Homage

I bow to Lokeshvara.

1. Groundwork

1.1.1

First, do the groundwork.

2. Practices

2.1 Awakening to what is ultimately true

2.1.1

Look at all experience as a dream.

2.1.2

Examine the nature of unborn awareness.

2.1.3

Let even the remedy release naturally.

2.1.4

The essence of the path: rest in the basis of all experience.

2.1.5

In daily life, be a child of illusion.

2.2 Awakening to what is apparently true

2.2.1

Train in taking and sending alternately. Put them on the breath.

2.2.2

Three objects, three poisons, three seeds of virtue.

2.2.3

Use reminders in everything you do.

2.2.4

Begin the sequence of taking with you.

3. Applications

3.1 General

3.1.1

When misfortune fills the world and its inhabitants
Make adversity the path of awakening.

3.2 Awakening to what is apparently true

3.2.1

Drive all blame into one.

3.2.2

Be grateful to everyone.

3.3 Awakening to what is ultimately true

3.3.1

The ultimate protection is emptiness;
Know what arises as confusion
to be the four aspects of being.

3.4 Special Methods

3.4.1

The best way is to use the four practices.

3.4.2

Work with whatever you encounter, immediately.

4. Summaries

4.1 What to do while living

4.1.1

A summary of the essential instructions:
Train in the five forces.

4.2 What to do while dying

4.2.1

The five forces are the mahayana instructions for dying. Posture is important.

5. Measures of proficiency

5.1.1

All instructions have one aim.

5.1.2

Two witnesses: rely on the important one.

5.1.3

A joyous state of mind is a constant support.

5.1.4

Proficiency means you do it even when distracted.

6. Commitments

6.1 General

6.1.1

Always train in three basic principles.

6.2 Body, speech, mind

6.2.1

Change your intention but behave naturally.

6.2.2

Don't talk about others' shortcomings.

6.2.3

Don't dwell on others' problems.

6.3 General reactivity

6.3.1

Work on your strongest reactions first.

6.3.2

Give up any hope for results.

6.3.3

Give up poisoned food.

6.4 Anger

6.4.1

Don't rely on a sense of duty.

6.4.2

Don't lash out.

6.4.3

Don't lie in ambush.

6.4.4

Don't go for the throat.

6.5 Envy

6.5.1

Don't put an ox's load on a cow.

6.5.2

Don't be competitive.

6.5.3

Don't make practice a sham.

6.6 Pride

6.6.1

Don't turn a god into a demon.

6.6.2

Don't look to profit from sorrow.

7. Guidelines

7.1 General

7.1.1

Use one practice for everything.

7.1.2

Use one remedy for everything.

7.2 Reminders

7.2.1

Two things to do:
one at the beginning, one at the end.

7.2.2

Whatever happens, good or bad, be patient.

7.2.3

Keep these two, even if your life is at risk.

7.3 Maintenance

7.3.1

Learn to meet three challenges.

7.3.2

Foster three key elements.

7.3.3

Take care to prevent three kinds of damage.

7.3.4

Engage all three faculties.

7.4 Extension

7.4.1

Train on every object without preference.
Training must be broad and deep.

7.4.2

Always work on what makes you boil.

7.4.3

Don't be dependent on extraneous conditions.

7.5 Addressing imbalance

7.5.1

Practice what's important now.

7.5.2

Don't get things wrong.

7.5.3

Don't switch on and off.

7.6 Maintaining balance

7.6.1

Train wholeheartedly.

7.6.2

Find freedom by probing and testing.

7.6.3

Don't boast.

7.6.4

Don't be hypersensitive.

7.6.5

Don't be impulsive.

7.6.6

Don't expect thanks.

Concluding Verses

Appreciation