Aetherous Posted January 4, 2019 Eight Verses of Training the Mind by Geshe Langri Thangpa By thinking of all sentient beings As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel For accomplishing the highest aim, I will always hold them dear. Whenever I’m in the company of others, I will regard myself as the lowest among all, And from the depths of my heart Cherish others as supreme. In my every action, I will watch my mind, And the moment destructive emotions arise, I will confront them strongly and avert them, Since they will hurt both me and others. Whenever I see ill-natured beings, Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering, I will cherish them as something rare, As though I’d found a priceless treasure. Whenever someone out of envy Does me wrong by attacking or belittling me, I will take defeat upon myself, And give the victory to others. Even when someone I have helped, Or in whom I have placed great hopes Mistreats me very unjustly, I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher. In brief, directly or indirectly, I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers, And secretly take upon myself All their hurt and suffering. I will learn to keep all these practices Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns. May I recognize all things as like illusions, And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage. | Rigpa Translations. Revised 2012. Taken from: https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/geshe-langri-thangpa/eight-verses-training-mind 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aetherous Posted January 4, 2019 For me personally, this is one of the most beautiful teachings in Buddhism. ... Yesterday, a friend of mine told me about the Chris Watts murder case. I've already had a hard time lately forgiving others for their faults lately, but with what this guy did, I find it impossible to forgive. Normally I could apply an antidote like the Prayer of St Francis (obviously not Buddhist), or just focusing on some of the good that a person has done, and "get right" internally, wishing them well...but I think that prayer and those methods are too weak for such strong negativity. It seems to me like this stronger negativity has been encroaching our world, and human nature, lately. Are we entering a darker era? The Eight Verses still do the trick for me, even in this horrific case. I can't say I feel anything positive for this Chris guy, given what he did and who he is, but the eight verses at least transform my mind away from the desire to establish justice, and more toward a loving attitude. ... I think the eight verses require having some knowledge of the Tibetan Buddhist path. Things like "to all my mothers" definitely aren't understood without that. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miroku Posted January 5, 2019 Garchen Rinpoche has said that 8 verses are the most essential lojong text, 37 bodhisattva practices are bit more extensive and Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyaavatara is the most extensive. It is great you use it. It can profoundly change one's life. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rideforever Posted January 5, 2019 Sorry, I can't help it .... it's the Moon-thing again .... 1. I don't know all sentient beings and frankly it's not my job I don't get ahead of myself This one here is my job and I make it so 2. Whenever I'm in the company of others I will use my gifts to the best of my abilities and will encourage others likewise 3. In my every action I stand inside my mind so it doesn't run around without me Such a powerful gift needs great care in wielding I learn more about using my gifts every day 4. Whenever I see ill-natured beings I will leave them to it as I am too small to help them Or I will help them if I am big enough and they want it Others will fill in where I cannot because it's not just about me 5. Whenever someone out of envy does me wrong I remember the truth and am undisturbed I share simplicity and peace with them 6. If someone I have helped mistreats me, so what It is not a business deal, I gave my love for free 7. In full I share love and truth with all mothers and fathers And in that sharing we are well 8. I will reconsider all these practices regularly So I can update as I grow and not get stuck in dogma Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rideforever Posted January 5, 2019 Chris Watts case .... just looked it up. There is something quite asymmetric about his eyes, but seems to have had a normal childhood. It seems very sad more than anything, they seemed quite happy for a time early on. People are under tremendous pressure and what flows through the TV is hatred and extreme arousal, in turn. Such a world takes many lives and souls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
