Eight Verses on Training the Mind
n essence, the short text entitled Eight Verses on Training the Mind presents the practices of cultivating both conventional bodhicitta, or the altruistic aspiration to attain buddhahood for the benefit of all beings, and ultimate bodhicitta, the profound insight into the ultimate nature of reality or “the ultimate mind of enlightenment.” The first seven stanzas present the practices related to the former while the last stanza presents the practices related to the ultimate mind of awakening.
Verse 1
With a determination to achieve the highest aim
For the benefit of all sentient beings
Who surpass even the wish-fulfilling gem
May I hold them dear at all times.
Verse 2
Whenever I interact with someone
May I view myself as the lowest
And from the very depths of my heart
Respectfully hold others as equals.
Verse 3
In all my actions may I probe into my mind
And as soon as mental and emotional afflictions arise,
As they endanger myself and others,
May I strongly confront them and avert them.
Verse 4
When I see beings of unpleasant character
Oppressed by strong negativity and suffering
May I hold them dear, for they are rare to find,
As if I have discovered a jewel treasure!
Verse 5
When others out of jealousy treat me wrongly
With abuse, slander, and scorn
May I take upon myself the defeat
And offer to others the victory.
Verse 6
When someone whom I have helped
Or in whom I have placed great hopes
Mistreats me in extremely hurtful ways
May I regard him still as my precious teacher.
Verse 7
In brief, may I offer benefit and joy
To all my mothers, both directly and indirectly.
May I quietly take upon myself
All hurts and pains of my mothers.
Verse 8
May all this remain undefiled
By the stains of the eight mundane concerns
And may I, recognizing all things as impermanent
Devoid of clinging, be released from bondage.
