The tradition of study and contemplation that took place in Tibet and now modern day India and Nepal is quite different than our own tradition here in the West. Here in the West it is quite common to read a book over a month or two, make some notes, reflect on it and then move onto the next book.
We do cursory studies.
In Tibet, it was quite common to study a single text for months or years. There was an in depth attention and application of the text at hand. The purpose wasn't to get through the material, but to do an immersive study and internalize the work.
This immersive study took place under the guidance of a dependable teacher. They made the depth and breadth of the work accessible and practical. This was the very foundation upon which the classical studies of the Buddhist textual tradition was based.
If we are looking to transform our mind and our life, it doesn't happen overnight. We cannot expect to read a book or two and to discover what is meaningful. It takes effort over the long haul. It requires that we return again and again to the same teachings, coming at them from different angles and under different situations. Over time, we discover the essence and we are able to enjoy it for ourselves.
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