⇐ Capable When Distracted ⇒

My dear friends,

The third and final Measure of Having Transformed One's Thoughts, in Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points, is:

One is trained if one is capable, even when distracted.

The third and final measure of having transformed one's thoughts, according to Geshe Chekawa's "Mind Training in Seven Points," is: "One is trained if one is capable, even when distracted." This statement signifies a profound level of spiritual development, reflecting the practitioner's ability to maintain Bodhicitta — the mind of love, compassion, and wisdom — in all circumstances.

Capable of What?

The capability referred to here is the practitioner's ability to:

  1. Maintain Compassion and Love: Holding onto genuine compassion and loving-kindness towards all beings, irrespective of the situation.
  2. Practice Patience and Forgiveness: Exhibiting patience and forgiveness even in challenging or provocative situations.
  3. Cultivate Equanimity: Keeping a balanced mind, not swayed by attachment or aversion.
  4. Apply Wisdom: Using the understanding of emptiness and interdependence to see beyond appearances.
  5. Engage in Virtuous Actions: Consistently performing actions motivated by altruism and wisdom, even amidst distractions.

Distracted by What?

Distractions can be both external and internal:

  1. External Distractions: Sensory inputs and events from the outer world, such as noise, stressful situations, interactions with difficult people, and unexpected occurrences.
  2. Internal Distractions: Thoughts, emotions, and mental states such as worry, anger, desire, and fear.

Integration into Daily Life

The essence of this measure is the integration of mind training practice into every aspect of life. It signifies that the practitioner's commitment to bodhicitta and the insights from mind training are not confined to formal meditation but are seamlessly woven into daily actions and reactions.


The Pardon of the Good Thief
James Tissot, ca. 1890
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jesus on the Cross: An Exemplary Act

A paradigm of capability under stress is Jesus’ behavior on the cross:

When they came to the place that is called The Skull,
they crucified Jesus there with the criminals,
one on his right and one on his left.
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing."
One of the criminals who were hanged there
kept deriding him and saying,
"Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"
But the other rebuked him, saying,
"Do you not fear God, since you are under
the same sentence of condemnation?
And we indeed have been condemned justly,
for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds,
but this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me
when you come in your kingdom."
He replied, "Truly I tell you,
today you will be with me in paradise."
- Luke 23:33-34,39-43

Reflecting on the Measure of Transformation

Jesus' actions on the cross align perfectly with the measure of having transformed one's thoughts:

  1. Maintaining Compassion and Love: Jesus’ actions show an unwavering commitment to love and compassion.
  2. Practicing Patience and Forgiveness: His ability to forgive His tormentors demonstrates deep patience and forgiveness.
  3. Cultivating Equanimity: Jesus' responses reflect a balanced and impartial mind.
  4. Applying Wisdom: His understanding of His tormentors' ignorance and His assurance to the repentant criminal reflect profound wisdom.
  5. Engaging in Virtuous Actions: Jesus’ actions are motivated by altruism and compassion, even in extreme circumstances.

Integrating the Example into Practice

Jesus' example serves as a powerful reminder for practitioners on the Bodhisattva path to maintain bodhicitta in every moment, no matter the distractions or challenges. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that can forgive, love, and comfort even in the face of difficulties.

Conclusion

Jesus' actions on the cross epitomize the measure of having transformed one's thoughts, illustrating a profound level of spiritual attainment that aligns with the highest teachings of both Buddhism and Christianity. This example inspires all seekers to strive towards maintaining compassion, wisdom, and virtuous actions in every moment of their lives, integrating the principles of mind training into every aspect of their existence.