EIGHT VERSES FOR TRAINING THE MIND
BY LANGRI THANGPA (1054-1123)
SUNDAY
Wishing to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings who excel even a Wish-fulfilling Jewel, may I constantly cherish them all. MONDAY
Whenever I am with others, may I consider myself the least important, and, from the depth of my heart, cherish them all and hold them supreme. TUESDAY
In all activities, may I examine my mind, and as soon as an conflicting emotions arise, endangering myself and others, may I firmly face and avert them. WEDNESDAY
Whenever I see an evil being, overwhelmed by intense negativity and suffering, may I cherish him as something rare, as if I’d chanced upon some priceless treasure. THURSDAY
When others, out of envy, mistreat me with slander and abuse, may I take defeat upon myself and offer the triumph to them. FRIDAY
When someone whom I’ve helped with much hope and expectation hurts me, deeply and unjustifiably, may I regard him as my sublime master. SATURDAY
In short, may I, directly and indirectly, offer happiness and peace to all my mothers; all their evil and suffering may I secretly take upon myself. EVERYDAY
In all this, may my mind be unstained by the eight ordinary concerns and know all things to be illusion: free of clinging, may I release all beings from bondage. The above verses may be repeated and contemplated daily, with a new verse for each day of the week, and the “everyday” verse repeated after the verse for the day.