Downloads: printable copies of teachings and prayers
“When we first approach Tibetan Buddhism, it’s rather like approaching a house with several front doors. Not only do we not know which door to enter, we don’t know what to say or do when we go inside.” [From “Practices of Tibetan Buddhism,” below.]
Click the PDF icons to download. To read and print the pages, use free Adobe Reader software.
 Practices of Tibetan Buddhism
This essay outlines the Karma Kagyu path in Tibetan Buddhism in America, explaining how students
begin the path, how they progress, and how enlightenment is considered and approached.
Step by Step: The Practice Path of a Kagyu Buddhist
A summary of the Karma Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist path as taught in America.
By Lama Kathy Wesley
How to Deepen Dharma Practice
By Lama Kathy Wesley
Teachers and Teachings
A quote from Thrangu Rinpoche on Creation and Completion by the Great Jamgon Kongtrul
Teacher-Student Relationship: Choosing a Teacher
By Lama Kathy Wesley
Teachers and the Vajrayana
By Lama Kathy Wesley
How to Contemplate the Four Reminders
(Also called “Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind toward Dharma”)
By Lama Kathy Wesley, based on oral teachings from His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche.
Explanation of Mantra/Visualization Meditation
By Lama Kathy Wesley, after teaching by Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche.
Tong-Len in Daily Life
From the teachings of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye.
Compiled and edited by Kathy Wesley
Tong-len Practice for Difficult Situations
When faced with a really difficult person or situation, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche suggested this practice.
By Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, as dictated to Kathy Wesley
Guru Yoga
Whether we have chosen a teacher yet or not, we can benefit from this short practice
of guru devotion taught by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
Lay Precepts
A brief discussion of the five lay precepts of the Kagyu tradition, along with advice about
keeping the vows and the benefits of the vows.
What is Ngondro?
This short teaching offers an explanation of the preliminary practices (Tibetan: ngondro)
of the Mahamudra tradition of Kagyu Buddhism.
Confession as a Daily Buddhist Practice
A brief basic teaching on karma and right action, accompanied by simple techniques
for recognizing negative actions, abandoning them, and purifying them.
Advice on the Buddhist practice of confession
By Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Given as an answer to a person who worried that
she or he had broken samaya by getting angry with a dharma brother or sister.
What are blessing pills? How are they used?
This short article explains the tradition of blessing pills and how they are used.
Practice to be done at stupas
By Khenpo Kathar Rinpoche. Copied and edited by Kathy Wesley.
Based on personal interview, 2008.
Five Joys of Sickness or Adversity
This teaching by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche reminds us that even in illness,
we have the opportunity to practice dharma.
Helping At The Time Of Death
Ways to practice for people who are dying.
By Lama Kathy Wesley, based on sources as quoted
Shantideva: Readings from The Way of the Bodhisattva
This 8th Century text by the Indian Buddhist master Shantideva is one of the most revered texts
in modern Buddhism. From Chapter Three, “Commitment,” Verses 7-12, 16-19 and 21-24
 Chenrezig for beginners
Chenrezig is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Reciting his mantra helps us cultivate our naturally
occurring compassion and loving kindness and extend it to all sentient beings. It has been said by
great teachers such as Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche that the Chenrezig practice can be done even by
those who have not taken refuge or empowerment. This short description is based on the Chenrezig
practice 'The Benefit of All Beings, Vast as Space" and the instructions of the 15th Gyalwang Karmapa.
Medicine Buddha for beginners
A Short Practice of Medicine Buddha.
By Kathy Wesley. Based on teachings from Thrangu Rinpoche and Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
A Teaching on the Tashi Prayer
This teaching was given as an answer to a question during Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s teaching on
“The Guru Yoga of Marpa.” By Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, edited to Kathy Wesley
Tashi Prayer: Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones
If recited when you wake in the morning, you will enjoy the total day’s fulfillment. If recited before bed,
you will enjoy pleasant dreams. If recited before activity, all works can be successfully accomplished.
If recited before a contest, you will be victorious. If recited regularly, you will enjoy long life, glorious
health, fame, auspiciousness, prosperity, happiness and removal of negative karma and obscurations.
And higher rebirth is certain. (Stated by Buddha)
The King of Aspiration Prayers, the Aspiration for Noble Excellent Conduct
Excerpt: verses 1-15.
Prayer Before Meals
Here is a nicely formatted copy of the mealtime prayer to keep near your kitchen.
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