8 Verses of Mind Training | Langri Tangpa

Eight Verses of Mind Training
by Langri Tangpa
(1054–1123)

Geshe Langri Tangpa is an important figure in the lineage of the Kadampa and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

He was born in Central Tibet, as Dorje Senge. His name derives from Langtang, the area in which he is said to have lived. He was a Kadampa master, and disciple of Potowa.

He was the author of Eight Verses of Thought Transformation, considered a succinct summary of the Lojong teachings of Mahāyāna Buddhism.

He is said to be an emanation of Buddha Amitābha.

(1)

May I always cherish all limited beings
by considering how far
superior they are to wish-granting gems
for actualizing the supreme aim.

(2)

Whenever I come into anyone's company,
may I regard myself less than everyone else
and, from the depths of my heart,
value others more highly than I do myself.

(3)

Whatever I am doing, may I check the flow of my mind,
and the moment that conceptions or disturbing emotions arise,
since they debilitate myself and others,
may I confront and avert them with forceful means.

(4)

Whenever I see beings instinctively cruel,
overpowered by negativities and serious problems,
may I cherish them as difficult to find
as discovering a treasure of gems.

(5)

When others, out of envy, treat me unfairly
with scolding, insults, and more,
may I accept the loss upon myself
and offer the victory to others.

(6)

Even if someone whom I have helped
and from whom I harbour great expectations
were to harm me completely unfairly,
may I view him or her as a hallowed teacher.

(7)

In short, may I offer to all my mothers, both actually and indirectly,
whatever will benefit and bring them joy;
and may I hiddenly accept on myself
all my mothers’ troubles and woes.

(8)

Through a mind untarnished by stains of conceptions
concerning 8 passing things, throughout all of this,
and that knows all phenomena as an illusion,
may I break free from my bondage, without any clinging.