Eight Verses of Mind Training
(known as Lo Jong)
author Geshe Langri Tangpa
- May I always cherish all limited beings
By considering how far superior they are
To wish-granting gems
For actualizing the supreme aim. - Whenever I come into anyones company,
May I regard myself as more lowly than all
And, from the depths of my heart, hold others as supreme. - Whatever I am doing, may I check the flow of my mind,
And the moment that disturbing emotions arise,
Since they debilitate myself and others,
May I confront and avert them with forceful means. - Whenever I see beings instinctively cruel,
Overpowered by negativities and serious problems,
May I cherish them as difficult to find
As discovering a treasure of gems. - When others, out of envy, treat me unfairly
With scolding, insults, and more,
May I accept the loss upon myself
And offer the victory to others. - Even if someone whom I have helped
And from whom I harbor great expectations
Were to harm me completely unfairly,
May I view him or her as a hallowed teacher. - In short, may I offer to all my mothers,
both actually and indirectly,
Whatever will benefit and bring them joy;
And may I hiddenly accept on myself
All my mothers troubles and woes. - Through a mind untarnished by stains from thoughts
About these eight transitory things in life,
And that knows all phenomena as an illusion,
May I set myself free from all my clinging
And thus release myself from my suffering at last.
