After a year of focus on shamatha-vipashyana practice, the
Nalandabodhi Path of Meditation broadens to include the practices
of mind training (lojong in Tibetan). At this stage you
rely on instructions from the Indian and Tibetan Buddhist
traditions to train in the qualities of loving kindness,
compassion, and bodhichitta, the heart of awakening. For example,
the "Seven Points of Mind Training" is a classical Buddhist system
involving slogans that you can memorize and use to reverse habitual
patterns of self-centeredness. Mind training, or lojong practice,
nourishes our ability to cherish others as much as we cherish
ourselves.
Another method called tonglen, or "sending and taking,"
utilizes the rhythm of breathing to take in the suffering of beings
and send out care, love, and wishes for happiness to them.
The heart-opening practices of mind training, combined with the
settled mind of shamatha and the bold insights of vipashyana,
soften the heart and bring about the recognition of fundamental
compassion, which is inherent in everyone despite the confusion
that often keeps us from experiencing it fully.
The Four Reminders
Next, as a Nalandabodhi student you engage in contemplation by
reflecting on the "four reminders." These are four thoughts that
enliven our practice and inspire us to continue on the path of
liberation:
1. The precious human birth
2. Death and impermanence
3. Karma, cause and effect
4. The shortcomings of samsara (confused, cyclic existence)
By repeatedly reflecting on these four reminders, we deepen our
conviction that our freedom to hear and practice the Buddhist
teachings is not only rare, but also fleeting. We elicit a feeling
of urgency, which in turn helps us seize the precious opportunity
we find ourselves in (having the freedom and tools to practice the
dharma). In this way we encourage ourselves to take steps in the
direction of freeing our mind from confusion and negative habitual
patterns. At the same time, we also cultivate a sympathetic heart,
recognizing our commonality with all beings who suffer as a result
of confusion.
After completing a two-week contemplation of each of the four
reminders, you discuss the personal significance of each reminder
with your Practice Instructor (PI). This discussion usually takes
the form of an essay written by the student and sent to the PI.
Bodhisattva Vows
The Mind Training section of the Path of Meditation is brought to fruition when you take the bodhisattva vow: an aspiration and commitment to work continuously to help all beings become free from suffering and realize their deepest potential -- complete and perfect awakening.