自在聆听|晨读原著T103:Slogan: “Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart

103 Slogan: “Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions” THERE ARE FIVE strengths we can utilize in our practice of awakening bodhichitta. These are five ways that a warrior increases confidence and inspiration: 1. Cultivating strong determination and commitment to relate openly with whatever life presents, including our emotional distress. As warriors-in-training we develop wholehearted determination to use discomfort as an opportunity for awakening, rather than trying to make it disappear. This determination generates strength. 2. Building familiarization with the bodhichitta practices by utilizing them in formal practice and on the spot. Whatever happens, our commitment is to use it to awaken our heart. 3. Watering the seed of bodhichitta in both delightful and miserable situations so that our confidence in this positive seed can grow. Sometimes it helps to find little ways that the seed of goodness manifests in our life. 4. Using reproach—with kindness and humor—as a way of catching ourselves before we cause harm to self or other. The gentlest method of reproach is asking ourselves, “Have I ever done this before?” 5. Nurturing the habit of aspiring for all of us that suffering and its seeds diminish and that wisdom and compassion increase; nurturing the habit of always cultivating our kind heart and open mind. Even when we can’t act, we can aspire to find the warrior’s strength and ability to love.