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THE SNOW LION BUDDHIST NEWS & CATALOG
160 pp., paper, MITRRI
$14.95, Snow Lion special $11.96
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How's My Practice? Mind Training Book Excerpt
by Ringu Tulku
The following excerpt is taken from Mind Training, by Ringu Tulku
When we have learned how to practice the Lojong meditation, we need to assess whether we are carrying it out correctly and properly. This point gives us something to measure by.
"All dharmas agree at one point."
Every school and tradition of Buddhism agrees that the benefit of dharma practice is to reduce ego-clinging and the illusion of self. This is the path, the goal, and the purpose of our spiritual life. From ignorance we have constructed the illusion of a separate, independent identity. This strong samsaric ego is the main target of our spiritual work. Lojong removes attachment and selfishness. Egolessness is a profound teaching but if we find that we are more aware of others' problems and even the least bit less self-involved, we will know we are on the right path.
"Rely upon the better of two witnesses."
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When we review our progress, we can either make our own decision about how well we are getting on or listen to the opinion of other people. No one knows us better than we ourselves do so the most stable and reliable view is our own. Westerners have been taught to mistrust their subjective opinion and to believe that an objective, exterior assessment is more accurate. This may be true in some cases, but in this training we need to develop faith and trust in our estimate of ourselves, regardless of what people around us think. Someone judging our behavior may praise or blame us but they cannot weigh up the particular reasons for our actions. What they say about us is never conclusive. As long as we are honest, our own standards are the ones that matter.
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"Always be sustained by cheerfulness."
The effectiveness of our practice can be measured by looking at our mood. If we are in better spirits, the practice is working. We can take heart because we have a purpose, to exchange whatever sadness we meet for joy. The smallest personal damage can be put to use to dissolve great suffering and do away with negativity. If there is a way, we try to stop unfortunate things from happening, but when unhappy events occur we meet them optimistically. We never let negativity discourage us or injure our ability to help.
Setting out on any adventure demands determination. We may have to toil and struggle with setbacks along the way but the trials we face are short-lived. We can endure them because we have a great end in mind: to benefit all sentient beings. Remaining good-natured and enthusiastic shows that our efforts are succeeding. Being cheerful is the sign of a good practitioner.
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Ringu Tulku
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More about the book . . .
This small, accessible book contains the essence of the Seven-Point Mind Training, expressed in the intimate, colloquial style that distinguishes Ringu Tulku's teachings. The Seven-Point Mind Training, a lojong practice, assumes no prior special training or preparation. It does not require practitioners to enter seclusion or change the way they live their lives. It asks that they examine their relationships with all those around them, and to make a strong determination to become enlightened for others' sake rather than for their own. It gives instructions for tonglen, breathing practice that ties the concepts of lojong to the physical act of breathing. Mind Training focuses simply on giving up self-cherishing and transforming self-centered thinking into compassion, egoistic feelings into altruism, desire into acceptance, and resentment into joy.
"The Seven Point Mind Training by Chekawa is the root text for Lojong or the mental training in exchanging ourselves with others. This is the precious heart of the Tibetan Mahayana practice. My root lama Kyabje Khamtrul Dongyu Nyima towards the end of his life gave this same text as the quintessence of practice to his most advanced yogis.
"The text comprises brief aphorisms or slogans to be incorporated into our daily lives to help us transform our self concern into altruism and awaken our genuine compassion and wisdom. Now we have this excellent commentary by Ringu Tulku, a master of the Karma Kagyu tradition. His simple and helpful explanation elucidates the true meaning of the text and encourages us to place this practice at the centre of our lives. The Q&A sections have the added benefit of answering many of the common problems and misconceptions that this practice often elicits. This is a vital book for all those committed to the Dharma path of whatever school."--Ani Tenzin Palmo, author of Reflections on a Mountain Lake
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About the author . . .
Ringu Tulku was born in Eastern Tibet in 1952. He is the director of seven meditation centers in Europe, the United States and India, and he travels and teaches extensively in Europe and the United States.
Books by Ringu Tulku:
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