My dear friends,

The second verse of Geshe Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses for Training the Mind is:

This verse speaks directly to the heart of selfless altruism, an essential element of the Bodhisattva path. To regard oneself as "least of all" is not an act of diminishing one's value, but a powerful exercise in dismantling the ego. By placing others at the center of our concern, we begin to release our habitual patterns of self-centered thinking. This practice encourages a shift towards genuine humility, seeing the interconnected nature of all beings. It asks us to truly see others with the same care and reverence we would wish for ourselves, cultivating the vast compassion needed to liberate both oneself and others from suffering.

Jesus' teachings mirror the Bodhisattva ideal, emphasizing that true greatness lies in serving others. This is a radical inversion of worldly values, where personal elevation is often sought. To be a servant, to consciously humble oneself, means to let go of the illusion that our worth is tied to our status, accomplishments, or recognition. It is through selfless service that we align ourselves with the Holy Spirit, Bodhicitta—the Awakened Mind that seeks to relieve the suffering of all beings. By humbling ourselves, we naturally elevate the collective well-being, which is the essence of true spiritual exaltation.

Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet is a profound symbol of selfless altruism. It reveals that even those who are spiritually advanced or revered as teachers must engage in acts of deep humility and service. The Bodhisattva path similarly requires us to "wash the feet" of others—to meet the needs of those around us, no matter how lowly or mundane those needs may seem. This willingness to serve without expectation or superiority becomes a fertile ground for the blossoming of compassion. Such actions are not mere rituals; they are living examples of the unity of wisdom and love in action, inspiring us to embody selfless service in our own lives.

The call to cultivate the "mind of Christ" parallels the development of bodhicitta—the awakening mind dedicated to the welfare of all sentient beings. The Bodhisattva strives to transcend selfish ambition and replace it with a genuine concern for the well-being of others. This passage encourages us to let go of the self-cherishing attitude that binds us to suffering. By valuing others above ourselves and making their happiness and liberation our priority, we step into a vast, expansive heart-space where wisdom and compassion flow naturally. This is the essence of the Bodhisattva's altruistic intention, the path that leads not only to our liberation but also to the upliftment of all beings.

Shantideva's words underscore the fundamental difference between the self-centered mind and the altruistic mind of the Bodhisattva. The childish, ignorant mind fixates on its own gain, ensnared in the illusions of separateness and personal advantage. In contrast, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are moved by the suffering of all beings and dedicate their every thought, word, and action to the service of others. This radical altruism is not only feasible but also necessary for the transformation from suffering to liberation. It requires a deep shift in our perspective, where we realize that by working for the benefit of others, we simultaneously liberate ourselves. True freedom arises not from self-indulgence but from selfless love.

My dear friends, the development of selfless altruism on the Bodhisattva path is both necessary and entirely feasible, but it requires dedication, practice, and an open heart. It is a profound journey of transformation, wherein we learn to see beyond the narrow confines of our individual selves and into the vast interconnection of all beings. As we practice humility, service, and the cultivation of bodhicitta, we begin to embody the spirit of the great teachers—whether it is Christ washing the feet of his disciples or the Buddha dedicating lifetimes to the benefit of others. This path is not easy, yet it is infinitely rewarding, for it leads us to true joy, freedom, and unity with all beings. May we all have the courage to walk this path together.