The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to cultivate wisdom, Beyond the three conceptual spheres, alongside skilful means, Since it is not possible to attain the perfect level of awakening Through the other five pāramitās alone, in wisdom’s absence. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
Even if others should expose my hidden faults or deride me When speaking amidst great gatherings of many people, To conceive of them as spiritual friends and to bow Before them in respect — this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
Even if others should seek to cut off my head, Though I’ve done them not the slightest wrong, To take upon myself, out of compassion, All the harms they have amassed — this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to cherish spiritual friends, By regarding them as even more precious than one’s own body, Since they are the ones who will help to rid us of all our faults, And make our virtues grow ever greater just like the waxing moon. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to take refuge in the Three Jewels, Since they will never fail to provide protection for all who call upon them, For whom are the ordinary gods of this world ever capable of helping, As long as they themselves are trapped within samsara’s vicious cycle? Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to cultivate patience, Free from any trace of animosity towards anyone at all, Since any potential source of harm is like a priceless treasure To the bodhisattva who is eager to enjoy a wealth of virtue. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to let go of grasping When encountering things one finds pleasant or attractive, Considering them to be like rainbows in the summer skies — Beautiful in appearance, yet in truth devoid of any substance. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to scrutinize oneself Continually and to rid oneself of faults whenever they appear. For unless one checks carefully to find one’s own confusion, One might appear to be practising Dharma, but act against it. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to take to solitary places, Avoiding the unwholesome, so that destructive emotions gradually fade away, And, in the absence of distraction, virtuous practice naturally gains strength; Whilst, with awareness clearly focused, we gain conviction in the teachings. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to study, reflect and meditate, Tirelessly, both day and night, without ever straying into idleness, In order to free oneself and others from this ocean of samsara, Having gained this supreme vessel — a free, well-favoured human life, so difficult to find. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
In short, no matter what one might be doing, By examining always the status of one’s mind, With continuous mindfulness and alertness, To bring about the good of others — this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
Even though I may be famous and revered by all, And as rich as Vaiśravaṇa, the god of wealth himself, To see the futility of all the glory and riches of this world, And to remain without conceit — this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to let go of attachment To the households of benefactors and of family and friends, Since one’s study, reflection and meditation will all diminish When one quarrels and competes for honours and rewards. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to make a genuine exchange Of one’s own happiness and wellbeing for all the sufferings of others. Since all misery comes from seeking happiness for oneself alone, Whilst perfect buddhahood is born from the wish for others’ good. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
Even though I may be destitute and despised by all, Beset with terrible illness and plagued by evil spirits, Still to take upon myself all beings’ ills and harmful actions, Without ever losing heart — this is the practice of all the bodhisattvas. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to recognize delusion Whenever one is confronted by adversity or misfortune. For these sufferings are just like the death of a child in a dream, And it’s so exhausting to cling to delusory perceptions as real. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is never to commit a harmful act, Even though not to do so might put one’s very life at risk, For the Sage himself has taught how negative actions will ripen Into the manifold miseries of the lower realms, so difficult to endure. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo
The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to strive towards the goal, Which is the supreme state of changeless, everlasting liberation, Since all the happiness of the three realms lasts but a moment, And then is quickly gone, just like dewdrops on blades of grass. Gyelse Tokme Zangpo