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Eight Verses for Training the Mind
How do we free ourselves from the demon of self-concern? These instructions are found in Eight Verses for Training the Mind , one of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as lojong (literally "mind training"). The root text was written by the eleventh-century meditator Langritangpa. His Holiness the Dalai Lama refers to this work as one of the main sources of his own inspiration and includes it in his daily meditations.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1901
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 3, 2016
What a wonderful teaching from HH the Dalai Lama. This is a book that I definitely will re-read many times.
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July 23, 2010Below is an extract that I retain most from this book, which I really enjoyed reading and will keep as a regular reference use.
One can never understand enough from such a book. Every time I refer to this book (synchronistically I open any page) there are new passages I re-read to understand them differently as I evolve in my quest to find the "journey to spirituality".
"One of the main obstacles is our pride. This pride is an inflated state of mind and relies on our false view of the transitory collection, which focuses on the existent self, attributed to our body and mind, and distorts it. When we are on top of a very high mountain, we look down on all the lower peaks. Similarly, when we are full of pride, everyone else appears lower. We are the best and everyone else is inferior. This pride is associated with our self-preocupation and makes us act inappropriately and disrespectfully towards others, thereby bringing us face to face with all kinds of unpleasant and unwanted experiences. As long as we feel and act as through we are the center of the universe, we will never develop real concern for others. To counteract this attitude we train ourselves always to think of them as supremely important by considering their good qualities and by reviewing our own faults and weaknesses."
Source: from 'Eight Verses for Training the Mind' by Geshe Sonam Rinchen
One can never understand enough from such a book. Every time I refer to this book (synchronistically I open any page) there are new passages I re-read to understand them differently as I evolve in my quest to find the "journey to spirituality".
"One of the main obstacles is our pride. This pride is an inflated state of mind and relies on our false view of the transitory collection, which focuses on the existent self, attributed to our body and mind, and distorts it. When we are on top of a very high mountain, we look down on all the lower peaks. Similarly, when we are full of pride, everyone else appears lower. We are the best and everyone else is inferior. This pride is associated with our self-preocupation and makes us act inappropriately and disrespectfully towards others, thereby bringing us face to face with all kinds of unpleasant and unwanted experiences. As long as we feel and act as through we are the center of the universe, we will never develop real concern for others. To counteract this attitude we train ourselves always to think of them as supremely important by considering their good qualities and by reviewing our own faults and weaknesses."
Source: from 'Eight Verses for Training the Mind' by Geshe Sonam Rinchen
October 2, 2019
Good foundation for understanding Buddhist empathy and worldview.
I found this valuable to read for putting my own problems into perspective-
if you focus too much on your own happiness, you will deny yourself to others and them to you, and you will cause further suffering.
Focus on doing good and being loving, and the happiness will come. You don't make your own happiness.
I found this valuable to read for putting my own problems into perspective-
if you focus too much on your own happiness, you will deny yourself to others and them to you, and you will cause further suffering.
Focus on doing good and being loving, and the happiness will come. You don't make your own happiness.
August 17, 2024
Very good book. It has practical advice for the path. It's easy to read and covers the Eight Verses For Training The Mind. I recommend this book for newcomers to Buddhism.
August 15, 2009
What a wonderful book. This oral teaching is one I will read over and over and over.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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