My dear friends,

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

This precept invites you to engage deeply with your inner experiences through the discerning lens of wisdom. This precept emphasizes the importance of vigilant mindfulness (examination) and penetrating insight (analysis) as tools for liberation from the kleshas, the afflictive emotions that obscure the mind's innate clarity and compassion.

To illuminate this teaching, we can apply the following metaphors associated with the most commonly encountered eight kleshas^(*). Each klesha, when left unchecked, can dominate our thoughts and actions, but through the dual processes of examination and analysis, we can see through their deceptive appearances and liberate ourselves from their grasp.

Pride as the Lion

Pride, like a lion, prowls with a sense of superiority, intimidating others and feeding on the ego. Through examination, we recognize how pride inflates our sense of self, making us blind to our flaws and dismissive of others. Analysis then reveals the emptiness of this inflated self, showing that our worth does not depend on being better than others. By understanding the true nature of self, pride loses its dominance, and we can walk humbly among others, free from the lion's roar.

Ignorance as the Elephant

Ignorance, symbolized by the elephant, is vast and heavy, moving slowly and stubbornly. It obscures our understanding of reality, making us sluggish in our spiritual progress. Examination brings awareness to the areas of our life where ignorance prevails—our misunderstandings of the nature of self, the world, and our experiences. Through analysis, we see that ignorance is not an intrinsic part of our mind but a removable obscuration, just as an elephant can be guided by a skilled trainer. When ignorance is dispelled, the light of wisdom shines, and the elephant no longer tramples our spiritual path.

Jealousy as the Viper

Jealousy, like a viper, strikes swiftly and poisonously. It coils around our heart, filling us with resentment and insecurity. Examination allows us to observe the moments when jealousy arises, understanding its triggers and the suffering it causes. Analysis reveals that jealousy stems from a mistaken belief in scarcity and a false sense of ownership over what others possess. By realizing that true contentment comes from within and that all beings are interconnected, the venom of jealousy loses its potency, and we are freed from its bite.

Anger as Fire

Anger, represented by fire, burns away our peace and leaves destruction in its wake. Through examination, we catch the spark of anger as it ignites, before it becomes a raging inferno. Analysis then helps us see that anger arises from unmet expectations and a desire to control the uncontrollable. By understanding the impermanent and interdependent nature of all things, the fire of anger is extinguished, leaving behind the cool, calm waters of patience.

Clinging as Chains

Clinging, or attachment, binds us like chains, restricting our freedom and causing endless suffering. Examination makes us aware of our attachments—whether to people, possessions, or ideas—and how they trap us in a cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. Analysis shows that clinging is based on a misperception of reality, where we see impermanent things as permanent and inherently satisfying. By seeing the truth of impermanence and the interconnectedness of all things, the chains of clinging fall away, and we move freely with an open heart.

Grasping as a Flood

Grasping, akin to a flood, overwhelms us with desire, sweeping us away from the present moment and drowning us in discontent. Examination helps us notice when we are being carried away by our desires, losing touch with the here and now. Analysis reveals that grasping arises from a fundamental misunderstanding of where true happiness lies—it cannot be found in external objects or circumstances. By turning our awareness inward and cultivating contentment, the floodwaters of grasping recede, and we stand firm on the solid ground of inner peace.

Doubt as a Thief

Doubt is like a thief, stealing our confidence and leaving us in a state of uncertainty and hesitation. Examination allows us to catch the thief in the act—recognizing when doubt begins to erode our faith in the path, in ourselves, or in our spiritual practice. Analysis uncovers that doubt often arises from fear and a lack of understanding. By deepening our study and reflection, we build a strong foundation of knowledge and trust, making it impossible for the thief of doubt to rob us of our resolve.

Wrong View as Fog

Wrong view, compared to fog, obscures our vision and leads us astray. Examination helps us notice when we are wandering in the fog, following beliefs or perceptions that do not align with reality. Analysis dispels the fog by applying the clear light of wisdom—understanding the true nature of reality as interdependent, impermanent, and empty of inherent self-existence. When the fog lifts, our path becomes clear, and we walk forward with confidence and clarity.

By applying examination and analysis to these eight kleshas, we engage in a process of self-liberation. These practices cut through the afflictions, revealing their illusory nature and freeing us from their influence. In this way, the eighteenth precept guides us to use the tools of the awakened mind—mindfulness and wisdom—to dissolve the kleshas and walk the Bodhisattva path with clarity, compassion, and unwavering resolve.

(*) - This list of metaphors is taken from an oral teaching by Gelek Rimpoche. Its origin is uncertain, but it may be in Treasury of Precious Qualities by Jigme Lingpa.