My dear friends,

The eighth precept in Point 2 of Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points reads:

Just as relative and ultimate Bodhicitta are considered the essence of the path, so atmagraha-avidya, or self-grasping ignorance, and its accompanying self-cherishing attitude, form the greatest obstacle on the Bodhisattva path. For this reason they are the "object of every blame" for difficulties on the path.

Self-grasping ignorance is the fundamental misunderstanding of reality, where one erroneously perceives an inherent, independent self. This ignorance is the root of all suffering and negative emotions (kleshas) because it leads to attachment, aversion, and delusion.

The self-cherishing attitude is the tendency to prioritize one's own happiness and well-being over that of others. It is a manifestation of self-grasping ignorance and leads to actions that harm oneself and others.

By focusing on this mistaken notion of a separate, intrinsic self, we develop attachments and aversions, which cause suffering and conflict. All negative states of mind, actions, and their resulting sufferings can be traced back to this fundamental misunderstanding. Therefore, self-grasping ignorance and self-cherishing are seen as the primary objects of blame for our difficulties and sufferings.

The antidote to self-grasping ignorance is the cultivation of wisdom, particularly the wisdom realizing emptiness – the understanding that all phenomena, including the self, lack inherent existence. This realization helps to dissolve the illusion of an independent, enduring self.

Bodhicitta, the mind of love, compassion, and the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, directly opposes the self-cherishing attitude. By training in compassion and altruism, one shifts the focus from self-centeredness to concern for the welfare of others.

Specific lojong practices, such as tonglen (giving and taking), are powerful methods to counteract self-cherishing. In tonglen, one visualizes taking in the suffering of others and sending out happiness and positive qualities, thereby reducing self-centered attitudes and increasing compassion.

By banishing self-grasping ignorance and self-cherishing, one reduces the causes of suffering. This leads to greater peace of mind, stability, and happiness, which are essential for spiritual progress.

As one diminishes self-cherishing, compassion naturally increases. Compassion is a cornerstone of the Bodhisattva path, motivating the practitioner to engage in actions that benefit all sentient beings.

The ultimate goal of the Bodhisattva path is to attain Buddhahood, the state of perfect enlightenment, in order to help all beings achieve liberation. Banishing self-grasping and self-cherishing is essential for reaching this goal because it eradicates the root causes of samsara (cyclic existence) and allows for the full development of wisdom and compassion.

Without the distortions of self-grasping and self-cherishing, one can live in greater harmony with others and the world. Relationships improve, conflicts decrease, and one's actions become more beneficial and less harmful.

"Banishing the one object of every blame" is a deep and transformative practice of recognizing and overcoming self-grasping ignorance and self-cherishing. This process is fundamental to the Bodhisattva path, as it purifies the mind, develops compassion, and leads to the ultimate goal of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.