Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Training the Mind

The cultivation of thoughts and emotions – the Mind… the Conscious and the Unconscious… the Ideals for generating pure compassion and altruism… These 8 Verses are Buddhist Teachings, which lets you see yourself and be able to create a more positive mental attitude towards your own self and to others around you…thus, benefits all…

VERSE 1:

“With a determination to achieve the highest aim,
For the benefit of all sentient beings,
Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem,
May I hold them dear at all times.”

Click: Why do we need to cultivate the thought that other sentient beings are precious and valuable?

VERSE 2:

“Whenever I interact with someone,
May I view myself as the lowest amongst all,
And, from the very depths of my heart,
Respectfully hold others as superior.”

Click: Sense based on reverence and respect

VERSE 3:

“In all my deeds 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.”

Click: Essence of practicing Buddhadharma

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!”

Click: Relating to those who are socially marginalized

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.”

Click: Tolerance

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.”

Click: Patience

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.”

Click: The practice of giving and taking

VERSE 8:

“May all this remain undefiled
By the stains of the eight mundane concerns;
And may I, recognizing all things as illusion,
Devoid of clinging, be released from bondage.”

Click: Criticism and Illusion

 

In other words I know, “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.”