This is our schedule for November (events subject to change):
3 NOV, SUN
11am – 12:30pm
Introduction to Buddhism
6 NOV, WED
6:30 – 8pm
Meditation and Tara Prayer
10 NOV, SUN
11am – 12:30pm
Regular Dharma teaching
13 NOV, WED
6:30 – 8pm
Meditation and Tara Prayer
17 NOV, SUN
11am – 12:30pm
Regular Dharma teaching
22 NOV, FRI
6:30 – 8pm
Lhabab Duchen Guru puja prayer
24 NOV, SUN
11am – 12:30pm
Dharma teaching Q&A
27 NOV, WED
6:30 – 8pm
Meditation and Tara Prayer
Teaching
Our teaching continues on Eight Versus of Training the Mind.
Summary
This a summary of what we’ve covered on the topic thus far:
- Mind training involves being aware of one’s mental state
- When recognizing negative states, one should transform them into more wholesome ones
- The teaching is considered particularly accessible and can show results quickly if applied diligently
We have covered several verses from “The Eight Verses of Training the Mind” a fundamental Buddhist text by Geshe Langri Tangpa. The discussion focused primarily on three verses and their meanings:
First Verse:
- Discusses seeing all sentient beings as more precious than wish-fulfilling jewels
- Addresses remedies for jealousy, hatred, and anger
- Emphasizes that negative emotions are mainly directed at humans and animals, not other realms
Second Verse:
- Focuses on overcoming pride and arrogance
- Teaches viewing oneself as inferior to others – not in terms of wealth or knowledge, but as a practice of avoiding looking down on others and recognizing their value in one’s path to enlightenment
- Emphasizes that this shouldn’t diminish self-confidence, but rather combat ego
- Contrasts Eastern and Western approaches to displaying knowledge
- Notes that Eastern masters traditionally express humility while Western culture tends to amplify achievements
Third Verse:
- Emphasizes examining one’s mind during all activities
- Discusses being one’s own master and enemy
- Stresses mindfulness of body, speech, and mind
- Encourages redirecting harmful thoughts and actions toward beneficial ones
Additional key points included:
- The importance of balancing humility with necessary self-confidence
- How pride can obstruct learning and relationships
- The concept that external progress (like technological advancement) doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness
- The significance of developing a good heart and compassion, illustrated through a story about the master Atisha and his attendant’s healing abilities
Emphasize the importance of cultivating kindness and compassion as the most valuable spiritual practice, rather than focusing on external achievements or progress.
Compassion, love, and bodhichitta are valued universally in Buddhism and other spiritual paths. True practice involves deeply understanding these values beyond words, as abstract ideals lack transformative power without genuine contemplation and application.
- The concept of “I” or “self” is explored, distinguishing between:
- A true “I” that progresses through lifetimes and is essential for spiritual growth.
- A false “I,” which, seen as independent and unchanging, gives rise to the “three poisons” (desire, hatred, ignorance) that lead to suffering.
