The Very Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

The Seven Points Of Mind Training

Birmingham Karma Ling, December 2002

V. Evaluation Of Mind Training

A. Clinging To A Self As A Measure

1. All dharma agree at one point.

This means that the Buddha taught in a variety of ways, the three vehicles and so on. All of the teachings though are for the purpose of reducing or lessening the ego clinging. If one follows a path that gives one clairvoyance and other powers, but increases ego clinging then that is not of benefit and is a mistaken path.

B. Relying on Yourself as a Measure of Mind Training

2. Of the two witnesses hold the principal one.

One witness is oneself, and the other witness is other people. The others are a witness because they compliment one and say nice things about you. Oh you are a great practitioner and you are so clever. Hearing this kind of speech from others can be a source of pride so it is not really very helpful. This type of witness is not a perfect witness, not to be relied upon as sometimes people just say nice things to one and not mean it. The second witness is oneself. If one can examine oneself and not be ashamed of one's actions, then that is the best type of witness.

C. State of Mind as a Measure of Mind Training

3. Continuously rely on only a happy mind.

If one can have a happy and open mind even if one is experiencing difficulties then this is the sign of the Lojong or mind training. If enemies were to appear one would have confidence and still be happy.

Even if one is distracted, one can still practice.We need to train in this. If we are distracted or not we still have the Bodhicitta. If, for example we are not particularly thinking about mind training and an enemy appeared, if at that time we naturally give rise to the Bodhicitta that is the best sign. That was the fifth of the seven points and now we have the sixth.