Book excerpt: In Heart Jewel Geshe Kelsang presents two essential practices of Kadampa Buddhism, the popular Mahayana Buddhist tradition that derives from the renowned Tibetan teacher Je Tsongkhapa. The first practice is relying upon a spiritual guide, which lays the foundation for gaining all the blessings and realizations of the paths to liberation and enlightenment. The second practice is relying upon and enlightened Dharma Protector, whereby we can swiftly overcome all obstacles to our spiritual practice and create favourable conditions for developing and increasing pure dharma realizations. An invaluable introduction to the profound and dynamic tradition of Kadampa buddhism. In Heart Jewel Geshe Kelsang presents two essential practices of Kadampa Buddhism, the popular Mahayana Buddhist tradition that derives from the renowned Tibetan teacher Je Tsongkhapa. The first practice is relying upon a spiritual guide, which lays the foundation for gaining all the blessings and realizations of the paths to liberation and enlightenment. The second practice is relying upon and enlightened Dharma Protector, whereby we can swiftly overcome all obstacles to our spiritual practice and create favourable conditions for developing and increasing pure dharma realizations. An invaluable introduction to the profound and dynamic tradition of Kadampa buddhism.