My dear friends,

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

This fifth precept advises us to focus their efforts on addressing our most significant spiritual or moral weaknesses. This is a crucial aspect of the Bodhisattva path, which aims for the purification and perfection of the mind for the benefit of all beings. Here is how we can apply a 5-step process to fulfill this precept:

Step 1: Recognition

Identification of the Heaviest Affliction

• Reflect on your daily actions, thoughts, and speech to identify the heaviest affliction, which could be in the form of one of the Three Poisons of ignorance, attachment or aversion, or in the form of one of the ten unskillful actions (akusala-kamma).
• Use mindfulness to observe when and how this affliction arises and its impact on your well-being and others around you.

Step 2: Regret

Generating a Sincere Wish to Change

• Once recognized, develop genuine regret for the negative impact of this affliction. This isn’t about self-condemnation but about acknowledging the harm caused.
• Understand that this affliction impedes your spiritual progress and generates suffering.

Step 3: Restitution and Refuge

Making Amends and Seeking Support

• If your affliction has caused harm to others, seek to make amends. This could involve apologies or corrective actions.
• Take refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) or in the example and teachings of Christ, seeking guidance and support for overcoming this affliction.

Step 4: Resolution Not to Repeat

Commitment to Change

• Form a strong determination not to let this affliction control your actions again. This involves setting clear intentions and being mindful of situations where the affliction might arise.
• Engage in regular spiritual practices to reinforce this commitment, such as prayer, meditation, or reciting vows.

Step 5: Reformation

Cultivating Positive Habits

• Work on developing positive mental habits that counter the identified affliction. For instance, if your heaviest affliction is anger, practice patience and compassion.
• Engage in practices that support these new habits. For example, meditative techniques that focus on loving-kindness can gradually weaken anger.

Practical Implementation

• Establish a Good Motivation: Cultivate the aspiration to benefit all sentient beings by overcoming your heaviest affliction.
• Get the Information: Learn about specific remedies and practices for your affliction, drawing from both Buddhist and Christian teachings.
• Analyze and Apply Information: Reflect on the teachings and apply them in your daily life, ensuring they align with your spiritual path.
• Concentration and Consistency: Regularly practice the remedies and remain vigilant against the recurrence of the affliction.
• Mindfulness and Alertness: Maintain awareness of your thoughts and emotions, intervening when the affliction begins to arise.

By methodically applying these steps, you can purify your heaviest afflictions, thereby progressing on the Bodhisattva path and benefiting both yourself and all beings. This process not only addresses immediate moral and ethical concerns but also fosters long-term spiritual growth and transformation.