The mind training in eight verses - Haarlem - 2019

OVERVIEW

The mind training in eight verses is part of the lodjong tradition of the Great Vehicle, dedicated to realising and cultivating the Spirit of Enlightenment. Versified by the Kadampa master Langri Thangpa Dorje Senge (1054–1123), its purpose is to reject primarily self-grasping and self-cherishing and replace them with diametrically opposed states of mind such as wisdom that understands non-self and altruism. It is this invaluable instruction, as concise as deeply moving, that Rinpoche transmitted and commented on in 2019, at the invitation of the Kadam Choeling centre in Haarlem. .

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THESE TEACHINGS?

Based on the commentary by the Tibetan master Ngultchou Dharmabhadra, Rimpoche offers us a three-part approach to this instruction:
- In the introduction, Rinpoche reminds us that the preliminary practices for engaging in this training of the mind include a recapitulation of all the stages of the path, from following the spiritual master, taking refuge, to producing the mind of enlightenment.

- In the development, Rimpoché explains how to approach these practices, summarised in eight stanzas:

Be fully aware of the benevolence of others.
Give precedence to others.
Continually monitoring one's own mind and rejecting disruptive factors.
Consider 'harmful' beings as particularly precious.
To allow others to win in all circumstances.
To regard those who would turn against you even though you have helped them, as your masters.
Take upon yourself all the suffering of others and offer them all the happiness (the practice of taking and giving).
Make the wish that all these actions be devoid of worldly preoccupation and self-grasping.

In conclusion, Rinpoche tells us how to invoke Amithaba, the Buddha of compassion, so that, like him, we become capable of helping all beings and thus achieve our goals, both conventional and ultimate, utmost happiness for all sentient beings, including ourselves.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Although this text is not difficult to understand, it is very hard to put into practice. Rinpoche recommends that we study, reflect on and meditate on each verse so that, little by little, and with it in mind, we can change our habits and respond appropriately to everyday situations.

So that we become gradually able to overcome our self-cherishing, to realise infinite love and compassion, the spirit of enlightenment, walking thus in the footsteps of bodhisattva.