Mind-Training in Eight Verses

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Mind-Training in Eight Verses
By Geshe Langri T’angpa (1054-1123)

With a determination to accomplish
The highest welfare for all sentient beings
Who surpass even a wish-granting jewel
May I train to hold them as supremely precious.

Whenever I associate with others may I train
To think of myself as the lowest among all
And respectfully hold others to be supreme
From the very depths of my heart.

In all actions may I train to search into my mind
And as soon as an afflictive emotion arises
Endangering myself and others
I will firmly face and avert it.

May I train to cherish beings of bad nature
And those oppressed by strong sins and suffering
As if I had found a precious
Treasure very difficult to find.

When others out of jealousy treat me badly
With abuse, slander, and so on,
May I train to take on all loss,
And offer victory to them.

When one whom I have benefited with great hope
Unreasonably hurts me very badly,
May I train to view that person
As an excellent spiritual guide.

In short, may I train to offer to everyone without exception,
All help and happiness directly and indirectly.
And secretly take upon myself
All harm and suffering of my mothers.

May I train to keep all these practices,
Undefiled by the stains of the eight worldly conceptions.
And by understanding all phenomena as like illusions
Be released from the bondage of attachment.