8 verses of mind training

1000 years ago, Langri Thangpa wrote 8 verses of mind training (lojong tsigyema), summarizing the path to enlightenment. The first 7 explain compassion, and the 8th wisdom. The 2nd verse reads: “Whenever I am with others, May I consider myself least important, And from the depth of my heart, Cherish them all and hold them supreme.” This is often misinterpreted to mean we should put ourselves down. Actually, it means putting others up. There is a big difference. This is actually the practice of humility. It takes courage and strength to be humble as it establishes a foundation for wisdom by deflating the puffed-up ego. Since there are so many more “others,” just based on numbers they are more important than just one me.