EUP 44 - The Eight Verses of Mind Training

This week, we are talking about the Eight Verses of Mind Training.  This is a teaching that was written by Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054-1123) He was the student of Geshe Potowa, who was one of the principal disciples of Atisha.   If you would like to know more about Geshe Langri Tangpa you can read more here.

By thinking of all sentient beings

As even better than the wish-granting gem,

For accomplishing the highest aim,

May I always consider them precious.

Wherever I go, with whomever I go,

May I see myself as less than all others,

And from the depth of my heart

May I consider them supremely precious.

May I examine my mind in all actions

And as soon as a negative state occurs,

Since it endangers myself and others,

May I firmly face and avert it.

When I see beings of a negative disposition

Or those opposed by negativity or pain,

May I, as if finding a treasure, consider them precious,

For they are rarely met.

When others, due to their jealousy,

Revile and treat me in unjust ways,

May I accept this defeat myself,

And offer the victory to others.

When someone whom I have helped,

Or in whom I have placed great hope

Harms me with great injustice,

May I see that one as a sacred friend.

In short, may I offer, both directly and indirectly,

All joy and benefit to all beings, my mothers,

And may I myself secretly

Take on all their hurt and suffering

.

May they not be defiled

By the concepts of the eight mundane concerns,

And aware that all things are illusory,

May they, ungrasping, be free from bondage.

For a more detailed explanation of emptiness (here, illusion) we have covered it some previous podcasts 10, 11 and 12.