FOREWORD

THE THIRD DALAI Lama, Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso, a supremely high one with power over the three worlds, was invited by Altan Khan to visit the Mongol nation. He accepted, and the marvelous deeds that he performed there in order to propagate the Buddhadharma in general and the doctrines of the Second Buddha Tsongkhapa in particular left a lasting impression on the land.

One of the Third Dalai Lama’s most popular written works is his Essence of Refined Gold, which extracts the heart of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Great Exposition of the Stages on the Spiritual Path. Although brief, it summarizes the meaning of all Buddha’s teachings and is easily put into practice.

A few years ago His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, a master of all doctrines, gave a discourse upon the Third Dalai Lama’s Essence of Refined Gold to a number of fortunate trainees. I offer my prayers that Glenn’s translation of the root text and his compilation of a commentary based upon His Holiness’ discourse may be of lasting spiritual benefit to those in the great Western Lands with a sincere interest in the Buddhist path to enlightenment.

Yongzin Trijang Rinpoche

Junior Tutor to H.H. the Dalai Lama

Fifteenth Day of the Fourth Tibetan Month,

Iron Bird Year