3_Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun_Commentary on the 7 Point Mind Training
Channel: Ven. Yönten
Date: 2020-09-28

Classes for Shantideva Study Group, FPMT Israel.
Session 3 of 3
Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun: Discussion and 
Points 3-7 Point Mind Training

Course Handout / Study Notes:
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc11/view.php?id=28458&da=y

The Seven-Point Mind Training:
1. Explaining the preliminaries as a basis for the practice
2. The actual practice, training in the awakening mind
3. Transforming adverse circumstances into the path to enlightenment.
4. The integrated practice of a single lifetime
5. The measure of having trained the mind
6. The commitments of mind training
7. The precepts of mind training

The Seven-Point Mind Training with related points
This version, compiled by Pabongka Rinpoche, from the text of Geshe Chekawa.

1. Explaining the preliminaries as a basis for the practice
• First, train in the preliminaries.

2. The actual practice, training in the awakening mind
(a) How to train in the ultimate awakening mind
(b) How to train in the conventional awakening mind
     - a and b are sometimes reversed for purposes related to Lam Rim...
(a) Training in the ultimate awakening mind
• When stability has been attained, impart the secret teaching:
• Consider all phenomena as like dreams,
• Examine the nature of unborn awareness.
• The remedy itself is released in its own place,
• Place the essence of the path on the nature of the basis of all.
• In the period between sessions, be a creator of illusions.
(b) Training in the conventional awakening mind
• Banish the one to blame for everything,
• Meditate on the great kindness of all beings.
• Practice a combination of giving and taking.
• Giving and taking should be practiced alternately
• And you should begin by taking from yourself.
• These two should be made to ride on the breath.
• Concerning the three objects, three poisons and three virtues,
• The instruction to be followed, in short,
• Is to be mindful of the practice in general,
• By taking these words to heart in all activities.

3. Transforming adverse circumstances into the path to 
enlightenment
• When the environment and its inhabitants overflow with unwholesomeness, transform adverse circumstances into the path to enlightenment.
• Apply meditation immediately at every opportunity.
• The supreme method is accompanied by the four practices.

4. The integrated practice of a single lifetime
• In brief, the essence of the instruction is
To train in the five powers.
• The five powers themselves are the Great Vehicle’s
• Precept on the transference of consciousness.
• Cultivate these paths of practice.

5. The measure of having trained the mind
• Integrate all the teachings into one thought,
• Primary importance should be given to the two witnesses,
• Constantly cultivate only a peaceful mind.
• The measure of a trained mind is that it has turned away,
• There are five great marks of a trained mind.
• The trained (mind) retains control even when distracted.

6. The commitments of mind training
1) Don’t go against the mind training you promised to observe,
2) Don’t be reckless in your practice,
3) Don’t be partial, always train in the three general points,
4) Transform your attitude but maintain your natural behavior,
5) Don’t speak of others’ incomplete qualities,
6) Don’t concern yourself with others’ business,
7) Train to counter whichever disturbing emotion is greatest,
8) Give up every hope of reward,
9) Avoid poisonous food,
10) Don’t maintain misplaced loyalty,
11) Don’t make sarcastic remarks,
12) Don’t lie in ambush,
13) Don’t strike at the vital point,
14) Don’t burden an ox with the load of a dzo (like a donkey),
15) Don’t abuse the practice,
16) Don’t sprint to win the race,
17) Don’t turn gods into devils,
18) Don’t seek others’ misery as a means to happiness.

7. The precepts of mind training
1) Every yoga should be performed as one,
2) All errors are to be amended by one means,
3) There are two activities—at beginning and end,
4) Whichever occurs, be patient with both,
5) Guard both at the cost of your life,
6) Train in the three difficulties,
7) Seek for the three principal causes,
8) Don’t let three factors weaken,
9) Never be parted from the three possessions,
10) Train consistently without partiality,
11) Value an encompassing and far-reaching practice,
12) Train consistently to deal with difficult situations,
13) Don’t rely on other conditions,
14) Engage in the principal practices right now,
15) Don’t apply a wrong understanding,
16) Don’t be sporadic,
17) Practice unflinchingly,
18) Release investigation and analysis,
19) Don’t be boastful,
20) Don’t be short-tempered,
21) Don’t make a short-lived attempt,
22) Don’t expect gratitude.

This is concluded with a quotation from Geshe Chekawa, who had an experience of the awakening mind:
My manifold aspirations have given rise
To humiliating criticism and suffering,
But, having received instructions for taming the misconception of self,
Even if I have to die, I have no regrets.