The Buddha's First Teaching: The Sūtra of the Wheel of Dharma

On Chökor Düchen, the festival celebrating the Buddha's first teaching, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche delivered a comprehensive teaching exploring two profound dimensions of the Dharma. The occasion provided an opportunity to examine both the Buddha's foundational sermon—The Sūtra of the Wheel of Dharma, given at Deer Park in Sarnath—and the essence of the Buddha's awakening itself, distilled into a single verse about the nature of realization. Rinpoche wove together these complementary perspectives: the practical path outlined in the Four Noble Truths and the direct recognition of mind's nature expressed through the words profound, peaceful, simplicity, and luminous.

Rinpoche explored the existence of suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path to liberation, connecting these foundational teachings to core Buddhist principles including the absence of an inherent self (anatman), dependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda), and emptiness (śūnyatā). A central theme was his emphasis that Dharma is grounded in common sense, not mystical obscurity—encouraging students to investigate teachings through personal experience rather than accepting them on blind faith. He stressed that the root of all suffering is ego-clinging, which must be addressed through the three trainings of discipline, meditation, and wisdom, while genuine realization of mind's nature requires a foundation of both renunciation and great compassion for all sentient beings.

The teaching concluded with practical guidance on incorporating these principles into meditation and daily life, emphasizing the inseparability of compassion and wisdom. Throughout, Rinpoche highlighted the essential work of the 84000 project in translating the Buddha's words to ensure the Dharma remains accessible. He urged students to move beyond mere intellectual study to achieve direct experiential understanding through consistent practice, closing with a dedication of merit for the benefit of all beings.

On this special occasion of Chökor Düchen (Aug 1, 2023), we are honored to have Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche teaching this brief, but classic presentation of the four truths which has remained central to the Buddhist tradition since its very early days—The Sūtra of the Wheel of Dharma. Rinpoche also shared heartfelt advice, offering deep wisdom and insights to enrich our understanding and practice, inspiring and supporting us in our spiritual journey.

This event is co-hosted with Shedrub Mandala (https://shedrub.org)

Teaching video credits: Shedrub Mandala

Key Moments:

[00:11]   Welcome message by Huang Jing Rui, 84000 Executive Director

[02:45]  Chokyi Rinpoche begins the teachings

[04:54] Qualities of the unsurpassed teacher

[12:14] First turning of the wheels of Dharma

[12:56] Recommended reading: Lalitavistara (https://read.84000.co/translation/toh...)

[21:13] The teaching on the absence of self

[57:30] Dharma teaching is common sense

[1:00:58] Investigate the Dharma and you will have confidence in it

[1:01:41] Importance of renunciation

[1:10:37] The view of emptiness

[1:11:08] Dependent Arising

[1:22:39] Bardo

[1:27:33] Why do we need to practice the dharma right away?

[1:30:54] Importance of contemplating impermanence and feeling weariness with samsara

[1:35:23] Taking ownership of our own mind

[2:00:53] Recognizing the nature of our own awareness

[2:04:22] Buddha nature is always within us[

‍2:25:33] How do I practice the Buddha Dharma?

[2:36:52] Dedication

[2:46:16] Closing by Huang Jing Rui