My dear friends,

The eleventh precept under the seventh point in Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points is:

This precept refers to the diligent cultivation and versatile application of various spiritual practices and methods that are central to the Bodhisattva path. These skills, often referred to as upāya (skillful means) in Buddhist teachings, include a wide range of mental, emotional, and practical techniques aimed at transforming one's mind, developing compassion, and achieving wisdom.

The Skills Referred To:

• Meditative Concentration (Samadhi): The ability to stabilize and focus the mind, which allows for deep insights into the nature of reality.
• Ethical Discipline (Shila): The cultivation of moral conduct, which is foundational for spiritual progress.
• Wisdom (Prajna): The understanding of emptiness and the true nature of phenomena, which dispels ignorance and leads to liberation.
• Compassion and Bodhicitta: The development of an altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings, which motivates all other practices.
• Mindfulness and Awareness: The continuous awareness of one's thoughts, speech, and actions to ensure they align with the Bodhisattva aspirations.
• Lojong Practices: Specific mind training techniques, such as transforming adverse circumstances into the path and exchanging self with others, which help in reducing self-cherishing and increasing altruism.

In-Depth and Broad Application:

• In-Depth Application: This means applying these skills with great depth and precision in one's own mind and practice. It involves not just a surface-level understanding or practice but a profound engagement with each method, allowing it to transform the mind at its deepest levels. For example, deeply contemplating emptiness until it becomes a lived experience or consistently applying mindfulness until it permeates every aspect of one's daily life.
• Broad Application: This refers to using these skills in all aspects of life, in a wide variety of situations, and in interactions with all sentient beings. It means not limiting these practices to meditation sessions or specific religious activities but integrating them into every moment, every relationship, and every action. Broad application also implies adapting these practices to the needs and capacities of others when teaching or guiding them on the path.

Why This Should Be Cherished:

• Holistic Transformation: By cherishing and applying these skills both in-depth and broadly, a Bodhisattva engages in a holistic transformation of the mind. This leads to profound inner change, where compassion, wisdom, and skillful means are seamlessly integrated into one's being.
• Effective Altruism: The Bodhisattva path is dedicated to the welfare of all beings. By mastering and applying these skills widely and deeply, a practitioner becomes more effective in helping others. They can skillfully address the diverse needs of sentient beings, providing the appropriate guidance and support for each individual’s spiritual journey.
• Spiritual Maturity: Cherishing the comprehensive application of these skills leads to spiritual maturity. It shows that the practitioner is committed to not only their own enlightenment but also to the enlightenment of all beings. This maturity is necessary to fulfill the Bodhisattva vow and to ultimately attain Buddhahood.
• Embodying the Path: The Bodhisattva path is not just about accumulating knowledge or performing rituals; it is about embodying the principles of wisdom and compassion in every aspect of life. Cherishing the in-depth and broad application of skills ensures that the Bodhisattva's actions are consistent with their highest aspirations.

In summary, this precept encourages practitioners to engage deeply and comprehensively with the spiritual tools available to them, transforming their own mind and benefiting all beings. By cherishing and mastering these skills, a Bodhisattva becomes more adept in their quest to alleviate suffering and guide others on the path to enlightenment.