Congratulations to all of you who have the courage and tenacity to read all the last 8 posts explaining the ‘8 Verses of Mind Training’ by Geshe Langri Thangpa. It is not easy, especially the last verse. Below I’ve written the 8 Verses out for you to read and reflect on every morning to help set your motivation for the day. His Holiness the Dalai Lama says he does the same and recommends we all do this daily. Please do not be hard on yourself for not understanding the last verse on the wisdom of emptiness. It is very difficult. So we talk it gently, step-by-step. Setting the motivation of compassion for our day is extremely important. Similarly when we get in bed before sleeping set your compassion motivation. Your sleep will be sounder and you’re more likely to wake up with a smile! Have a wonderful weekend – you deserve it!
1. Wishing to attain enlightenment
For the sake of all sentient beings,
Who excel even a wish-fulfilling jewel,
May I constantly cherish them all.
2. 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.
3. In all activities may I examine my mind;
As soon as conflicting emotions arise
Endangering myself and others,
May I firmly face and avert them.
4. Whenever I see an evil being
Overwhelmed by intense negativity and suffering,
May I cherish him as something rare,
As if by chance I had found a priceless treasure.
5. When others out of envy
Mistreat me with slander and abuse,
May I take defeat upon myself (without putting myself down)
And offer the triumph to others.
6. When someone whom I have helped
With much hope and expectation
Hurts me deeply and unjustifiably,
May I regard him as my sublime master.
7. In short, may I directly and indirectly
Offer happiness and peace to all my mothers;
And all their negativity and suffering
May I secretly take upon myself.
8. In all this may my mind be unstained
By the eight ordinary concerns,
And know all things to be like illusion;
Free of clinging may I release all beings from bondage.
