Category: 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva

We arrive at last at the final verse of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva, which ends with a dedication of merit. It reads: To dispel the suffering of beings without limit, With wisdom freed from the three domains Direct all the goodness generated by these…

Whatever you do, be mindful of your mind. That’s the crux of the 36th verse of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva. It reads: In brief, whatever you are doing, ask yourself: what is the state of my mind? With constant mindfulness and mental alertness, Accomplish…

Verse 35 of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva tells us when afflictions arise, act fast. It reads: Habitual afflictions are hard to reverse with an antidote. So it is a practice of a bodhisattva to destroy afflictions, such as attachment and others, as soon as…

The 34th verse of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva implores us to speak with heart. It says, Using harsh words disturbs the minds of others and causes the character of bodhisattvas to degenerate. Therefore, it is the practice of bodhisattvas to abandon abuse directed at…

Verse 33 of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva teaches us: don’t believe the hype. It reads, Reward and respect cause us to quarrelAnd make hearing, thinking and meditation decline.For this reason give up attachment toThe households of friends, relations and benefactors—This is the practice of…

Verse 32 of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva implores us: don’t diminish others. It reads, If through the influence of disturbing emotionsYou point out the faults of another Bodhisattva,You yourself are diminished, so don’t mention the faultsOf those who have entered the Great Vehicle—This is…

Verse 31 of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva encourages each of us to know our faults. It reads, If you don’t examine your own errors,You may look like a practitioner but not act as one.Therefore, always examining your own errors,Rid yourself of them—This is the…

Verse 29 of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva teaches how we can free our mind. It reads, Understanding that emotional reactions are dismantled By insight supported by stillness, Cultivate meditative stability that passes right by The four formless states- this is the practice of a…

What kind of effort are we to bring to the world? Verse 28 of the 37 Verses of a Bodhisattva encourages us to act like the world is on fire. It reads, Listeners and solitary buddhas, working only for their own welfare, Practice as if their…