Introduction It All Started with Tonglen
Point One THE PRELIMINARIES TEACH THE FOUNDATION OF DHARMA PRACTICE
1. First, train in the preliminaries.
Point Two THE MAIN PRACTICE: TRAINING IN BODHICITTA
2. Consider all phenomena as a dream.
3. Examine the nature of unborn awareness.
4. The antidote in itself is liberated.
5. Rest in the nature of the alaya.
6. In post-meditation, be a child of illusion.
7. Practice giving and taking alternately. Mount both upon the breath.
8. Three objects, three poisons, and three roots of virtue.
9. In all conduct train with maxims.
10. Begin the sequence of taking with oneself.
Point Three TRANSFORMING ADVERSITY INTO THE PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT
11. When the world is full of evil, transform misfortune into the path of awakening.
12. Realize all faults spring from one source.
13. Meditate upon gratitude toward all.
15. The four practices are the best of means.
16. Use whatever you face as a practice immediately.
Point Four AN EXPLANATION OF THE PRACTICES AS A WAY OF LIFE
17. The pith instructions briefly summarized: apply the five strengths.
Point Five MEASURES OF PROFICIENCY IN MIND TRAINING
19. All dharma agrees at a single point.
20. Of the two witnesses, rely on the main one.
21. Always maintain a joyful attitude.
22. You have reached proficiency if you can practice even while distracted.
Point Six COMMITMENTS OF MIND TRAINING
23. Always train in the three basic principles.
24. Transform your attitude and remain natural.
25. Do not speak about the downfalls of others.
26. Do not ponder others’ business.
27. Train with the strongest emotions first.
28. Abandon any expectation of fruition.
33. Do not pounce upon vulnerability.
34. Do not transfer the dzo’s load onto the ox.
36. Do not twist the practice.
37. Do not bring a god down to the level of a demon.
38. Do not seek out others’ suffering as the limbs of your delight.
Point Seven GUIDELINES FOR MIND TRAINING
39. Use one practice for everything.
40. Use a single corrective for everything.
41. Two things to do: one at the beginning, one at the end.
42. Whichever of the two arises, be patient.
43. Protect the two as dearly as your life.
44. Train in the three difficulties.
45. Take up the three principal causes.
46. Practice to not let the three degenerate.
47. Remain inseparable from the three.
48. Practice impartially toward everything. Deep and comprehensive mastery overall is essential.
49. Always meditate on whatever is most challenging.
50. Do not rely on other factors.
51. Practice what is essential now.
52. Do not dwell in misunderstanding.
55. Find liberation through both reflection and analysis.
56. Do not feel the world owes you.