The Crucial Single Point

Milarepa said, “Practice by bringing all dharmas into one.” This is something we really need to reflect upon carefully.

It is quite difficult for us to understand that all the Buddha’s teachings are one. We think that they are different from one another. The main reason for this is that we don’t know how to turn our attention inwardly. But we must do this because all teachings and all manifestations unfold within our minds.

When we look from the outside, the deities’ names and characteristics all appear different; their forms and styles differ, and when reciting mantras, their sounds differ. When we study the treatises, the content seems different to us, too. This is because we haven’t turned inward to observe our own minds, but instead look outwardly.

It is not like that for practitioners who come to a correct understanding, however. One person, for instance, could be called “Lama”, “Khenpo” and “Retreat Master”. The titles are completely different. But for those who understand, they know that the names refer to one person. Yet each title has its rationale. For example, if we call someone “Lama”, this is a title given from the perspective of how one seeks the dharma; “Khenpo” is a title given from the perspective of dharma study; and “Retreat Master” refers to someone who guides practitioners in their retreat practice. These titles are given from the perspective of one’s roles. Each title has its rationale and meaning behind it. But in reality, they all point to the same person.

For a genuine practitioner, any Dharma teaching—no matter how great or small—ultimately comes down to a single point: turning one’s attention inward to observe oneself. This is the crucial point.

25th November 2025, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal