Both the sutric and tantric approaches are available to achieve the three aspects. The sutric methods primarily teach Renunciation and Bodhicitta, while the Madhyamaka tradition of the Sutrayana teaches the Correct View of Emptiness. The Tantrayana tradition offers practices like Mahamudra, Dzogchen, and the practice of Nadi, Prana, and Bindu (channels, qi, and essences) to realize the Correct View of Emptiness.
As previously mentioned, the practice of Nadi, Prana, and Bindu may not be suitable for lay practitioners in modern times. While Mahamudra and Dzogchen are beneficial, we may not currently have the necessary capacity to practice them. What can we do in this situation? We can begin by studying texts on Madhyamaka, Shunyata (Emptiness), and Paramita.
Where can we find theoretical texts on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path? There are many relevant texts available in both Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. A lot of them have been translated into English. However, as our focus today is on Tibetan Buddhism, let us explore the texts on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path that are available in this tradition.
There are several texts available in Tibetan Buddhism that discuss the Three Principal Aspects of the Path, but one of the most well-known is the Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, also known as Lam Rim Chen Mo. This text, written by Je Tsongkapa when he was 46 years old, provides a detailed explanation of the Three Principal Aspects of the Path. However, Je Tsongkapa later simplified the text as the Middle Length Lam Rim because he thought the Great Treatise was too academic.
Although there are differences between the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, the majority of them study the Great Treatise. However, some prefer more concise and straightforward texts, such as the commentary on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path found in Luminous Wisdom by Kenpo Tsultrim Lodro. Other masters, such as Kenpo Sodargye and Kenpo Yeshi Phuntsok of the Larong Larong Five Sciences Buddhist Institute, have also written commentary texts on the topic.
Regardless of the text, all texts on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path generally center around how to generate Renunciation and Bodhicitta, accurately grasp the Correct View of Emptiness, and put it into practice. It is recommended to read related texts, such as the Great Treatise, Luminous Wisdom, and Kenpo Sordargye's commentary on Shantideva's Bodhicharyavatara.
In addition to Tibetan Buddhism, there are also texts on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path in Chinese Buddhism. For example, Master Xing'an's An Inspiration to Give Rise to the Bodhi Mind and parts of the Sixth Patriarch's Platform Sutra discuss the importance of giving up worldly attachments and practicing Buddhadharma. However, Je Tsongkapa's Three Principal Aspects of the Path provides a dedicated summary of the three aspects in Chinese Buddhism.
As lay practitioners, if we focus on the three principal aspects of the path, we have the potential to achieve awakening within this lifetime. By cultivating Renunciation and Bodhicitta, we establish a strong foundation that allows us to wholeheartedly study and practice the Correct View of Emptiness. This, in turn, increases our chances of awakening.
Excerpted from: The Relationship Between Buddhist Theory and Practice
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