⇐Why Lam Rim?⇒

Why use the Lam Rim as a path of spiritual development? From my own experience I can give 3 reasons:

  1. It is specifically oriented toward a process of spiritual growth, rather than mere memorization of texts or inculcation and recital of beliefs.
  2. It is systematic, providing a comprehensive framework for organizing religious precepts (at least, in my experience, those of Christianity and Buddhism).
  3. It is cumulative: Each step provides a base of motivation, knowledge, and practice upon which the next step can be built.

In his Lines of Experience, the great sage Tsongkhapa delineates four especially great facets of the Lam Rim teachings. Below, I have paired each of these facets with a similar quotation from the teachings of the New Testament.

Coherence

These teachings make it easy to understand
how there is nothing contradictory in all the Buddha's teachings...
-Tsongkhapa, Lines of Experience (7a)
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;
I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
- Matthew 5:17

The Lam Rim reinforces the idea that diverse teachings and scriptures can cohere into a unified spiritual path. This encourages a holistic approach to spirituality, where various aspects and teachings complement rather than contradict each other.

Personal Instruction

...and make every scriptural pronouncement without exception
dawn on your mind as a personal instruction.
-Tsongkhapa, Lines of Experience (7b)
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,....
- 2 Timothy 3:16

The Lam Rim trains the practitioner to experience every scriptural statement as a direct instruction for our own transformation. Rather than remaining abstract doctrine, the teachings become guidance for ethical discipline, meditation, and wisdom in daily life.

Discernment

They make it easy to discern what the Buddha intended...
-Tsongkhapa, Lines of Experience (7c)
"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
- John 10:10

Through its structured progression, the Lam Rim cultivates insight into what is provisional and what is definitive, so that the practitioner moves toward abundant spiritual life, discerning the deepest aim of the path, which is awakening into fullness of compassionate wisdom.

Steadfastness

...and protect you as well from the abyss of the great error.
-Tsongkhapa, Lines of Experience (7d)
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable,
always excelling in the work of the Lord,
because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58

The Lam Rim protects practitioners from grave misunderstanding by grounding them step by step in right view and right motivation. This steady training guards against extremes and sustains perseverance over a lifetime of practice. It speaks to the importance of maintaining a connection to one’s spiritual heritage and learning from the wisdom of past masters and teachers.

These facets of the Lam Rim offer a framework for understanding and applying spiritual teachings in a way that is coherent, personal, accessible, and respectful of tradition. They encourage an integrative approach to spirituality, where different teachings and practices are seen as complementary, allowing individuals from various faiths to deepen their understanding and practice in a way that is harmonious with their own beliefs and traditions.