23. To give up attachment to positive experiences

When I encounter something that’s delightful / such as a rainbow on a summer day,

To give up all attachment to its beauty / and never cling to it as truly real:

This is the way a bodhisattva trains.

verse 23 audio above (note change from “in the summertime” to “on a summer day”)

24. To regard adverse circumstances as delusion

All forms of suf-fer-ing are just like dreaming / that my belov-ed child has passed away.

Appearances like these are just delusions; / to take them as true drains my energy.

When I encounter adverse circumstances, / to see them as delusions of my mind:

This is the way a bodhisattva trains.

verse 24 audio above (note change from “real” to “true”)

Audio for verses 23 and 24 will be updated to reflect the edits. Meanwhile, thanks for your patience.

Commentary for verses 23 and 24 will be up soon, following our next class on March 15. The class will be on hiatus Thursdays March 22 and 29 as I will be at PTC for Lama Norlha Rinpoche’s memorial service. We’ll resume April 5.

The index of the study guide and recordings of the classes are here.

Next practice: Verse 25: transcendent generosity

Complete list of verses to date: “37 practices translation” at top of screen, or click on link

The complete study guide: click here (see “about the 37 practices study guide” at top of page for orientation if needed)