Sinhala Translation of Pabonka’s Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand
This is an image of beautiful Wisdom edition which is nearly 1200 pages long. Our version covers the essential 700 pages.
In 2022, while I was working in Sri Lanka, Lama Zopa Rinpoche asked me to get Pabonka’s book translated into Sinhala for the local people. Of course I was familiar with the book —and its size.
I had had some other Sinhala Dharma translation involvement, including with Dr Berzin and Ven Thubten Chodron, so I knew it was not just an automatic task that can be done by a machine — it would require editing by someone who not only understood English and Sinhala but who would also need Dharma knowledge and good understanding of the Mahayana perspective.
We have been very fortunate to find an experienced translator who kindly discounted his fee by almost $5,000. He is not Mahayana but is sympathetic and supportive and is currently working with Dr Berzin on studybuddhism.com — and we found someone with good English, Sinhala, and Mahayana knowledge to edit the final subtleties of meaning, and that someone is in the USA doing the edit, along with his PhD studies on Dharmakīrti.
If you would like to support Lama Zopa’s vision of providing the Lam Rim in Sinhala, please contact us.
We are looking to raise $10,000
— Ven Tenzin Lekdron
About Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand
Pabongka Rinpoche’s “Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand” (Tibetan: Lamrim Kunzang Tharpa) is a seminal text in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a commentary following the Lamrim tradition introduced to Tibet by Atisha.
Pabongka Rinpoche (1878–1941) was a highly influential Tibetan Buddhist teacher who played a key role in revitalising Tibetan Buddhism in the early 20th century. This book relies on the teachings of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school.
Pabongka Rinpoche’s commentary provides detailed explanations, practical instructions, and personal advice on the stages of the path to enlightenment. The text continues the tradition of presenting the stages of the path to enlightenment in a systematic and accessible manner. He draws extensively from the classical Lamrim literature integrated with the unique teachings of the Gelug school, particularly the understanding of emptiness according to the Madhyamaka philosophy as presented by Tsongkhapa.
Pabongka Rinpoche’s commentary includes personal anecdotes, reflections, and practical advice based on his own experiences and insights as a practitioner and teacher. This adds a personal touch and makes the teachings more relatable to the reader. He expands certain points, clarifying the practitioner’s understanding of the path to enlightenment.
“Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand” serves as a comprehensive guide to the Lamrim teachings, offering practitioners a roadmap to progress along the spiritual path, culminating in the attainment of liberation and enlightenment. It represents a continuation and refinement of the Lamrim tradition within the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and was a request by Lama Zopa as particular benefit to the people of Sri Lanka.