Question asked by Sirius
Dear pastors, I would like to know if it is okay to highlight dharma texts such as the Lam Rim. When I study other books, I highlight them, write on them, I mark them, this is my method to get the most out of a book. Is it okay if I do this on Dharma texts? I don't want to be disrespectful at all, but to get the most of my precious dharma books.
Dear Sirius,
Traditionally speaking we wouldn’t highlight Dharma texts, but due to the way that we learn, study and understand these days, it is okay to do so.
Tsem Rinpoche recommended that if wanted to highlight, write on the texts, to get two copies of the text. One to keep on the altar, with the proper respect we should afford to Dharma texts, and another one that we can study from, highlight, etc. But even the copy we use for study should be treated with respect, not kept with non-Dharma texts, etc.
If we really cannot have two texts, then to get a notebook to write things in rather that write on the text itself.
Hope that helps to answer your questions!