A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS
by Khenpo Sherab Sangpo
Generally speaking, the teachings presented in the writings of the Buddhist tradition are extremely vast and profound, both in terms of the way they are expressed and the meaning they convey. In brief, however, these teachings can be said to offer a systematic approach that beings can use to develop their own minds and the way they conduct their lives. One can also understand this approach from the following saying:
“In brief, the Dharma is non-violence. This is what the Buddha taught.”
The point here is that one must give up all activities that harm other beings, whether these acts are physical, verbal, or mental, and in addition work for the benefit of others on a vast scale. In other words, at all times one should work towards the happiness of all forms of life and the elimination of suffering.
Of particular importance is precious bodhichitta, a practice that is unique to the Great Vehicle, or Mahayana. Bodhichitta is a mindset that is concerned with the welfare of others. Essentially, one could say that this means to have a good heart. Any individual in whom this mindset has arisen will be able to benefit others, no matter where they are; there will be no one whom they aren’t on good terms with and they will be praised and admired by all. In addition, each and every one of their goals and desires will meet with success, effortlessly and automatically. For these reasons, bodhichitta should be practiced by all.
The sole cause of all good things throughout samsara and nirvana 
Is the precious mindset of supreme bodhichitta.
May this effortlessly arise in your mindstream
And may you benefit the teachings and beings on a vast scale!
The Buddha Shakyamuni taught, or "turned" the wheel of, the dharma three times.
Hinayana: The First Time, he taught about the relative reality of the world, about Karma and reincarnation, and how to overcome negative actions.
Mahayana: The Second Time, he taught about the emptiness of all existence and the self.
Vajrayana: The Third Time, he clarified all misunderstandings which arose from the previous teachings and taught that we each are already perfect Buddhas "inside."
There are three paths which lead to either complete or a partial state or nirvana, that are included in the Buddha’s teachings. The first path is the path of a Listener (Sravaka) of the Buddha’s teachings, who aims to become a saintly Arhat. An Arhat is a being who has extinguished almost all external impurities and desire, however their goal does not include the benefit of others. The second path is that of a Solitary Buddha who arises in the world when Buddhism does not exist. A Solitary Buddha attains realization but does not teach Buddhism to others. The third and most supreme path is that of a Bodhisattva, someone who wishes to attain Buddhahood or strives for enlightenment in order to benefit others. The Buddha’s disciples were actually Bodhisattvas who appeared as Arhats in order to aid sentient beings.
After the Buddha's passing, his teachings were preserved and passed down through many generations. Some schools, sects or lineages focused on certain teachings, some carried them all, while others tried to organize the teachings through various systems.
The Long Transmission of the Lineage (Kama Lineage)
The transmission of the teachings are passed down through a line of lineage masters. The origin of this transmission begins with the transmission of the enlightened teaching from the dharmakaya and sambhogakaya to knowledge holders (vidyadharas). Then, these individuals, or vidyadharas, who appear on earth such as Padmasambhava transmit the teachings to human beings.
 In 817, King Trisong Deutsen (790-858) requested the master Padmasambhava to come to Tibet. This invitation was due to the advice of the Abbot Shantarakshita. The Abbot knew that Padmasambhava would help the spread Buddhism in Tibet, and subjugate the malignant forces and obstacles that were preventing it.
Under the direction of the King, the Abbot and Padmasambhava, the first monastery in Tibet (Samye Monastery) was constructed. Also, the teachings and sutras were translated from Sanskrit to Tibetan.
Padmasambhava, known as the precious teacher or Guru Rinpoche, had twenty five main disciples, the foremost being lady Yeshe Tsogyal. They all became accomplished in extraordinary abilities.
The translation of the tantras went underway and was done with great diligence and secrecy. Masters such as Vimalamitra, Buddhaguhya, Shantipa and Dharmakirti further enriched the transmission of the dharma from India to Tibet at this time.
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