Nagarjuna's Letter English 2016

For centuries, Dharma students have traditionally studied Nāgārjuna's Letter to a Friend, for it provides a concise and thorough introduction to the entire Buddhist path practice. By examining the Four Noble Truths and the Six Perfections, Nāgārjuna describes logically and poetically the internal patterns of experience which leads a person to buddhahood.Nāgārjuna wrote this letter to his friend King Satavahana, in order to alert him to the worldly impurities, especially in discharging his royal activities, and to integrate spiritual values into his daily life. In this respect, his advice is still of special interest to those who wish to cultivate a religious practice while continuing to live and work in society.The commentary accompanying Nāgārjuna's epistle was composed by Venerable Rendawa, Zhön-nu Lo-drö. This famous scholar hailed from the great "Sa-sKya'' monastery in north central Tibet. During the initial period of their relationship, he served as a teacher to the renowned Tsong Khapa, later, they instructed each other. Rendawa's commentary is quite clear and simple, and suitable for all levels of students.