The Milinda Talks Resource Group

Talk four will introduce the topic of the Three Vows (Dom Sum), a central framework developed in Tibet that unifies the entire Buddhist path across the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana vehicles. Far from being a peripheral or solely ethical topic, the Three Vows are presented here as the very essence of the path.

Drawing on two authoritative texts—the Nyingma treatise Perfect Conduct: A Definitive Presentation of the Three Vows, as commented on by Dudjom Rinpoche, and Sakya Pandita’s A Clear Differentiation of the Three Vows—this talk explores the Prātimokṣa vow, the Bodhisattva vow, and the Tantric samayas both individually and as an integrated whole. Special attention is given to their inner purpose of transforming the mind progressively.

The presentation also clarifies common misunderstandings, such as the idea that these vows are mutually exclusive. Instead, it shows how higher vows include and transform the essence of the preceding ones. By addressing how the Three Vows are received, practised, and harmonised according to the different capacities of the practitioners, this topic provides some essential practical guidance for those who wish to ground their practice in a clear, authentic, and integrated understanding of the Buddhist path.

Luís Santiago is a Brazilian architect pursuing the path taught by the Buddha. He first encountered the Dharma as a child in the 1990s. In 2011, Luís moved to Chagdud Gonpa Khadro Ling, where he continues to live and work on various projects offered to the Sangha. He had the good fortune to join the Milinda Program and to study under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. More recently, Luís has begun sharing what he learned in the Program and seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of the view, especially as presented in the classical texts of the Nalanda tradition.