Land of Enlightened Wisdom

Eight Verses of Mind Training

by Langri Thangpa (1054-93)

Translated by Thupten Jinpa

With the wish to achieve the highest aim,
Which surpasses, even a wish-fulfilling gem
I will train myself to at all times
Cherish every sentient being as supreme.

2.
Whenever I interact with others,
I will view myself as inferior to all,
And I will train myself
To hold others superior from the depth of my heart.

3.
During all my activities I will probe my mind,
And as soon as an affliction arises-
Since it endangers myself and others-
I will train myself to confront it directly and avert it.

4.
When I encounter beings of unpleasant character
And those oppressed by intense negative karma and suffering,
As though finding a treasure of precious jewels,
I will train myself to cherish them, for they are so rarely found.

5.
When others out of jealousy
Treat me wrongly with abuse and slander,
I will train to take the defeat upon myself
And offer the victory to others.

6.
Even if one whom I have helped
Or in whom I have placed great hope
Gravely mistreats me in hurtful ways,
I will train myself to view him as my sublime teacher.

7.
In brief, I will train myself to offer benefit and joy
To all my mothers, both directly and indirectly,
And respectfully take upon myself
All the hurts and pains of my mothers,

By ensuring that all this remains undefiled

From the stains of the eight mundane concerns,

And by understanding all things as illusions,

I will train myself to be free of the bondage of clinging.

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