How do we break free from the habits and compulsions that bring us suffering? In the twelfth century, Sakya Drakpa Gyeltsen penned four short but significant lines, known as Parting from the Four Attachments, offering a concise guide to becoming a genuine dharma practitioner and charting a path to enlightenment.

In The Flowing River of Dharma, Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo offer a fresh, contemporary exploration of this foundational text, drawing on insights from Anyen Rinpoche’s teacher Khenchen Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche and a cave-dwelling hermit known as Lama Tsepel. Introducing the rime movement, which promotes cross-tradition learning to uncover core teachings, the authors use this approach to offer a comprehensive review of the text, referring to teachings from a variety of traditions, in particular The Four Dharmas of Gampopa, as well as wisdom from the Sakya, Kagyu, Nyingma, Kadam of old, and Gelug traditions of Tibet.

With clear language and a candid look at the challenges of dharma practice, the authors delve into the power of renunciation, understanding samsara’s true nature, and cultivating bodhicitta—the altruistic intent to relieve others’ suffering—as pathways to a meaningful life. Buddhists of all backgrounds will discover how these lojong (mind training) teachings can anchor us firmly on the path and ensure that we don’t stray from it until we reach complete liberation.