COMMENTARY ON A “MIND TRAINING” VERSE

ROOT VERSE BY JOWO SERLINGPA

Adverse conditions are our spiritual teacher,
Demons and ghosts are emanations of the victors,
Sickness is the broom sweeping away past negative actions and obscurations,
And suffering is the radiance of dharmata!

COMMENTARY VERSES BY KHENPO RINPOCHE

Because of adverse conditions, renunciation arises,
So adverse conditions are our spiritual teacher.
Because of adverse conditions, we long for enlightenment,
So adverse conditions are our spiritual teacher.
Because of adverse conditions, faith is born,
So adverse conditions are our spiritual teacher.
Because of adverse conditions, we have the opportunity to cultivate patience,
So adverse conditions are our spiritual teacher!

Because of demons and ghosts, we go for refuge to the three supreme ones,
So demons and ghosts are emanations of the victors.
Because of demons and ghosts, our diligence increases,
So demons and ghosts are emanations of the victors.
Because of demons and ghosts, we look for selflessness,
So demons and ghosts are emanations of the victors.
Because of demons and ghosts, we meditate on emptiness,
So demons and ghosts are emanations of the victors!

Because of sickness, compassion arises within us,
So sickness is the broom sweeping away past negative actions and obscurations.
Because of sickness, we look for the one who is sick,
So sickness is the broom sweeping away past negative actions and obscurations.
Because of sickness, we come to know sickness’ true nature,
So sickness is the broom sweeping away past negative actions and obscurations!

Just like suffering in a dream,
Suffering is the radiance of emptiness.
Just like anger in a dream,
Anger is the radiance of dharmata.
Just like desire in a dream,
Desire is the radiance of dharmata.
Just like hard times in a dream,
Hard times are the radiance of dharmata!

When you understand this very well,
Not only will you be free from all despair,
You will be a warrior like a lioness.

Translated by Ari Goldfield, Tenerife, May 3, 2000. Translation copyright 2012, Ari Goldfield.