Verse 17 teaches us yet another way to say no to your ego. It reads, “Even if your peers or those below you put you down to make themselves look better, treat them respectfully as if they were your teacher; Put them above you- this is…
Verse 16 encourages us to always choose love. It reads, “Even if a person you have cared for as your own child treats you as her worst enemy, lavish her with loving attention like a mother caring for her ill child- this is the practice of…
Verse 15 encourages us to be thankful for our critic. It reads, “Even if in the midst of a large gathering someone exposes my hidden faults with insulting language, to bow to him respectfully, regarding him as a spiritual friend, is the practice of a bodhisattva.”…
Verse 14 tells us to let go of our reputation. The verse reads, “If someone broadcasts to the whole universe slanderous and ugly rumors about you, again and again, with an open and caring heart, praise his or her abilities– this is the practice of a…
Verse 13 of the 37 verses encourages us not to retaliate.” It reads, “Even if you have done nothing wrong at all and someone still tries to take your head off, spurred by compassion, take all his or her venom into you- this is the practice…
Verse 12 of the 37 Verses teaches us how to let stealing become giving. It says, “Even if someone, driven by desperate want, steals or makes someone else steal everything you own, dedicate to him your body, your wealth and all the good you have ever…
Consider others in the same way you think to care for yourself. Verse 11 of the 37 verses says, All suffering comes from the wish for your own happiness.Perfect Buddhas are born from the thought to help others.Therefore exchange your own happinessFor the suffering of others—This…
Verse 10 of the 37 verses encourages us to consider everyone your mother. It says, “Every being has cared for you as your mother. If they all suffer for time without end, how can you be happy? To free beings without limit, Give rise to awakening…
Verse 9 encourages us to aspire to liberation. It reads, Like dew on the tip of a blade of grass, pleasures of the three worlds last only a while and then vanish.Aspire to the never-changing supreme state of liberation—This is the practice of bodhisattvas. What does…
Verse 8 says, “The suffering in the lower realms is extremely hard to endure. The sage says it is the result of destructive actions. For that reason, even if your life is at risk, Don’t engage in destructive actions- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.”…
