The Six Transcendent Practices of a Bodhisattva:

Part Two: Transcendent Discipline *

Last month we began an on-line teaching series on the Six Transcendent Practices of a Bodhisattva. This practice is also known as the Six Transcendent Perfections and in Sanskrit, the Six Paramitas.   Again, the word 'transcendent' is used to emphasize that each action is accompanied by the wisdom of emptiness. Part one was about Transcendent Generosity, the kind of generosity practiced for the sake of others.

This month, we examine Transcendent Discipline, a Bodhisattva practice defined in three ways. First, there is the discipline of avoiding negative actions. Next is the discipline of engaging in positive actions, and third is the discipline of benefiting other sentient beings.

1. In order to avoid negative action, at all times we should be mindful and aware of the actions of our body, speech and mind. We must examine our body, speech and mind and take note of the perception arising from these three elements. Analyze the body's movement, the words coming from our speech, the thought arising from our mind. Think about it, before acting on it. Is it a virtuous action or non-virtuous one? If the perception is non-virtuous, be fully aware that in taking such action it will be harmful to you in this life and the next, so we say it's with defect.
 
Non-virtuous actions arise from our body speech and mind and must be avoided. Instead, remain steadfast, like a big tree which the wind cannot shake or move. Whenever a bad perception arises, you should immediately take action to destroy it, using your 'antidote mind.'
 
2. The second aspect of Transcendent Discipline is to always undertake positive actions with the 'antidote mind.'  
 
Our body and speech are powered by our mind and our mind should be powered by an 'antidote mind.' Whenever we see others, see them with a smile. Never see someone with an angry face. Whenever we speak with others, speak in a way that is beneficial to them, and do so without any aspect of deceit. Train your mind to do the positive action. This is what we mean by the 'antidote mind.'
 
The Sutra of the Wise Man and the Fool says that one should never think that even a tiny non-virtue will bring about no harm. Its effect can be very great, just as a tiny spark can set fire to a whole mountain of hay!
 
In the same way, one should never feel that a tiny virtue will bring no benefit. Its effect can be very great, just as single drops of water, one-by-one, in time can fill a giant pot.
 
3. The third aspect of Transcendent Discipline is to always benefit others. In avoiding negative actions and undertaking positive ones, we must do so not to benefit ourselves, but to benefit others.
 
As beginners on the Path of the Bodhisattva, the way to always benefit others is to dedicate our practice for the welfare of all sentient beings. At the same time we train ourselves to avoid negative actions of body, speech and mind while we undertake positive actions with our 'antidote mind'.
 
And of course, to do this, it takes discipline -- Transcendent Discipline.
 
If you have any questions regarding Transcendent Generosity or Transcendent Discipline, please do not hesitate to write. I welcome your inquiries.
 
Until next month, I remain yours in the Dharma.
 
Tulku Jigme Rinpoche
 
Students of the Venerable Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche and Tulku Jigme Rinpoche are invited to ask questions at dudjom_institute@yahoo.com.

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