Mind Training (Lojong)

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Atīśa Dīpaṃkara

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Texts on so-called mind training (blo sbyong), the system of practical instructions for developing the compassion and wisdom of bodhicitta:

Aspiration Prayers

Eight Verses of Training the Mind

Lojong (general)

This short text (Bodhisattvamaṇyāvalī in Sanskrit), which is included in the Middle Way section of the Tengyur (Toh 3951), is regarded as a classic work of the Mind Training (blo sbyong) tradition. With its direct and pithy language, it is not so much a poem as a series of maxims on the bodhisattva path.

One of Jigme Tenpe Nyima's best known works—and indeed one the most famous Tibetan texts of recent times—this is a pithy and practical guide to integrating all experiences, good and bad, happy and sad, into the path to enlightenment. As the text itself puts it, this is “indispensable for leading a spiritual life, a most needed tool of the Noble Ones, and quite the most priceless teaching in the world.”

Taken from a collection called Miscellaneous Sayings of the Saintly Masters of the Kadam Tradition (bka' gdams kyi skyes bu dam pa rnams kyi gsung bgros thor bu ba rnams) edited by the 11th/12th century teachers Chegom Sherab Dorje (lce sgom shes rab rdo rje) and Kharak Gomchung Wangchuk Lodrö (kha rag sgom chung dbang phyug blo gros).

This is a classic work on 'bringing difficult circumstances onto the path' (lam khyer), a subgenre of mind training. Tokme Zangpo reveals what it is like to live beyond hopes and fears, and how to face sickness, poverty and death (as well as good health, prosperity and long-life) with joy.

Longchen Rabjam tells us that he composed these thirty verses of heartfelt advice for himself and others like him, out of a sense of renunciation. In what has become one of his most famous and popular teachings, he advocates simplicity, ethical discipline, humility, and, above all, diligent practice.

One of the great Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa's most famous teachings, this short text highlights the importance of renunciation, the motivation of bodhicitta, and the wisdom that realises the nature of things.

Seven Points of Mind Training

One of the most important and influential works of mind training composed in Tibet, this series of slogans was first composed—that is, written down—by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje (1101–1175) according to the tradition of Atiśa Dīpaṃkara (982–1055?). The seven points cover: 1) the preliminaries, 2) main practice, 3) transformation of adversity, 4) lifelong application of the practice, 5) measures of progress, 6) commitments, and 7) precepts.

This is among the best known and most commonly taught commentaries on the popular mind training slogans. The author, famous for his Thirty-Seven Practices of the Bodhisattvas, writes in the style of the pith instructions, in plain and simple language.

A supplication to the lineage of the Seven Points of Mind Training (blo sbyong don bdun ma), or Verses of Mahāyāna Mind Training.

These notes on the Seven Points of Mind Training appear to derive from the celebrated commentary of Sé Chilbu Chökyi Gyaltsen (1121–1189). Unfortunately the notes do not cover the entire root text and their brevity is suggestive of lecture notes or an aide-memoire.

Jamyang Khyentse composed this prayer for perfecting the Seven Points of Mind Training (blo sbyong don bdun ma) when he was in the presence of the famous Atiśa statue at the Tārā Temple in Nyethang (snye thang). The section headings were added by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Thirty-Seven Practices

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