In loving memory of Joan Andrews and Nick Fedoruk.
Getting Over Me is a collection of one 21st century American woman’s poetic reflections on The Eight Verses of Training the Mind , which were written eight hundred years ago by Geshe Langri Thangpa, a great Tibetan Buddhist master in the Kadampa tradition. These verses are the heart of all the lojong practices for training the mind in compassion.
Unless we tame our minds, our innate good qualities cannot arise. The essence of the verses — as relevant today as at the time they were written — is to turn around our rigid, self-centered and egotistical minds in every moment.
The original verses — presented below — are intended as personal advice to be contemplated deeply, so that they become part of one’s being and come to mind spontaneously when needed. In Getting Over Me, I’ve written two poems for each of the verses. Perhaps they will inspire your own reflections.
The Eight Verses are said to have helped His Holiness the Dalai Lama through great difficulties and his qualities are said to come from reflecting upon them and taking their life-changing meaning to heart. May they likewise inspire you, guide you, and transform you.
THE EIGHT VERSES OF TRAINING (OR TRANSFORMING) THE MIND
By Geshe Langri Thangpa
Verse 1. Cultivate the View that All Beings are Extremely Kind
By thinking of all sentient beings
As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel
For accomplishing the highest aim,
I will always hold them dear.
Verse 2. In Particular, View Yourself as Lowly and Cultivate Respect for Others
Whenever I am in the company of others,
I will regard myself as the lowest among all,
And from the depths of my heart
Cherish others as supreme.
Verse 3. Watch Your Mind and Drive out Mental Afflictions
In my every action, I will watch my mind,
And the moment destructive emotions arise,
I will confront them strongly and avert them,
Since they will hurt both me and others.
Verse 4. Cherish as Hard to Find Those Who, in Their Misery, Commit Evil or Suffer Greatly
Whenever I see ill-natured beings,
Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,
I will cherish them as something rare,
As though I’d found a priceless treasure.
Verse 5. Accept Such Loss as Being Blamed, Without Trying to Defend Yourself
Whenever someone out of envy
Does me wrong by attacking or belittling me,
I will take defeat upon myself,
And give the victory to others.
Verse 6. Recognize One Who Harms You As More Kind Than One Who Helps You
Even when someone I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes
Mistreats me very unjustly,
I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher.
Verse 7. Give Help and Happiness to Others, and Take on Their Harm and Suffering
In brief, directly or indirectly,
I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers,
And secretly take upon myself
All their harm and suffering.
Verse 8. Remain Pure and Overcome Attachment to Illusory Objects
I will learn to keep all these practices
Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.
May I recognize all things as like illusions,
And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.
Rigpa translation 2005
I dedicate Getting Over Me with heartfelt gratitude and undying devotion to my precious teacher, Sogyal Rinpoche, who is the living connection with the teachings from the wisdom tradition of Tibet for me and many other fortunate ones.
These teachings, which include the Eight Verses of Training the Mind, are the birthright of every human. May they be of great benefit! May Rinpoche live long and continue to spread them far and wide, and may all his aspirations be fulfilled!
