Ripening and loosening the mindstream through mind training and meditation are essential for being able to liberate oneself from the turbulent winds of the five poisons and the continuation of cyclic existence. Additionally, there are many methods for integrating the experiences between meditation sessions into spiritual practice. For those individuals who have a higher capacity, His Holiness the 22nd Menri Trizin Rinpoche has given this tenfold advice for training the mind by bringing experiences outside of meditation practice to the spiritual path.
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Bringing Deprivation and Oppression to the Path: For anyone who takes all of my food and wealth, even though they carry away everything, just like a mother for her child generates a mind of caring, I will dedicate my virtue of the three times for them.
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Bringing Destruction to the Path:Without any fault of my own, even if someone is cutting off my head or destroying my body and life force, I will compassionately accept their wrongdoing onto myself and I will guide them along the path of enlightenment.
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Bringing Slander and Disregard to the Path:Even though someone continually expresses unpleasant things about me to the entire world, I will maintain a mind of kindness and speak about their good qualities.
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Bringing Criticism and Blame to the Path: Even though someone in the midst of a group of many people blames and insults me even though I am blameless, remembering that I practice virtue, I will resolve to respectfully feel happiness towards them.
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Bringing Mistreatment from Family Members to the Path:Even though the people that I love such as my mother, father, and children always treat me like an enemy, I will love them with a special kindness like one has for a child that has been stricken with an illness.
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Bringing Mistreatment from Strangers to the Path:Even though a person that is equal to me insults and disrespects me because of the influence of their pride, I will be respectful towards them just like the spiritual master that I hold at the crown of my head would act towards them.
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Bringing Disadvantages to the Path:Even though I have used up all of my food, money, and possessions, and I am in bed with sickness throughout my body, I will not blame anyone for the happiness of others or my own suffering. Without any [negative] actions in the past, suffering and misery would not exist for me.
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Bringing Wealth to the Path:Even though my fame pervades the three thousand-fold universe, I am respected by many people, and I have prosperity like that of a wealth deity; if I do not know that worldly possessions are without essence, I will discern that nothing can fill an empty mind.
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Bringing Restraint to the Path:If I do not subdue the enemy of my own five poisons, the enemies from outside will increase. Therefore, with the great abiding nature and the army of compassion I will subdue the illusory enemies of my mind.
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Bringing Attachment to the Path:The qualities of desire and attachment are comparable to salty water. No matter how much you drink, thirst only increases. Having immediately renounced whatever material things are desired or yearned for, I will know that what I have is enough and feel content.
— Translated by Raven Cypress Wood from The Forty-three Trainings for an Enlightened Mind composed by His Holiness 22nd Menri Throneholder Sonam Lodro Rinpoche, also known as Sherap Gongyal. 1784-1835
All translations and content by Raven Cypress Wood ©All Rights Reserved. No content, in part or in whole, is allowed to be used without direct permission from the author.
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Nine Ways 
Thanks, Raven. These are beautiful teachings! Perfect for these times ( or any time). ❤️🙏❤️ Kim Where are you living? I hope you both are happy, safe, and warm.
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Absolutely wonderful dharma.
Thank you for sharing these.