The essence of all the teachings taught by the Lord Buddha concern taming one's mind, the point being to return the mind to its natural state of freedom which is endowed with limitless qualities. The realization of this natural state gives rise to spontaneous compassion that is limitless and impartial. This is awakening mind or ultimate bodhichitta.
The Seven Points of Mind Training, compiled in pithy points and slogans, is one of the most well known, profound and traditional practices and texts to develop bodhichitta.
Here, Khabje Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, with great compassion, clarity and simplicity illuminates the profound meaning and methods of these teachings so they can become a part of our daily life and practice.

From the Foreword by Ven. Choje Lama Shedrup

The Seven Points of Mind Training, Thrangu Rinpoche, Zhysil Chokyi Ghatsal Publications, Paperback, 2006, 146 pages, $18.95

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Oryen Trinley Dorje. Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.

	Contents: THE SEVEN POINTS OF MIND TRAINING - commentary by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
	Foreword	11
	Preface	13
	chapter one
	An Introduction to Mind Training	17
	chapter two
I.	THE PRELIMINARIES	25
	A. The Visualization for Mind Training Lineage	25
	B. The Four Ordinary Foundations	28
	1. The Difficulty of Finding a Human Birth	28
	2. Death and Impermanence	29
	3. The Infallible Law of Cause and Effect	29
	4. The Inherent Tragedies of Samsara	30
	chapter three
II.	THE MAIN PRACTICE	35
	A. Ultimate Bodhichitta	36
	1. Analytical Meditation	36
	2. Placement Meditation	41
	3. Post-meditation	42
	B. Relative Bodhichitta	43
	1. The Preliminary Practice	46
	2. The Main Practice	47
	3. The Post-meditation Practice	49
	chapter four
III.	HOW TO CARRY THE PRACTICE ONTO THE PATH	55
	A. The General Practice	55
	1. Relying on Relative Bodhichitta	56
	2. Relying on Ultimate Bodhichitta	60
	a. Accumulating Merit	61
	b. The Confession of Negative Deeds	62
	c. Making Offerings to Gods and Demons	62
	d. Making Offerings to Dakinis and Protectors	63
	chapter five
IV.	PRACTICING MIND TRAINING IN DAILY LIFE	71
	A. Practicing Mind Training in this Lifetime	71
	1. Power of Goodwill	74
	2. Power of Familiarization	75
	3. Power of Virtuous Actions	76
	4. Power of Remorse	77
	5. Power of Aspiration	79
	B. Practicing Mind Training at the Time of Death	80
	1. Power of Virtuous Seeds	80
	2. Power of Aspiration	81
	3. Power of Remorse	81
	4. Power of Goodwill	82
	5. Power of Familiarization	83
	chapter six
V.	THE EVALUATION OF MIND TRAINING	87
	A. Clinging to self as a measure	87
	B. Relying on yourself as a measure	90
	C. State of mind as a measure	91
	D. Staying on Guard	92
	chapter seven
VI.	COMMITMENTS OF MIND TRAINING	95
	A. Three General Principles	96
	B. Specific Principles	98
	chapter eight
VII.	GUIDELINES OF MIND TRAINING	109
	A. What to Reject	109
	B. What to Adopt	112
	Conclusion	119
	The Root Text of Seven Points of Mind Training	123
	Notes	127
	Glossary of Terms	131
	Glossary of Tibetan Terms	139
	Bibliography	141
	Index	143
	About the Author	145