Mind Training

Training the Mind

Root Text of the Seven Points of Mind Training by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje

Textual Outline

I: Preliminaries, which are Basis of Dharma Practice

            A. First, Train the the Preliminaries

                        a. Precious Human Life

                        b. Impermanence

                        c. Karma

                        d. Suffering

II. Main Practice, which is Training in Bodhicitta

            A. Ultimate Bodhicitta Slogans

                        2. Regard all dharmas as dreams

                        3. Examine the nature of unborn awareness

                        4. Self-liberate even the antidote

                        5. Rest in the nature of the alaya, the essence

                        6. In post-meditation, be a child of illusion

            B. Relative Bodhicitta Slogans

                        7. Sending and taking should be practiced alternatively, riding on the breath

                        8. Three objects, three poisons and three seeds of virtue

                        9. In all activities, train with slogans

                        10. Begin the sequence of sending and taking with yourself

III. Transformation of Bad Circumstances into the Path of Awakening

            A. Paramita of Patience

                        11. When the world is filled with evil, transform all mishap into the path of bodhi

                        12. Drive all blames into one

                        13. Be grateful to everyone

                        14. Seeing confusion as the four kayas is unsurpassable empintess protection

                        15. Four practices are the best methods

                        16. Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation

IV. Showing the Utilization of Practice in One’s Whole Life

            A. Paramita of Diligence

                        17. Practice Five strengths, the condensed heart essence

                        18. Mahayana instruction for ejection of consciousness at death

                              is the five strengths, how you conduct yourself is important

V. Evaluation of Mind Training

            A. Paramita of Meditation

                        19. All dharmas agree with one point

                        20. Of the two witnesses, hold the principal one

                        21. Always maintain a joyful mind

                        22. If you can practice even when distracted, you are well trained

VI. Disciplines of Mind Training

            A. Paramita of Prajnaparamita

                        23. Always abide in the three basic principles

                        24. Change your attitude, but remain neutral

                        25. Don’t talk about injured limbs

                        26. Don’t ponder others

                        27. Work with the greatest defilements first

                        28. Abandon any hope of fruition

                        29. Abandon poisonous food

                        30. Don’t be so predictable

                        31. Don’t malign others

                        32. Don’t wait in ambush

                        33. Don’t bring things to a painful point

                        34. Don’t transfer the ox’s load to the cow

                        35. Don’t try to be fastest

                        36. Don’t act with a twist

                        37. Don’t make gods into demons

                        38. Don’t seek others pain as the limbs of your own happiness

VII. Guidelines of Mind Training

            A. Post-Meditation

                        39. All activities should be done with one intention

                        40. Correct all wrongs with one intention

                        41. Two activities: one at the beginning, one at the end

                        42. Whichever of the two occurs, be patient

                        43. Observe the two, even at the risk of your life

                        44. Train in the three difficulties

                        45. Take on the three principle causes

                        46. Pay heed that the three never wane

                        47. Keep the three inseparable

                        48. Train without bias in all areas, always do this pervasively and wholeheartedly

                        49. Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment

                        50. Don’t be swayed by external circumstances

                        51. This time, practice the main points

                        52. Don’t misinterpret

                        53. Don’t vacillate

                        54. Train wholeheartedly

                        55. Liberate yourself by examining and analyzing

                        56. Don’t wallow in self-pity

                        57. Don’t be jealous

                        58. Don’t be frivolous

                        59. Don’t expect applause