Eight Verses for Training the Mind
I’m not sure where I got this from. I do know that it hangs in front of me in my little home office. It’s been there for so long now, just dangling in front of my face quietly hoping that I would give it more attention. There is the idea of out of sight out of mind. These verses are a case of there for so long I didn’t notice it anymore. We all know sometimes the best things are right in front of us. We just have to open our eyes or choose to look in a new way. These Eight versus, although sometimes the language may read oddly, offer great inspiration to open our hearts as we walk through our days.
-Erik Everts, Founder/The Blue Buddha
Eight Verses for Training the Mind
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.
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.
3. In all my deeds may I probe into my mind,
And as soon as mental and emotional afflictions arise
–as they endanger myself or others–
May I strongly confront and avert them.
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 treasured jewel.
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.
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.
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.
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.