My dear friends,

Point 3 of Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points is titled "Changing Adverse Circumstances into the Path". The first precept of this point is:

Here, the "container" refers to the environment or the external world, while the "contents" are the beings who inhabit this environment, including ourselves. When both the container (the world) and its contents (sentient beings) are filled with evil, it signifies a time when negativity, suffering, and harmful actions are prevalent both externally and internally.

The advice to "change this adverse circumstance into the path to full awakening" is a profound teaching on transforming difficulties and negativity into opportunities for spiritual growth and advancement on the Bodhisattva path. Here are some ways in which we can apply this advice:

• Practicing Patience and Compassion:Adverse circumstances often test our patience and compassion. By consciously responding to difficulties with patience and extending compassion to others who are suffering or causing suffering, we develop these essential qualities further. This is akin to what Jesus taught about loving one's enemies and turning the other cheek, transforming potential conflict into a moment of spiritual practice.

• Engaging in Tonglen Meditation: Tonglen, or "sending and receiving" meditation, is a practice where you breathe in the suffering of others and breathe out relief and happiness. This directly transforms adverse circumstances into the path by using your experience of difficulty to cultivate empathy and altruism. Visualize taking in the negativity and transforming it with the breath of love and compassion before sending it out as positive energy.

• Recognizing Emptiness and Interdependence: Adverse circumstances can be powerful reminders of the nature of samsara and the interdependent nature of reality. By reflecting on the emptiness of these phenomena — that they are not inherently existing and are dependent on causes and conditions — you can reduce attachment and aversion.
• Developing Equanimity: When faced with challenging situations, practice seeing all beings with equanimity. Understand that everyone is subject to suffering and that adverse circumstances are not unique to you. By maintaining a balanced mind, you can stay calm and focused, which helps in making wise and compassionate decisions.
• Utilizing Adversity as a Teacher: Adverse circumstances often provide the best opportunities for deep introspection and personal growth. Embrace these difficulties as teachers that help you uncover your own inner strengths and weaknesses.
• Dedication of Merit: When you endure suffering, dedicate the merit of your endurance and patience to all sentient beings. By doing this, you transform personal adversity into a source of benefit for others, strengthening your own commitment to the Bodhisattva path.

By applying these methods, you can use adverse circumstances as opportunities to deepen your practice and advance on the Bodhisattva path, turning the "evil" in the container and its contents into a powerful catalyst for full awakening. This practice nurtures Bodhicitta, the mind of love, compassion, and wisdom, aligning with the ultimate goal of alleviating suffering for all beings.