:
Generosity,
which is the intention to give with a pure motivation. There are
four kinds of giving: The gift of protection, protecting those
who are afraid or who are in need; The gift of material objects,
goods, money; The gift of Dharma, giving teachings, explaining
points of practice; The gift of Universal Love, wishing that
beings may always have happiness, dedicating the merits of one's
practice, of one's deeds, for the benefit of all beings.
Morality,
avoiding unvirtuous acts, engaging in good activities by helping
others.
Patience, which
is the mind that is not disturbed by outer influences. One seeks
to: Avoid responding when insulted Endure obstacles and
suffering Resolve to practice Dharma
[Joyous - ? -
translator] Effort, which is the state of mind which takes pleasure
in engaging in virtuous deeds. It counteracts three kinds of
laziness: putting something off till later committing negative
or useless deeds insisting on our lack of capacity and allowing
discouragement to arise.
It is also the effort we make to
help others, which is always harder than just looking after
ourselves.
Concentration.
This is keeping one's mind in concentration on an object or virtuous
goal for an unlimited period of time. Concentration gives rise to
mental and physical suppleness. It takes two forms: Worldly:
mental calm, attainable by non-practitioners Ultimate: concerned
with Emptiness.
Wisdom. This is
what enables the practitioner to engage in valid discrimination.
There are various forms: Ultimate, which is the realisation of
Non-Self, of Emptiness Conventional, which is wisdom in medicine,
the arts, sciences etc. Beneficial for others, knowledge of
different characters, beings' motivations, etc. |