[The Key that Unlocks the Door to the Noble Path (Lam bzang sgo ...

and patient, and straight;
Free of guile, deception; learned in
the secrets and their texts;
Master at writing and edifying two tens
of secret lore;
I seek your blessing, first among all of
those who hold the diamond.
"Lord of the Able" refers to the present Buddha; the "ten qualities" are listed in
the verse directly following.
[44.] steady and wise: A Buddhist monk is "steady" when he has kept his vows
pure for at least ten years following his ordination. "Wise" refers to knowledge of
a whole list of subjects in the study of ethics, such as understanding what is a
moral downfall and what is not, or which misdeeds are more serious than others.
[45.] the three trainings: These are exceptional morality, exceptional concentration,
and exceptional wisdom.
[46.] Jewel of the Sutras: A "sutra" is an open teaching of the Buddha. The verse is
from a famed commentary taught to Master Asanga (c. 350 A.D.) by Loving One,
the Future Buddha (ff. 20a- 20b, entry 43).
[47.] eight great benefits: The eight are described as coming close to Buddhahood,
pleasing the Buddhas, overcoming evil influences, avoiding improper activities
and thoughts, reaching high realizations, always meeting teachers, never falling
to the lower realms, and attaining temporary and ultimate goals with ease (Lord
Tsongkapa, entry 61, ff. 33-6; Pabongka Rinpoche, entry 47, ff. 124-9).
[48.] First then see... Again, quoted from the briefer version of his Steps on the Path
(f. 56a, entry 63).
[49.] the great Drom Tonpa (1005-1064): Full name Gyalway Jungne, most famed
disciple of Lord Atisha, himself the great progenitor of the teaching on the Steps
in Tibet. Founded the renowned Radreng Monastery in central Tibet. The Blue
Annals relate how he gained miraculous powers after clearing Lord Atisha's
excrement off the floor of the Master's cell (p. 259, entry 94). Lord Atisha himself,