Lamdré

Lamdré is a central practice and teaching within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. It translates roughly to "path and its result" or "the path and the fruition." Lamdré is considered a complete path, encompassing all aspects of Buddhist practice from foundational ethics to advanced tantric methods, all culminating in the attainment of Buddhahood.

The teachings of Lamdré are traditionally transmitted from a guru to a disciple in a progressive manner. It is divided into two main parts: the common path and the uncommon path. The common path, or preliminary practices, involves cultivating foundational Buddhist virtues such as renunciation, compassion, and the understanding of emptiness. The uncommon path then delves into the specific tantric practices of the Sakya tradition.

A key aspect of Lamdré is its emphasis on the inseparability of samsara (the cycle of suffering) and nirvana (liberation). The practice involves realizing that the "path" itself, when understood correctly, *is* the "fruition" or result. Practitioners are taught to view all phenomena, even those perceived as negative, as expressions of the enlightened mind, rather than needing to escape them. This non-dualistic approach is a hallmark of the Lamdré teachings. The ultimate goal is to achieve the inseparable union of wisdom and method, leading to the direct realization of the nature of mind and the attainment of enlightenment.