Eight Verses for Training the Mind [1] by Geshe Langri Thangpa

Eight Verses for Training the Mind

First, examine the mind constantly;
Second, tame the mind with mindfulness and alertness;
Third, by constantly doing so, generate bodhicitta in the mindstream.

-Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Śrījñāna’s three pith instructions on training the mind

Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, a professor of Tibetan Buddhism in the Nyingma Lineage (bodhicittasangha.org), offers teachings on mind training (lojong) from the Kadampa master, Geshe Langri Thangpa (1054-1123), via the profound text, “Eight Verses for Training the Mind.” Geshe Langri Thangpa was a disciple of Potowa Rinchen Sal (1027-1105), one of the three main students of Dromtönpa. Potowa’s two main students were Geshe Sharawa Yönten Drak, who possessed the vast vision of the Dharma, and Geshe Langri Thangpa, who had mastery over bodhicitta; these two were known as the sun and moon of Ü in Tibet. Khenpo Sherab Sangpo received the reading transmission and teachings on this lojong text from his root teacher, Khenchen Jigmé Phuntsok (1933-2004) at Larung Gar Monastery. Verses one through seven of the text point out seven skillful methods for developing bodhicitta mind (relative bodhicitta); verse eight points out the wisdom of recognizing the illusionary nature of reality (ultimate bodhicitta). Teachings on the eight verses by Khenpo Sherab Sangpo alternate with sessions of guided meditation on 1) meditation on equanimity, 2) meditation on mindfulness and awareness, 3) meditation on letting go of self-grasping and appreciating the kindness of others, and 4) meditation on tonglen (taking and giving) by sending the kind mind of bodhicitta via the breath to suffering beings.

Eight Verses for Training the Mind
by Geshe Langri Thangpa

Verse 1: Always Hold Others as Dear and Precious

By thinking of all sentient beings
As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel,
For accomplishing the highest aim,
I will always hold them supremely dear.

Verse 2: Consider Myself as the Lowest among All

Whenever I am in the company of others,
May I regard myself as the lowest of all,
And from the depths of my heart,
Cherish others as supreme.

Verse 3: Avert Afflictions as Soon as They Arise

In my every action, I will watch my mind,
And the moment destructive emotions arise,
I will confront and avert them strongly,
As they will destroy both myself and others.

Verse 4: May I Cherish This Precious Treasure

Whenever I see beings who are wicked in nature,
Or those overwhelmed by negativities and suffering,
I will cherish them as something rare,
As though I had found a priceless treasure.

Verse 5: Accept the Loss on Oneself and Give the Victory to Others

Whenever someone out of envy,
Treats me unfairly with scolding, insults, and more,
May I accept the loss upon myself
And offer the victory to others.

Verse 6: View Those Who Harm us as Spiritual Teachers

Even when someone whom I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes,
Harms me very unfairly,
May I view that person as a true spiritual teacher.

Verse 7: Taking and Giving

In short, both directly or indirectly,
May I offer every happiness and benefit to all my mothers,
And secretly take upon myself,
All the harm and suffering of my mothers.

Verse 8: All Things Are Like Illusions

I will learn to keep all these practices,
Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.
May I recognize all phenomena are like illusions,
And, without any clinging, gain freedom from bondage.

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