Atisha's Teachings

Atisha Dipamkara Shrijñana (982–1054) was a founding master of the Kadam school and a pivotal bridge between Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. This skill draws from classical Tibetan Buddhist texts to explore his core teachings: the three scopes of the path (lamrim), bodhicitta development, monastic discipline, and reliance on a qualified spiritual teacher. All doctrinal claims are grounded in Tibetan textual sources, particularly the Bodhipatha Pradipa (Lamp for the Path to Awakening) and the Kadam oral transmission lineage.

What it does

• Explains the three scopes of the path (lamrim): lower, middle, and upper scope practices and their progression toward enlightenment
• Teaches bodhicitta through the seven-cause-and-effect method and self-other exchange, drawing from the Jowo tradition
• Discusses the importance of relying on a qualified spiritual teacher as the foundation for all Buddhist practice
• Clarifies the six treatises of the Kadam school and the integration of hearing, contemplation, and meditation
• Addresses Atisha's role in reforming Tibetan Buddhism and restoring monastic discipline during the later diffusion period
• Provides contextual guidance on which classical texts address specific questions about Atisha's teachings

How to use it

Ask questions about Atisha's philosophy, the lamrim stages, bodhicitta practices, reliance on teachers, or the Kadam lineage. The skill will draw from the Bodhipatha Pradipa and Kadam oral transmissions to provide grounded explanations. For questions beyond offline sources or requiring specific classical references, the skill may consult live Buddhist text databases. All answers cite their Tibetan sources and encourage you to study the original texts and work with a qualified teacher for personal practice guidance.

Note: this skill's internal instructions are written in Chinese. Claude reads them natively and will work with you in English.