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What teachings did Gampopa follow?

Gampopa, also known as Dakpo Lharje, was a Tibetan Buddhist master who lived in the 12th century. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, and his teachings continue to have a profound impact on practitioners today.

Gampopa's teachings were primarily based on the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of compassion, wisdom, and the ultimate goal of enlightenment. However, he also incorporated elements from the Theravada tradition, particularly the practice of mindfulness and meditation.

One of the key teachings that Gampopa followed was the Four Noble Truths, which form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy. These truths state that suffering is a universal experience, the cause of suffering is desire and attachment, there is a way to end suffering, and the path to end suffering is through the Eightfold Path.

Gampopa also emphasized the importance of the Three Trainings, which are ethics, meditation, and wisdom. He believed that these three aspects were essential for spiritual development and liberation from suffering. Ethics involve following the moral precepts and cultivating positive qualities such as compassion and generosity. Meditation is the practice of training the mind to be calm and focused, while wisdom involves understanding the true nature of reality.

Another significant teaching of Gampopa was the Six Yogas of Naropa, a set of advanced meditation practices that aim to achieve enlightenment in one lifetime. These yogas involve various techniques such as inner heat, illusory body, and clear light meditation, which are meant to purify the mind and body and lead to a direct experience of emptiness.

In addition to these teachings, Gampopa also emphasized the importance of a qualified teacher and the need for devotion and faith in the spiritual path. He believed that having a spiritual guide was crucial for understanding and practicing the teachings correctly and making progress on the path to enlightenment.

Overall, Gampopa's teachings were a combination of various Buddhist traditions, with an emphasis on the importance of ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom. He believed that by following these teachings and practices, one could attain ultimate liberation from suffering and achieve enlightenment. Today, his teachings continue to be widely studied and practiced by Tibetan Buddhists, and his legacy lives on as a revered master and teacher.