The Thirty-Seven Practices of All the Bodhisattvas Verses 34-37

Dharma talk given by Ven. Geshe Tsewang Thinley August 15, 2021.

Music by Barefoot Bran Music.

The Thirty-Seven Practices of All the Bodhisattvas
by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo

Verse 34

The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to avoid harsh words,
Which others might find unpleasant or distasteful,
Since abusive language upsets the minds of others,
And thereby undermines a bodhisattva’s conduct.

Verse 35

The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to slay attachment
And the rest—mind’s afflictions—at once, the very moment they arise,
Taking as weapons the remedies held with mindfulness and vigilance.
For once the kleshas have become familiar, they’ll be harder to avert.

Verse 36

In short, no matter what one might be doing,
By examining always the status of one’s mind,
With continuous mindfulness and alertness,
To bring about the good of others—this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas.

Verse 37

The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to dedicate towards enlightenment
All the virtue to be gained through making effort in these ways,
With wisdom that is purified entirely of the three conceptual spheres,
So as to dispel the sufferings of the infinity of beings.