My dear friends,
The seventh verse of Geshe Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses for Training the Mind is:
To all sentient beings, just my mothers.
I will practice in secret taking upon myself
All of their negative actions and suffering.
This verse encapsulates the essence of tonglen practice, a meditation of "giving and taking," while also emphasizing the cultivation of Bodhicitta, the altruistic intention to achieve enlightenment for the sake of all beings.
Traditionally, this line asks us to view all sentient beings as having been our mothers in past lives, evoking a deep sense of gratitude for their kindness. We may use a more inclusive approach, where the phrase "just my mothers" becomes a metaphor for the great kindness of all beings. Instead of focusing on past lives or a specific relationship, we can reflect on the interconnectedness and contributions of all beings — whether friends, enemies, or strangers — to our well-being and spiritual growth.
Motivated by this "attitude of gratitude," we practice tonglen, where we visualize taking on the suffering and negative karma of others and giving them our happiness and merit in return. The practice of taking on their suffering is done "in secret," as it is an inner, personal meditation that helps transform self-cherishing into compassion for others. This practice trains the mind to develop deep empathy and compassion by mentally taking on the suffering of others and transforming it into joy and relief for them.
and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
- Matthew 6:6
By mentally taking on the suffering of others and giving them happiness, we reverse our habitual self-centered thinking and develop the compassionate mind of a Bodhisattva. The verse emphasizes this shift in consciousness, where we exchange our self-cherishing for the cherishing of others, paving the way for the full realization of Bodhicitta, the divine qualities of selfless love, compassion and wisdom.