There’s a central theme that runs through everything we do in our practice: taming the mind. Whether we’re listening to teachings, contemplating their meaning, or meditating, the goal remains the same—to transform the chaotic and wild mind into something calm, clear, and ripe for liberation.
This is not a passive process. Taming the mind requires diligence and mindfulness, and it’s something we must aspire to in every moment of our practice. It is the North Star that guides us through all aspects of the Dharma, from the earliest steps of our journey to the deepest understanding of the teachings.
The Buddha himself spoke clearly on this point. No matter the method, no matter the vehicle, the Dharma always comes back to one thing: taming the mind. His words remind us that this is the very essence of the practice. In the Tibetan tradition of Mahayana Buddhism, the responsibility to do this is even more profound. We have connections to Secret Mantra, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen, teachings that open up vast and profound avenues for taming the mind and liberating ourselves from cyclic existence.
With these connections comes a special duty, one that we should hold close to our hearts: to orient our lives around this aspiration. Taming the mind isn’t just something we do on the meditation cushion; it should permeate everything we do. We should remain diligent in applying ourselves to the greater view of Mahayana Buddhism and to the bodhisattva path, motivated by compassion for all beings.
Diligence doesn’t mean pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion. Instead, it means adopting a lifestyle that supports our practice. It means creating conditions in our lives that help us stay mindful and vigilant. Small, consistent efforts to maintain this mindset are more powerful than grand displays of effort. The work is quiet but steady, like shaping a block of stone into something beautiful. It takes time, but every action contributes to the final form.
Ultimately, our intention is to release the mind from its bonds—to awaken to the naturally liberated state, or Dzogpa Chenpo. It’s a high aspiration, but it’s one worth holding onto.
As we practice, let this intention be our guide. Let it shape our thoughts, our actions, and our relationships with others. And let it remind us, always, of the path we’ve chosen and the transformation that is possible when we apply ourselves with dedication and care.
