Eight Verses for Training the Mind

Spiritual practice is like Teflon coating for our mind. Instead of running away from challenging people, run toward them. Embrace them. Don't allow them to shake you from your determination to be loving and compassionate!

Verse 1 —

"By thinking of all sentient beings

As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel

For accomplishing the highest aim,

I will always hold them dear."

We can't develop good qualities without interacting with others. Compassion makes us happier, and without someone for whom we could wish to be free of suffering, we can't develop our own happiness. Learn to see others—even difficult people—as nutrients to our own happiness and joy.

Verse 2 —

"Whenever I’m in the company of others,

I will regard myself as the lowest among all,

And from the depths of my heart

Cherish others as supreme."

Serve others in order to serve yourself! Taking on the responsibility to help those around you by being an ear, a shoulder, a friend. This doesn't mean you need to be walked on and mistreated. It also doesn't mean to do it with any kind of a reward—even a “thank you!” Do it from a heart that is genuinely concerned for the happiness and welfare of others simply because they exist.

Verse 3 —

"In my every action, I will watch my mind,

And the moment destructive emotions arise,

I will confront them strongly and avert them,

Since they will hurt both me and others."

An emotion is just a chemical and you have more control than you know. Practice stopping emotions from continuing. You can do it—it just takes practice!

Verse 4 —

"Whenever I see ill-natured beings,

Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,

I will cherish them as something rare,

As though I’d found a priceless treasure."

Patience is more than a virtue. It armors your mind from the pain of anger and resentment. If you can understand that emotions are simply chemicals then you will see that mechanism working in the minds of others. Therefore, you can separate the person from their negative emotions. Never give up on the person because it's not them with whom we have any contention. It is their thoughts.

Verse 5 —

"Whenever someone out of envy

Does me wrong by attacking or belittling me,

I will take defeat upon myself,

And give the victory to others."

My best friend always says, "Choose your battles." If you can see that negative emotions are part of our Fight-Flight response then any resistance to your friend who is attacking you just validates their reason for seeing you as the object of their anger. Allowing them to be right—when it's best—dismantles their rage. Remember that one's perceptions are their reality, and to them you really are to blame.

Verse 6 —

"Even when someone I have helped,

Or in whom I have placed great hopes

Mistreats me very unjustly,

I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher."

Patience is the strongest armor to develop. In the face of great negativity and the temptation to retaliate, holding firmly to your resolve to resist anger is a strength. When you are faced with people who try your patience, it's an opportunity to see what's really going on in your mind more than anything they're revealing about them!

Verse 7 —

In brief, directly or indirectly,

I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers,

And secretly take upon myself

All their hurt and suffering.

Once you understand the logical proofs of past and future lives, it is easier to see how every sentient being with whom we interact has been our own mother at some point. Recognizing this, we should remember the kindnesses they showered upon us and resolve within ourselves to repay their kindness. One Lama said to me, “ Goodness it's repaying kindness; evil is kindness unrepaid.”

Verse 8 —

I will learn to keep all these practices

Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.

May I recognize all things as like illusions,

And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.

Make a promise to yourself to recite this short text daily and make each line your new proclivity of thinking when interacting with others. Every morning, practice practice practice!