Eight Verses of Training the Mind

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Geshe Langri Tangpa

Eight Verses of Training the Mind (Tib. བློ་སྦྱོང་ཚིག་བརྒྱད་མ་, Wyl. blo sbyong tshigs rkang brgyad ma) — a famous text on lojong by Geshe Langri Tangpa.

Translation

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 people,
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.

Translations

  • Dragpa, Chökyi. Uniting Wisdom and Compassion. Translated by Heidi I. Köppl. Boston: Wisdom Publications. 2004
  • Jinpa, Thupten. Mind Training: The Great Collection. Boston: Wisdom Publications. 2006
  • Geshe Rabten, Gonsar Tenzin Khedup and Lobsang Kalden. In His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Four Essential Buddhist Commentaries. Dharamsala: Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 1982
  • Sonam Rinchen, Geshe. Eight Verses for Training the Mind. Translated by Ruth Sonam. Ithaca: Snow Lion. 2001
  • Thurman, Robert A. F. Essential Tibetan Buddhism. Harper Collins. 1995

Teachings on the Eight Verses of Training the Mind

External Links