A Letter to a Friend
Tubten Pende
A Letter to a Friend by Nagarjuna with Tubten Pende Sunday, 11:15am - 12:45pm May 17, 2015 June 14 July 12 August 9 September 13 October 11 November 8 December 13 This letter consists of 123 verses of advice to a friend, a king, by Nagarjuna. This text is important for being a recognized work by one of the foremost Buddhist masters of ancient India, who was predicted by the Buddha to be his champion of his middle-way philosophy. More importantly, it represents practical advice on how to practice the Dharma in everyday life provided by this master. Consequently, the great Tibetan translators were sure to translate it into Tibetan and this text was taught by all four principal schools of Tibetan Buddhism. This text has also been translated into English and is available for us to study and apply its advice in our own lives for our own and others' welfare. This lecture series by Tubten Pende provides us with an opportunity to study this text. Just as the wise venerate a statue of the Blissfully Gone (Buddha), Even out of wood, regardless of how it’s been made; Likewise, although this poetry of mine may be deficient, please do not scorn it, Since it’s based on expressions of the hallowed Dharma. Although a profusion of the resonant words of the Great Sage (Buddha) May already have entered your heart, Isn’t something made of limestone made even whiter By the light of a winter’s moon?