Introduction Letter

by Khen Rinpoche Tsewang Gyatso

Only through a clear understanding and enough knowledge of the teachings of the Buddha, based on sutra and tantra, and by educating oneself with the commentaries of Indian and Tibetan scholars, can one do a better practice. And one must have a proper practice; it is not enough just having knowledge.

As Acharya Vasu Vandu said,

The teachings of the Buddha consist of two kinds: The scriptural and the realization teachings. The only methods to uphold the doctrine Are to proclaim these teachings and engage in the practice.

The cause of happiness within this life and in the future is completely dependent on the right view with good knowledge and right understanding. Proper education in general, and specifically in the spiritual field, is the source of good understanding and great knowledge. Therefore we, with pure intention, want to offer this magazine to educate everyone in these unique fields, to educate and benefit you as well as future generations.

This magazine, Palyul Clear Light, has been published to promote information on Tibetan dharma history, as well as Palyul lineage history and teachings. We hope to present all levels of information and teachings, including instruction on writing Tibetan script, and we offer stories to share for fun and knowledge. We plan to publish the magazine semi-annually.

Palyul Clear Light is also a publication organization and we intend to publish many books for all who are interested. We plan to publish some translations from original Tibetan textbooks, and also to transcribe teachings of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche and of various khenpos in the near future.

The mission of the Palyul Clear Light organization is to facilitate the continued existence and spread of the Palyul tradition of Tibetan Buddhism throughout Asia and the West through education and publication. In addition, we want to be able to preserve, through re-publication, ancient Tibetan texts that are in danger of being lost to this world.

Our second goal is to foster the continuation of monastic education in India, Tibet and the United States. This support will include scholarships for monastic students in India and Tibet and for academic studies in the West. We also hope to be able to help students who attend three-year retreats.

We appreciate your support through donations, which make possible the continuation of this enterprise, and will try to serve you all with our best efforts. We will perform fundraising activities as necessary to complete this dream. We also ask that you, our readers, support us to whatever extent you can. We appreciate any suggestions, as well as your questions and compliments.

Yours truly in dharma,

Khenpo Tsewang Gyatso.