Aug 27, 2007

The Eight Verses on Transforming the Mind


My Monday Morning Gift of Gratitude:

Taken from the Bodhisattvic practice discussed in the book
Transforming the Mind by HH the Dalai Lama ©2003

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

When someone 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.

In brief, may I offer benefit and joy To all beings,
both directly and indirectly,
May I quietly take upon myself
The hurts and pains of all beings.

May all this remain undefiled
By the stains of the eight mundane concerns
(gain and loss; pleasure and pain; praise and blame; fame and obscurity)
And may I, recognizing all things as illusion,
Devoid of clinging, be released from the bondage of attachment.

Taken from the Bodhisattvic practice of the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation from the book "Transforming the Mind", by HH the Dalai Lama ©2003


shown:
written symbol for metta (act of lovingkindness) yin yang (two primal opposing, but complementary principles or cosmic forces, said to be found in all non-static objects and processes in the universe)

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