Four Essential Buddhist Commentaries

For centuries, Dharma students have traditionally studied Nagarjuna?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, Nagarjune describes logically and poetically the internal patterns of experience which leads a person to Buddhahood. Nagarjuna 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 Nagarjuna?s epistle was composed by Venerable Rendawa, Zhon-nu Lo-Dro. This famous scholar hailed from the great ?Sa-skya? monastery in north central Tibet. During the intial 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. This book teaches the basics of Buddhist religious practice for beginners and advanced students, both laymen and monk.