In the final verse of The Three Principal Aspects of the Path, Je Tsongkhapa summarizes the teachings of the preceding 13 verses and indicates a path for ongoing spiritual development, which can be interpreted within the context of both the Bodhisattva path and the exemplary life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The three principles are:

• Renunciation: The determination to be free from samsara, the cycle of suffering.
• Bodhicitta: – The altruistic intention to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
• Right View: The wisdom that realizes emptiness, the true nature of reality.

From the viewpoint of the Bodhisattva Path, these may be interpreted as follows:

• Renunciation: Recognizing the suffering inherent in worldly existence and generating the determination to transcend it. This aligns with the Buddha's teaching on the Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation.
• Bodhicitta: Cultivating a mind of love and compassion that seeks the enlightenment of all beings, which is central to Mahayana Buddhism.
• Right View: Developing the profound wisdom that perceives the emptiness of all phenomena, which is crucial for overcoming ignorance and achieving enlightenment.

From a Christian viewpoint:

• Renunciation: Jesus taught about the impermanence of worldly treasures and the importance of seeking spiritual riches:

• Bodhicitta: Jesus exemplified unconditional love and compassion, epitomized in the Great Commandment:

• Right View: While not framed in the language of emptiness, Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of God and the importance of seeing beyond the material world reflect a deep spiritual insight into the nature of existence and the divine.

Solitude:

• Bodhisattva Path: Solitude is essential for deep meditation and self-reflection. It allows the practitioner to cultivate inner peace, clarity, and concentration without the distractions of everyday life.
• Example of Jesus: Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and connect with God (Luke 5:16). Solitude provides a space for spiritual renewal and deeper communion with the divine.

Great Enthusiasm (Virya):

• Bodhisattva Path: Enthusiasm, or diligent effort, is one of the six perfections (paramitas). It involves joyful perseverance and unwavering commitment to the path, which is crucial for making progress.
• Teachings and Example of Jesus: Jesus' dedication to his mission, even in the face of immense suffering, serves as an inspiration for diligent and joyful effort. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes the importance of actively using and developing one’s gifts and responsibilities with zeal.

Bodhisattva Path: The ultimate mission of life is to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. This involves complete liberation from suffering and the realization of perfect wisdom and compassion.

• By understanding and practicing the three principles deeply and sincerely, a practitioner can make rapid progress. The integration of renunciation, bodhicitta, and right view accelerates spiritual growth and leads to swift realization.

Teachings of Jesus: The ultimate mission is to attain unity with God and to manifest divine love and compassion in the world. This is reflected in the call to live according to God’s will and to participate in the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.

• By living a life rooted in love, faith, and selfless service, and by seeking a deep, personal relationship with God, one can rapidly transform and align with the divine purpose. Jesus’ emphasis on faith and devotion underscores the potential for immediate spiritual awakening and transformation.

The essence of the three principles involves a profound shift in perspective and commitment to spiritual ideals, the necessity of solitude and diligent effort for deepening one’s practice, the ultimate mission of life as the attainment of spiritual realization for the benefit of all, and the possibility of rapid progress through sincere and wholehearted engagement with these principles.

This last verse reminds us that having reached the end of Je Tsongkhapa's Three Principal aspects of the path, we are only at the beginning of full development of the Bodhisattva way.