Kopan Course No. 40 (2007)

By Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu, Nepal (Archive #1684)

Lamrim teachings given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the 40th Kopan Meditation Course, held at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, in November-December 2007. Lightly edited by Gordon McDougall.

Go to the Index page to view an outline of topics and click on the links to go directly to the lectures. You can also download a PDF of the entire course.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Portland, Oregon, 2006. Photo: John Berthold.
Kopan Course No. 40 Index Page

The Index Page provides an outline of the topics discussed in each of the lectures. Click on the links below to go directly to a particular lecture.

Lecture 1: The Concept of True Existence
December 6, 2007
  • The concept of true existence cheats us
  • Hungry ghosts and dogs
  • Believing the I to be truly existing
  • The object to be refuted
  • We perceive all the senses as real
  • The person criticizing us is the object of refutation
  • Shopping with the three principal aspects of the path
  • The real solution to global warming is transforming our mind
  • Coming to the Kopan Course is the best decision
  • Dedications
Lecture 2: Seeking Enlightenment
December 7, 2007
  • Buddhism is even for non-Buddhists
  • Those who have omniscience
  • With self-cherishing, there is one problem after another
  • We can only develop patience with somebody who harms us
  • We need patience and renunciation
  • After meeting is separation; after birth is death
  • Looking for the I
  • The death of Geshe Jampa Gyatso
  • Ignorance is the king of superstitions
  • The way to act when seeking enlightenment
  • Dedications
Lecture 3: The Special Attitude
December 9, 2007
  • Developing bodhicitta
  • The continuity of the mind: The first proof of reincarnation
  • Stories of reincarnated lamas: Lama Ösel
  • Stories of reincarnated lamas: Rinpoche’s mother
  • Stories of reincarnated lamas: Geshe Lama Konchog
  • Past negativities arising easily proves reincarnation
  • Reincarnation proved by experience
  • The kindness of the mother
  • Repaying the kindness
  • Love and compassion alone are not enough
  • Great loving kindness and great compassion
  • Special attitude
  • We need Highest Yoga Tantra to become enlightened quickly
  • Dedications
Lecture 4: Refuge and Lay Vows
December 10, 2007
  • Buddha nature
  • Believing the label
  • The cause of the first moment in the womb proves reincarnation
  • If the I is one with the aggregates many mistakes arise
  • If the I is separate from the aggregates many mistakes arise
  • The I depends on the aggregates
  • We do everything for this I that is not there
  • Going beyond the real I
  • The form and formless realms still have suffering
  • The I on the aggregates
  • Taking refuge
  • The results of negative and positive karma
  • The secret of the mind
  • Doing calm abiding with the four motivations
  • Rinpoche’s early life
  • Opening the door of Dharma
  • The importance of taking the vows
  • The refuge ceremony
  • Three things to be abandoned and three to be practiced
  • Dedications
  • Visiting the holy places
Lecture 5: Boudhanath Stupa
December 11, 2007
  • Meditation alone is not enough
  • The importance of guru devotion
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • More benefits of offering and circumabulating
  • The benefits of prostrating
  • When you go to the Boudhanath Stupa
Lecture 6: Lama Atisha's Lamp for the Path
December 11, 2007
  • The great yogis see completely differently
  • How we perceive things depends on the level of our mind
  • Atisha is invited to Tibet
  • The oral transmission of the Lamp for the Path
Lecture 7: The Unmistaken Path
December 17, 2007
  • Happiness comes from a virtuous mind
  • The purpose of Kopan
  • To achieve the path the foundation is morality

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