounds and Paths in the Causal Vehicle of Characteristics4
    • 1. The presentation of the natures of the paths5

• Chapter 3
• The Entity of Path 7
  • • 1.1. The entity of path7
  • The Definition of Path8
  • The First Incorrect Definition8
  • The Second Incorrect Definition9
  • The Third Incorrect Definition10
  • Summary of the Three Incorrect Definitions10

• Chapter 4
• The Classificational Enumerations of the Paths11
  • • 1.2. The classificational enumerations11
  • Five Paths, One Practice12

• Chapter 5
• The Semantic Explanation of Path15
  • • 1.3. The semantic explanation of the meaning of the term15

• Chapter 6
• Nominal and Actual Paths17
  • • 1.4. The difference between actual and nominal paths17

• Chapter 7
• The Five Paths 19
  • • 1.5. The detailed explanations of each one of the five paths19

• Chapter 8
• The Path of Accumulation21
  • • 1.5.1. The path of accumulation21
• THE DEFINITION OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION21
  • • 1.5.1.1. Setting up its definition21
• THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION22
  • • 1.5.1.2. Identifying its illustration22
• THE EXTENSIVE CLASSIFICATION OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION23
  • • 1.5.1.3. The extensive classification23
  • The Threefold Classification of Lesser, Medium, and Greater23
    • The Four Intense Applications of Mindfulness24
    • The Four Perfect Relinquishments24
    • The Four Limbs of Miraculous Powers25
    • Two Reasons for the Threefold Classification25
  • The Alternative Fourfold Classification26
• THE NATURE OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION27
  • • 1.5.1.4 Determining its nature27
  • The Psychophysical Supports in Which It Arises27
  • The Grounds on Which It Relies28
  • The Objects on Which It Focuses28
• THE FEATURES OF RELINQUISHMENT & REALIZATION OF THE PATH
  OF ACCUMULATION29
  • • 1.5.1.5. The features of relinquishment and realization29
• THE QUALITIES OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION31
  • • 1.5.1.6. Stating its qualities31
• THE FUNCTION OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION33
  • • 1.5.1.7. Its function33
• THE SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE PATH OF ACCUMULATION35
  • • 1.5.1.8. Teaching its semantic explanation35

• Chapter 9
• The Path of Junction37
  • • 1.5.2. The path of junction37
• THE DEFINITION OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION37
  • • 1.5.2.1. Setting up its definition37
• THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION40
  • • 1.5.2.2. Identifying its illustration40
• THE EXTENSIVE CLASSIFICATION OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION40
  • • 1.5.2.3. The extensive classification40
  • The Classification Through Nature41
  • The Classification in Terms of Accumulation and Junction41
  • The Classification in Terms of Lesser and Greater42
  • The Classification by Way of Realization43
    • The Phase of Heat 45
    • The Phase of Peak 46
    • The Phase of Endurance 49
    • The Phase of Supreme Dharma50
• THE NATURE OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION52
  • • 1.5.2.4. Determining its nature52
  • The Psychophysical Supports in Which It Arises52
  • The Grounds on Which It Relies53
  • The Objects on Which It Focuses56
• THE FEATURE OF RELINQUISHMENT & REALIZATION OF THE PATH
  OF JUNCTION58
  • • 1.5.2.5. The features of relinquishment and realization58
  • What Is Relinquished 59
  • What Is Realized 60
• THE QUALITIES OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION63
  • • 1.5.2.6. Stating its qualities63
• THE FUNCTION OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION64
  • • 1.5.2.7. Its function64
• THE SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE PATH OF JUNCTION65
  • • 1.5.2.8. Teaching its semantic explanation65

• Chapter 10
• The Path of Seeing 67
  • • 1.5.3. The path of seeing67
• THE DEFINITION OF THE PATH OF SEEING67
  • • 1.5.3.1. Setting up its definition67
• THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE PATH OF SEEING69
  • • 1.5.3.2. Identifying its illustration69
• THE EXTENSIVE CLASSIFICATION OF THE PATH OF SEEING70
  • • 1.5.3.3. The extensive classification70
• THE NATURE OF THE PATH OF SEEING71
  • • 1.5.3.4. Determining its nature71
  • The Way in Which the Factors to be Relinquished Through Seeing Are Relinquished72
    • 1.5.3.4.1. The presentation of the way in which the factors to be relinquished
      through seeing are relinquished72
  • The Definition of the Factors to be Relinquished72
    • 1.5.3.4.1.1. The definition of the factors to be relinquished72
  • The Extensive Classification of the Factors to be Relinquished73
    • 1.5.3.4.1.2. The extensive classification of the factors to be relinquished73
    • 1.5.3.4.1.2.1. The classification of their entity74
    • 1.5.3.4.1.2.2. The classification of the way of relinquishment76
  • The Way in Which the Factors to be Relinquished Are Relinquished78
• 1.5.3.4.1.3. The way in which the factors to be relinquished are relinquished78
  • The Way in Which the Path of Seeing Arises82
    • 1.5.3.4.2. The presentation of the way in which the path of seeing arises82
  • The Psychophysical Supports in Which It Arises82
    • 1.5.3.4.2.1. The (psychophysical) supports in which it arises82
  • The Grounds on Which It Relies83
    • 1.5.3.4.2.2. The grounds on which it relies83
  • The Ways of Realization 85
    • 1.5.3.4.2.3. The ways of realization85
  • From How Many Moments It Arises87
    • 1.5.3.4.2.4. (The issue) from how many moments it arises87
    • 1.5.3.4.2.4.1. The system of the common vehicle87
    • 1.5.3.4.2.4.2. The uncommon system91
• THE FEATURES OF RELINQUISHMENT & REALIZATION OF THE PATH
  OF SEEING93
  • • 1.5.3.5. The features of relinquishment and realization93
  • What Is Relinquished 93
  • What Is Realized 94
• THE QUALITIES OF THE PATH OF SEEING96
  • • 1.5.3.6. Stating its qualities96
• THE FUNCTION OF THE PATH OF SEEING99
  • • 1.5.3.7. Its function99
• THE SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE PATH OF SEEING99
  • • 1.5.3.8. Teaching its semantic explanation99

• Chapter 11
• The Path of Meditation103
  • • 1.5.4. The path of meditation103
• THE DEFINITION OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION103
  • • 1.5.4.1. Setting up its definition103
• THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION104
  • • 1.5.4.2. Identifying its illustration104
• THE EXTENSIVE CLASSIFICATION OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION108
  • • 1.5.4.3. The extensive classification108
  • The Mundane Path of Meditation109
    • 1.5.4.3.1. The mundane path of meditation109
  • The Supramundane Path of Meditation109
    • 1.5.4.3.2. The supramundane path of meditation109
  • Classification Through Its Psychophysical Supports110
  • Classification Through the Factors to be Relinquished111
  • Classification Through the Paths111
  • Classification Through Its Entity112
  • Classification Through Familiarization112
• THE NATURE OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION113
  • • 1.5.4.4. Determining its nature113
  • The Factors to be Relinquished Through Meditation113
    • 1.5.4.4.1. The way in which the factors to be relinquished through meditation are relinquished113
    • The Definition of the Factors to be Relinquished Through Meditation114
    • Their Extensive Classification116
    • The Way in Which They Are Relinquished Through the Remedies117
  • The Arising of the Path of Meditation118
    • 1.5.4.4.2. The way in which the path of meditation arises118
    • The Psychophysical Supports in Which It Arises118
    • The Grounds on Which It Relies119
    • The Objects on Which It Focuses120
• THE FEATURES OF RELINQUISHMENT & REALIZATION ON THE
  PATH OF MEDITATION121
  • • 1.5.4.5. The features of relinquishment and realization121
  • What is Relinquished 122
  • What is Realized 122
• THE QUALITIES OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION124
  • • 1.5.4.6. Stating its qualities124
• THE FUNCTION OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION125
  • • 1.5.4.7. Its function125
• THE SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE PATH OF MEDITATION126
  • • 1.5.4.8. Teaching its semantic explanation126

• Chapter 12
• The Path of Completion 129
  • • 1.5.5. The path of completion129
• THE DEFINITION OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION129
  • • 1.5.5.1. Setting up its definition129
• THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION131
  • • 1.5.5.2. Identifying its illustration131
• THE EXTENSIVE CLASSIFICATION OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION131
  • • 1.5.5.3. The extensive classification131
  • The Classification of the Three Vehicles132
  • The Classification of the Two Paths132
  • The Classification of the Three Grounds132
  • Two Other Distinctive Features132
  • The Ten Dharmas of No More Learning134
  • The Five Uncontaminated Aggregates135
• THE NATURE OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION136
  • • 1.5.5.4. Determining its nature136
  • The Psychophysical Supports in Which It Arises & The Grounds It Relies on136
  • The Objects It Focuses on 137
• THE FEATURES OF RELINQUISHMENT & REALIZATION OF THE
  PATH OF COMPLETION138
  • • 1.5.5.5. The features of relinquishment and realization138
  • What is Relinquished 139
  • What is Realized 139
• THE QUALITIES OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION140
  • • 1.5.5.6. Stating its qualities140
• THE FUNCTION OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION141
  • • 1.5.5.7. Its function141
• THE SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE PATH OF COMPLETION141
  • • 1.5.5.8. Teaching its semantic explanation141

THE PRESENTATION OF GROUNDS

• Chapter 13
• The Presentation of Grounds143

• Chapter 14
• The Two Grounds149
  • • 2. Teaching the presentation of the grounds149
    • 2.1. The presentation as two grounds149
    • 2.1.1. The brief introduction149
• THE GROUNDS FREE FROM ATTACHMENT150
  • • 2.1.2. The detailed explanation150
    • 2.1.2.1. The grounds free from attachment150
  • The Ground of Fully Seeing What is White151
  • The Ground of Disposition 152
  • The Eighth Ground 152
  • The Ground of Seeing 153
  • The Ground of Diminishment 153
  • The Ground of Freedom From Desire153
  • The Ground of Realizing Completion153
  • The Ground of Hearers154
  • The Ground of Solitary Realizers155
• THE BUDDHA GROUNDS 156
  • • 2.1.2.2. The Buddha grounds156
• THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO157
  • • 2.2. Teaching the differences between these two157
  • The Difference of Miraculous Powers158
  • The Difference of Supernatural Knowledges158
  • The Difference of Realization 158
  • The Difference of Meditation 159
  • The Difference of Seeing 159
  • The Difference of Language, Teaching the Dharma, and Promoting Welfare161
  • The Difference of Nirvāṇa 162

• Chapter 15
• The Detailed Explanation of the Buddha Grounds165
  • • 2.3. The detailed explanation of the Buddha grounds165
• THE ENTITY OF GROUND 165
  • • 2.3.1. The entity of ground165
• THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE BUDDHA GROUNDS166
  • • 2.3.2. The illustration 166
• THE SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE BUDDHA GROUNDS166
  • • 2.3.3. The semantic explanation166
• THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE BUDDHA GROUNDS168
  • • 2.3.4. The classifications168
  • The Classification in Terms of Beings and Noble Ones168
    • The Grounds of Ordinary Worldly Beings169
    • The Supramundane Grounds170
  • The Classification in Terms of the Ways of Attainment170
  • The Classification in Terms of the Ways of Accomplishment172
  • The Classification in Terms of Pride173

• Chapter 16
• The Special Explanation of the Buddha Grounds175
  • • 2.3.5. The special explanation of the grounds of the uncommon great vehicle175
• THE ENTITIES & SEMANTIC EXPLANATION OF THE NAMES175
  • • 2.3.5.1. The entities and semantic explanations of the names175
• THE THOROUGH PURIFICATIONS177
  • • 2.3.5.2. The thorough purifications and where one is transferred to177
• THE PRACTICES & PERSONS ON THE TEN BHŪMIS179
  • • 2.3.5.3. The practices and persons179
  • The Ten Pāramitā Practices 181
  • Persons With Pure View 181
• THE THREE TRAININGS & THE FIVE AGGREGATES184
  • • 2.3.5.4. The three trainings and the aggregates184
  • The Three Trainings 184
  • The Five Pure Aggregates 187
• PURITY, RELINQUISHMENT, & REALIZATION188
  • • 2.3.5.5. Complete purities, relinquishments, and realizations188
  • The Progressive Purification of the Ten Bhūmis188
  • The Factors to be Relinquished on Paths of Seeing and Meditation189
  • The Realization of the Ten Bhūmis191
• THE QUALITIES OF THE TEN BHUMIS195
  • • 2.3.5.6. The differences in terms of qualities and arising195
• HOW BODHISATTVAS ARE REBORN198
  • Rebirth Through Influence 198
  • Rebirth Through Complete Maturation200

• Chapter 17
• Why the Grounds Are Ten201
  • • 2.3.6. The reason why the number of the grounds is definitely ten201

THE PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

• Chapter 18
• The Presentation of Results205
  • • Determining the results of the vehicle of characteristics205

• Chapter 19
• The Three Nirvāṇas207
  • • 1. The general explanation of nirvāṇa, the result of the three vehicles207
  • Natural Nirvāṇa 208
  • The Nirvāṇa of Cessation 209
    • The Nominal Nirvāṇa of Cessation210
    • The Actual Nirvāṇa of Cessation210
  • Partially Incomplete & Complete Actual Cessations211
  • Nonabiding Nirvāṇa 212

• Chapter 20
• The Special Explanation of Buddhahood213
  • • 2. The special explanation of Buddhahood, the result of the great vehicle213
    • 2.1. The nature of Buddhahood213
  • The Terminological Meaning of Buddhahood215
    • 2.2. The terminological meaning of this name215

• Chapter 21
• The Three Kāyas217
  • • 2.3. The way in which the activity of enlightened bodies is accomplished217
  • The Causes of the Three Kāyas217
    • 2.3.1. The teaching about the connection in terms of what is accomplished from
      which causes217
  • The Accumulations of Merit & Wisdom218
  • The Great Akaniṣhṭha221
    • 2.3.2. The explanation of the distinctive features of how this is accomplished in
      certain places221
  • How the Form Kāyas Manifest 223
  • Why the Kāyas Are Three 223
  • The Detailed Explanation of the Three Kāyas225
    • 2.3.3. The detailed explanation of the result that is accomplished225
    • 2.3.3.1. The explanation of the support, the enlightened bodies225
    • 2.3.3.1.1. The definitions and other (related topics)225

• Chapter 22
• The Dharmakāya227
  • • 2.3.3.1.1.1. The Dharma Body227
    • 2.3.3.1.1.1.1. The meaning of the term and the definition227
  • The Eight Defining Characteristics229
  • The Twofold Classification 230
    • 2.3.3.1.1.1.2. Its classification as different enlightened bodies230

• Chapter 23
• The Sambhogakāya231
  • The Meaning of Sambhogakāya231
    • 2.3.3.1.1.2. The Enjoyment Body231
    • 2.3.3.1.1.2.1. The meaning of the term and the definition231
  • The Definition of Sambhogakāya232
  • The Eight Characteristics & Five Certainties233
  • Classifications of Sambhogakāya234
    • 2.3.3.1.1.2.2. The classification234
  • How Sambhogakāyas Appear 235

• Chapter 24
• The Nirmāṇakāya 239
  • The Meaning & Definition of Nirmāṇakāya239
    • 2.3.3.1.1.3. The Emanation Body239
    • 2.3.3.1.1.3.1. The meaning of the term and the definition239
  • The Eight Characteristics of a Nirmāṇakāya240
  • Classifications of Nirmāṇakāya242
    • 2.3.3.1.1.3.2. The classification242

• Chapter 25
• The Intention of the Uttaratantra245
  • • 2.3.3.1.1.4. Teaching the intention of The Sublime Continuum as a
      supplementary topic245
  • The Perfection of Genuine Purity245
  • The Perfection of Genuine Identity246
  • The Perfection of Genuine Bliss247
  • The Perfection of Genuine Permanence247
  • The Enlightened Body of a Buddha248
  • The Five Defining Characteristics248

• Chapter 26
• The Distinctive Features of the Three Kāyas251
  • • 2.3.3.1.2. The explanation of the distinctive features of the three enlightened bodies251
    • 2.3.3.1.2.1. The distinctive feature of equality251
    • 2.3.3.1.2.2. The distinctive feature of permanence252
    • 2.3.3.1.2.3. The distinctive feature of appearance252

• Chapter 27
• The Five Wisdoms255
  • • 2.3.3.2. The explanation of the supported, the wisdoms255
    • 2.3.3.2.1. The detailed classification255
    • 2.3.3.2.2. The meanings of the terms and their entities256
  • Dharmadhātu Wisdom 256
    • 2.3.3.2.2.1. The explanation of the meaning of the expanse of dharmas256
  • Mirrorlike Wisdom 258
    • 2.3.3.2.2.2. The explanation of the meaning of mirrorlike258
  • The Wisdom of Equality 259
    • 2.3.3.2.2.3. The explanation of the meaning of equality259
  • Discriminating Wisdom 260
    • 2.3.3.2.2.4. The explanation of the meaning of all-discriminating260
  • All-Accomplishing Wisdom 261
    • 2.3.3.2.2.5. The explanation of the meaning of all-accomplishing261
  • The Causes of the Five Wisdoms262
    • 2.3.3.2.3. The causes through which they are accomplished262
  • The Five Wisdoms & the Eight Consciousnesses263
    • 2.3.3.2.4. The ways of changing state263
  • The Five Wisdoms & the Three Kāyas265
    • 2.3.3.2.5. The way in which they are related to the enlightened bodies together with their way of knowing 265
  • The Way in Which Buddhas Know265

• Chapter 28
• The Qualities of Freedom & Maturation269
  • • 2.3.3.3. The explanation of the qualities of freedom and complete maturation269
    • 2.3.3.3.1. The brief introduction269
    • 2.3.3.3.2. The detailed explanation270
• THE QUALITIES OF FREEDOM270
• 2.3.3.3.2.1. The qualities of freedom270
  • The Thirty-Two Qualities 271
    • 2.3.3.3.2.1.1. The thirty-two (qualities) as per the intention of The Sublime Continuum271
    • 2.3.3.3.2.1.1.1. Connection through a brief introduction271
    • 2.3.3.3.2.1.1.2. The detailed commentary on their meaning271
  • The Ten Powers 271
    • 2.3.3.3.2.1.1.2.1. The ten powers271
  • The Four Fearlessnesses 273
    • 2.3.3.3.2.1.1.2.2. The four fearlessnesses273
• The Eighteen Unique Qualities274
  • • 2.3.3.3.2.1.1.2.3. The eighteen unique qualities274
  • The Twenty-One Uncontaminated Qualities278
    • 2.3.3.3.2.1.2.2. The twenty-one uncontaminated groups (of qualities) as per the intention of The Ornament of Clear Realization278
• THE QUALITIES OF COMPLETE MATURATION283
  • • 2.3.3.3.2.2. The explanation of the qualities of complete maturation283
    • 2.3.3.3.2.2.1. The brief introduction283
    • 2.3.3.3.2.2.2. The detailed explanation283
    • 2.3.3.4. The explanation of the enlightened activity that is performed289
    • 2.3.3.4.1. The detailed explanation of the seven points of activity290
    • 2.3.3.4.2. Their summary in two points291
• Chart I: The factors to be relinquished through seeing and meditation according to the great vehicle293
• Chart II: The factors to be relinquished through seeing and meditation according to the vehicle of the hearers295

1. 'jam mgon kong sprul. theg pa'i sgo kun las btus pa gsung rab rin po che'i mdzod bslab pa gsum legs par ston pa'i bstan bcos shes bya kun khyab. Pe cin: mi rigs dpe skrun khang, 2002.

nītārtha - Refers to a teaching that is literally true. Skt. नीतार्थ Tib. ངེས་དོན་