My dear friends,

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

This precept can be interpreted in various ways, each offering insights for our spiritual practice.

Warning Against Competitiveness

The most common interpretation is a warning against competitiveness. This aligns well with the overall spirit of lojong (mind training), which emphasizes the development of altruistic intention and the diminishing of ego. In the context of spiritual practice, competitiveness can manifest as a desire to be seen as the most pious or accomplished practitioner. This mindset runs counter to the true purpose of the path, which is to cultivate compassion and wisdom for the benefit of all beings, not to outshine others.

Warning Against Relying on Last-Minute Conversion

Another valuable interpretation is that it serves as a warning against relying on a last-minute "deathbed conversion." This perspective is vividly echoed in the words of Shantideva:

Shantideva's words remind us of the impermanence of life and the certainty of death. If we postpone our spiritual practice, assuming we can engage in it wholeheartedly at the end of our lives, we may find that we have neither the time nor the mental clarity to do so. Spiritual practice is not a task that can be crammed in at the last moment. The habits and dispositions we cultivate throughout our lives shape our mindstream, and waiting until the final moments can lead to regret and missed opportunities for genuine transformation.

Heeding Both Warnings

Both interpretations highlight the necessity of continuous, sincere effort in our spiritual journey. The warning against competitiveness encourages us to practice with a humble and altruistic heart, free from the need to prove ourselves. Meanwhile, the warning against last-minute conversion underscores the importance of making consistent progress and not deferring our spiritual development.

In practical terms, this means:

• Cultivating Humility: Approach your practice with the intention to benefit all beings, rather than to stand out or be recognized.
• Consistent Practice: Engage in daily practices such as meditation, ethical discipline, and acts of kindness. Don't wait for a future date to begin or intensify your practice.
• Mindfulness of Impermanence: Reflect regularly on the impermanence of life and the certainty of death. This mindfulness can inspire you to practice diligently and sincerely, making the most of the present moment.
• Integrating Wisdom and Compassion: Strive to balance wisdom and compassion in all your actions, recognizing that the true measure of spiritual progress is the extent to which you alleviate the suffering of others and foster genuine understanding.

By adhering to these principles, we can ensure that our spiritual practice is not a competitive endeavor nor a last-minute rush, but a steady, heartfelt journey toward the realization of Bodhicitta, the mind of love, compassion, and wisdom, in alignment with the teachings of both the Buddha and Jesus.