The Seven-Point Instruction on Mind Training

Ven René Feusi

Meditation on The Seven-Point Instruction on Mind Training by Geshe Chekawa with Ven. René Feusi Saturday, October 13, 2018, 10:00am  –  5:00pm Sunday, October 14, 10:00am  –  5:00pm Homage to great compassion These instructions handed down by Serlingpa, Help us transform the problems in these degenerate times Into factors supporting our progress to enlightenment In this way they are similar to a diamond, the sun, and a medicinal tree POINT 1: GROUNDWORK First, do the groundwork. Remember how precious this human life is for spiritual development How everything is transient and that death can come at any time How cause and effect is infallible How existence, conditioned by karma and mental afflictions, is suffering POINT 2: THE MAIN TRAINING - CULTIVATE THE TWO BODHICITTA Awareness to how things ultimately exist: See all phenomena as dream-like: they're not independent of mind or mental designation Examine the ultimate nature of mind Understand that this ultimate nature is also empty of inherent existence Allow the mind to abide in the experience of space-like emptiness In post-meditation, see everything, including yourself, as illusion-like Knowing how things conventionally exist, train in great compassion: Begin by placing all blame on one thing - self-centeredness Then meditate on the kindness of all beings Alternate taking and giving. For taking, begin with yourself. These two - taking and giving - ride on your breath. On the basis of the three objects, the three poisons arise. Transform them into three sources of virtue:       > Three objects: pleasure, pain and neutral sensation       > Three poisons: attachment, aversion and indifference       > Three sources of virtue: use your own three poisons to free others from theirs In daily life, use reminders. For example:       > May all beings' suffering ripen upon me.       > May all my virtue ripen upon them. POINT 3: USING ADVERSITIES AS SUPPORT TO REALIZATIONS When misfortunes fill the world and its inhabitants, transform them into the path for awakening NOTES:       > See all misfortunes as purifying past negative actions       > Use them to train in renunciation, compassion, and emptiness Immediately apply this mind training to whatever happens in your life Enhance your progress with four activities NOTES:       > Accumulate merit; purify obscuration       > Make offering to spirits and to dharma protectors POINT 4: A SUMMARY OF WHAT TO DO IN LIFE AND AT DEATH In brief, the essence of mind-training is to apply yourself to the five strengths NOTES:       a. Strong determination: motivation       b. Familiarization: with the two bodhicitta       c. Positive seeds: cultivating wholesome actions       d. Abandonment: of self-grasping and self-centeredness       e. Aspiration-prayer: dedication The Mahayana instructions for how to die are those very five strengths and the body posture NOTES:       a. Strong determination: "May I be able to die mindful of the two bodhicitta"       b. Familiarization: meditate on the two bodhicitta till the last breath       c. Positive seeds: offer your belonging to those who have been kind to you, as well as to your teachers, the Three Jewels and the poor       d. Abandonment: purification of non-virtuous deeds       e. Aspiration-prayer:           > May I never be separated from the two bodhicitta in all my future lives.           > May I be born in the pure land or as human. POINT 5: MEASURE OF SUCCESS IN MIND-TRAINING You are successful if: All of your spiritual practices have one aim: To gradually reduce and eliminate self-grasping and self-centeredness Of the two witnesses, you rely on the main one: Relying on yourself instead of others You're able to maintain a content mind: Unaffected by the eight worldly concerns You have overcome self-centeredness You possess the five signs of greatness NOTES:      a. Using each moment to enhance bodhicitta      b. Pure morality through continuous awareness of karma      c. Ability to bear hardships in combating delusions      d. Body, speech and mind never separated from bodhicitta      e. Well trained in the six perfections You are able to practice even when distracted POINT 6: MIND-TRAINING COMMITMENTS Always abide by the three basic principles:      > Your mind training shouldn't contradict your vows      > Nor become a cause of arrogance      > And, should be impartial Change your attitude, but act naturally Don't speak about the shortcomings of others Don't think about them Deal first with your strongest disturbing emotions Give up all hopes of reward Avoid doing positive actions out of an impure motivation Don't be loyal to your delusions Do not disparage others Do not hold grudge and wait for revenge Do not take advantage of the weaknesses of others Do not pass on your responsibilities or blame of your faults on someone weaker than you Do not engage in mind training or ritual for selfish purposes Do not seek to be the best, hoping for praise Do not allow your spiritual development to make you feel superior Do not take advantage of the suffering of others POINT 7: MIND-TRAINING ADVISES Maintain awareness of either relative or ultimate bodhicitta in all your actions In all adversity apply one remedy - giving and taking Remember the two activities: one at the beginning and one at the end - motivation and dedication Be patient whatever happens, good or bad In all situations uphold your precepts, including the mind-training ones Train in the three activities that are difficult:      > Recognize the presence of mental afflictions      > Apply their antidotes      > And, prevent their recurrence Acquire the three essential factors for spiritual growth:      > A qualified teacher      > A mind intent on practice      > And, the supportive material conditions Don't let these three degenerate:      > Devotion to the teacher      > Enthusiasm for mind training      > Wish to help beings Always do virtuous actions with your body, speech and mind Apply mind training impartially And from the depth of your heart, towards everyone and everything Pay special attention towards those closely related to you Don't be swayed by external conditions Practice what is most important at this time       > Bodhicitta and applying the antidotes to delusions Don't follow the worldly mind Be consistent in your practice Train wholeheartedly Free yourself from delusions by using investigation and analysis Don't boast about your positive actions Don't be bad tempered Don't be fickle Or expect gratitude or thank yous Because of my many aspirations I have defied the tragic tale of suffering And have taken instructions to subdue self-grasping Now, even if death comes, I have no regrets

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