The precept of the Lama is more important than scriptures and commentaries.

- Atiśa

In the early days of the Order, Sangharakshita held a seminar on a book called The Door of Liberation, which consisted of seven Tibetan texts, translated under the auspices of Geshe Wangyal. The Kadamthorbu was one of those.

The text consists of dialogues between Atiśa and his closest disciples, especially with his principal disciple, the layman Dromtönpa, who later founded the Kadam school. It’s an informal exposition of how to live as a bodhisattva, covering topics such as compassion, emptiness, renunciation, the importance of practice, and Bodhicitta. Reading the text is like listening in on a real spiritual community, talking about the fundamental aspects of the Dharma, and Atiśa comes across as not only wise, but very approachable, human, and friendly.

Ratnaguna, Saddhaloka and Prajnaketu will be leading an online retreat on this text 21-28 May. Read more and book here.