Diligence

“‘What does it take to get out of your own way?’ In his inspiring and insightful new book, Dzigar Kongtrul turns our usual ideas of laziness and diligence on their heads by looking to The Way of the Bodhisattva—a well-loved classical text—to explore this question. The result? A practical and comprehensive guide to developing a warm heart and open mind through the practice of joyful effort, from one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most highly respected and innovative teachers.”—Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of Real-World Enlightenment and Mindful Games“For any undertaking to be successful, we have to make the necessary effort. How much more so if we wish to achieve ultimate enlightenment for ourselves and others! In an age where it is all too easy to get lost in distraction and pleasure, this new exploration of Shantideva’s timeless advice is a much-needed guide to help us find joy in practicing virtue.”—Pema Wangyal Rinpoche, author of Awakening Wisdom“Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche hands us a priceless gift in this unique elucidation of Shantideva’s teaching on diligence. With tender guidance and exquisite skill, he reveals diligence as vital for freeing us from the stubborn habits and distractions that keep us from moving forwards or realizing our true nature. Setting this teaching within the wider spectrum of the bodhisattva path and the practices of self-reflection and compassion, Rinpoche shows how we ourselves can discover inspiration, self-confidence, delight in spiritual practice, and come to understand diligence as ‘the art of finding joy in everything we do.’”—Patrick Gaffney, editor of Mind in Comfort and Ease“Skillfully unpacks all 76 of Shantideva’s verses on [diligence], offering clear and relatable guidance… . Diligence emerges not only as a discipline, but as a joyful and liberating practice.”—Buddhadharma

DZIGAR KONGTRUL RINPOCHE grew up in a monastic environment and received extensive training in all aspects of Buddhist doctrine. In 1989, he moved to the United States with his family, and in 1990, he began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Naropa University. He also founded Mangala Shri Bhuti, his own teaching organization, during this period. He has established a mountain retreat center, Longchen Jigme Samten Ling, in southern Colorado. When not guiding students in long-term retreats and not in retreat himself, Rinpoche travels widely throughout the world teaching and furthering his own education. He is the author of several books including Training in Tenderness and Peaceful Heart.