Welcome to a world where a book becomes more than a collection of pages-it becomes a guiding star that leads to understanding and self-improvement. Geshe Michael Roach shares his reflections on a book that has had a tremendous impact on his life and the lives of many others. The book is known as Steps on the Path, and Geshe Michael’s relationship with it spanned a long 14 years.
He says it all started with a question his mother asked him: about the greatest book in the world. At the time, Geshe Michael didn’t know that it was “Steps on the Path” that would be the answer to that question. This literary masterpiece turned out to be not just a book on the shelf, but an entire universe that he studied with his teacher.
His teacher, a man of incredible knowledge and experience, dedicated 30 years of his life to studying and teaching this book. Geshe Michael had the honor of being his student and driver, accompanying him to classes in Washington, DC and near New York City. This multi-year dedication inspired him to immerse himself in the process – each time they seemed to get to the point, his teacher would start over, revealing ever new horizons.
Geshe Michael describes that the training began with an unexpected move – the end of the book discussing meditative practices. This became the key to understanding each subsequent step. By methodically meditating on each new step, they discovered its depths and uncovered a complex network of knowledge that became the foundation for future studies. The “steps on the path” required not only mental effort, but also soulful contribution – the realization that each volume read was a step on the road to personal growth.
Not only the knowledge, but also the tradition of transmission itself was crucial. Geshe Michael emphasizes the need to teach others: true wisdom is only revealed when we share it with others. Even if classes have been missed, he advises listening to recordings, reading books, enlivening the pages with one’s own discoveries – mistakes are inevitable, but they are part of the learning process.
The topics covered in the book cover three main parts: intention, motivation, and understanding death. Many people study Steps on the Path because of fear of the unknown of the afterlife, hoping to avoid “lower births.” It requires one to reflect on the present moment, helping one gain a new perspective on the world.
Having just completed an in-depth explanation of the perfection of giving in the final chapter of Pabongki Rinpoche’s Steps on the Path, Geshe Michael Roach looks at the perfections of morality, patience, and joyful diligence. It is here that we will end as we recognize all the qualities a bodhisattva should possess in all his or her actions in the world: how to bring joy to his or her efforts in caring for all sentient beings. Efforts to understand the depths of karma and its consequences allow a surge of inexhaustible energy to arise, which helps one strive to perform only those actions that are of the highest benefit.
In addition, he notes how important it is to sow the seeds of sincere joy around us and to help lead others in projects of compassion for those in need. The goal is not only to teach this foundational wisdom, but to inspire everyone to be living examples of caring and service in their communities.
Now, as we come to the end, Geshe Michael wonders what this book means to each of us. It is more than just a text. It is an understanding and acceptance of one’s own weaknesses and strengths. It is a motivation to act, to learn and to teach others, continuing a tradition that binds generations. “Steps on the Path” is a gift and should remain alive in the hearts and minds of all who are ready for the journey.
