My dear friends,

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

Let us consider this precept in light of Shantideva's teaching:

Both of these teachings emphasize the futility and ethical bankruptcy of seeking happiness at the expense of others' suffering.

• "Even if your enemy is made unhappy, what is there for you to be joyful about?" Shantideva challenges us to examine our motives and the transient satisfaction we might derive from others' suffering. This satisfaction is shallow and does not lead to genuine happiness.
• "Your merely wishing (for him to be hurt) did not cause him to be injured." Wishing harm upon someone doesn't necessarily result in their suffering. It only pollutes our own minds with negative intentions.
• "And even if he does suffer as you had wished, what is there for you to be joyful about?" Even if our ill-wishes come true, deriving joy from this is ethically and spiritually corrupt. It reflects a profound misunderstanding of true happiness.
• "If you say, 'For I shall be satisfied,' how could there be anything more wretched than that?" Shantideva points out the misery inherent in finding satisfaction in others' pain. Such a mindset is wretched and contrary to the compassionate nature of a bodhisattva.
• Geshe Chekawa's Precept "Do not inflict misery for possession of happiness" directly advises against causing others pain for our own benefit. This precept reflects a fundamental aspect of the bodhisattva path—altruism and compassion for all beings. True happiness cannot be built on the foundation of others' suffering. Rather, it arises from actions rooted in love, compassion, and the wish to alleviate others' pain.

Both teachings highlight the interconnectedness of all beings and the ethical imperative to avoid actions that cause harm. In the context of the Bodhisattva path, these principles encourage practitioners to cultivate Bodhicitta—the "Awakening Mind" of love, compassion and wisdom, dedicated to enlightenment for the welfare of all sentient beings.

Practical Application

• Mindful Awareness: Cultivate awareness of your intentions and actions. Reflect on whether they are motivated by self-centered desires or by genuine compassion.
• Compassionate Action: Strive to help others and alleviate their suffering, understanding that true happiness comes from contributing to the well-being of others.
• Inner Transformation: Transform negative emotions like anger and jealousy through practices such as loving-kindness meditation and compassion training.
• Ethical Conduct: Maintain ethical discipline by adhering to precepts that discourage harm to others, thus aligning your actions with the Bodhisattva ideal.

In conclusion, both Geshe Chekawa and Shantideva offer profound insights into the nature of happiness and suffering. Their teachings guide us to recognize the futility of seeking happiness through others' misery and encourage us to cultivate a heart of compassion, understanding that our true joy lies in the happiness and liberation of all beings.