Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind

First discovered this much-loved prayer in Vancouver in summer of 1990, I think.  HH the Dalai Lama was in town.  Big Sister had gone with her grade-school girl and brought back the event program for me.  Inside was this prayer.  I made a photocopy to tape beside my bed, so that I could look at it every day.  In the morning when I awake.  In the evening when I sleep.  

These “Eight Verses” have carried me along the yellow-brick road to E – Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Nepal, India and back again to Ilha Formosa.  West to east.  Skipping along with all my quirky friends –  Friend.  Stranger.  Enemy.

“Diamonds in the Rough” – HH the 17^th Gyalwang Karmapa gives an excellent teaching on the Eight Verses of Mind Training for 21^st century minds in London, May 2017.

Verse 1 + Verse 2  + Verse 3 + Verse 4  + Verse 5 + Verse 6  + Verse 7  + Verse 8

“Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind”

Ever Flowing Nectar of Mahayana Thought Training

Tibetan root text composed by the great spiritual friend of the Kadam tradition, Langri Thang-pa Dorje Senge – a disciple of the virtuous friend, perfect in all knowledge, Kadampa Potowa Rinchen Sal, who was in turn a disciple of the holy lamp of the teachings, Atisha.  Of his guru Potowa’s eight heart-sons, Langri Thang-pa was the only one to receive the special instructions on exchanging oneself and others.   

Essential Buddhist Prayers.  Translation by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

Determined to obtain the greatest possible benefit from all sentient beings, who are more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel, I shall hold them most dear at all times. (1) 

When in the company of others, I shall always consider myself the lowest of all,  and from the depths of my heart, hold others dear and supreme. 
(2)

Vigilant, the moment a delusion appears in my mind, endangering myself and others, I shall confront and avert it without delay. 
(3)

Whenever I see beings who are wicked in nature and overwhelmed by violent negative actions and suffering, I shall hold such rare ones dear, as if I had found a precious treasure. 
(4)

When out of envy, others mistreat me with abuse, insults, or the like, I shall accept defeat and offer the victory to others. 
(5)

When someone whom I have benefitted and in whom I have great hopes gives me terrible harm, I shall regard that person as my holy guru. 
(6)

In short, both directly and indirectly, do I offer every happiness and benefit to all my mothers, I shall secretly take upon myself all their harmful actions and suffering. 
(7)

Undefiled by the stains of the superstitions of the eight worldly concerns, may I, by perceiving all phenomena as illusory, be released from the bondage of attachment. 
(8)

The wish-fulfilling gem is a mythical jewel which, when obtained is said to bring to its possessor all that may be desired in this world.   The eight worldly attitudes are concern with gain and loss, fame and disgrace, praise and blame, pleasure and pain.

Picture:  Google Images – rigpawiki.org