EIGHT VERSes of training the mind

by Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054 - 1123, Tibet)

Geshe Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses of Training the Mind (Tib. Lojong Tsig Gyema) reveals the essence of the Buddhist path to enlightenment by showing how we can transform our mind from its current ignorant and self-centered state into the perfect wisdom and compassion of a Buddha. Even if enlightenment isn't your goal just yet, this text and its implied practices give us lots of practical tools to make ourselves happier and more loving, and thus make all our relationships and encounters more harmonious and fulfilling. It also shows us how to use tough situations for real inner growth.

With the intention to attain
The ultimate supreme goal
That surpasses even the wish-granting jewel,
May I constantly cherish all living beings.

Whenever I associate with others,
May I view myself as the lowest of all;
And with a pure intention,
May I cherish others as supreme.

Examining my mental continuum throughout
all my actions,
As soon as a delusion of self-cherishing develops
Whereby I or others would act inappropriately,
May I firmly face it and avert it.

Whenever I see unfortunate beings
Oppressed by evil and violent suffering,
May I cherish them as if I had found
A rare and precious treasure.

Even if someone I have helped
And of whom I had great hopes
Nevertheless harms me intentionally
May I see him or her as my holy Spiritual Guide.

When others out of jealousy or anger
Harm me or insult me,
May I take defeat upon myself
And offer them the victory.

In short, may I directly and indirectly
Offer help and happiness to all my mothers,
And secretly take upon myself
All their harm and suffering.

Furthermore, through all the above practices,
Together with a mind undefiled by stains of conceptions
of the eight extremes
And that sees all phenomena as illusory,
May I and all living beings be released from the bondage
of mistaken appearance and conception.

For self-study, you will find a clear explanation of the verses in the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness* by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. The book is also frequently used in our general program and is part of the curriculum for our foundation program.
(* It’s a little tricky to get the book in English in Germany. At the time of setting up this page, we found the English version of both print and eBook it on this website in Germany. You can also get it from the publisher, Tharpa Publications, if you can make your billing details work on their UK or US site.)