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Motivation

• Motivation is the first practice. In the beginning, motivation is the practice.
• Practice for enlightenment of all sentient beings. Once we have this motivation, it is called Ngondro - the motivation preceding the practice.
• Set motivation with extreme clarity. It is what accomplishes everything else that follows.
• What makes a virtuous deed virtuous? Motivation. If motivation becomes poison, what else is left?
• Without motivation there is no virtue to dedicate. Without dedication there is no benefit.
• Look into the mind. At any given time it can be in one of three states. Is there intention to benefit others? This is a virtuous state. Attachment and aversion is non-virtuous. Recognize the state of mind. Intention should be to benefit.
• First do dharma motivation, then do dharma activity. Link action to the state of mind.
• The ultimate problem is cyclic nature of birth and death. If you focus on worldly problems, this is a sign of weak motivation.
• Investigate why we are going to teaching. “It will bring benefit to countless beings.” This is vast motivation.
• Be your own witness.
• If motivation is neutral, change it to positive. Set up the mind to benefit all beings.
• When we have bodhicitta, mind is not neutral.
• Know the state of your mind: negative, neutral or positive. If negative, transform it. If neutral, make it beneficial. If positive, make it limitless. If object of mind is limitless, mind becomes limitless.
• After you set motivation to virtue, don’t let it go into neutral. Don’t let it mix with worldly concerns. This is difficult. It is not easy.
• What we dedicate is virtue. Virtue comes from motivation.
• As long as motivation is pure, even if merit is small, benefit is large.
• Practice with a purpose, not like a dog follows man without purpose.
• Develop a vast motivation. Have respect. Be of service.
• The only intention of buddhas and bodhisattvas is to establish beings in temporary and ultimate happiness.
• Set goal to liberate sentient beings. They have been to upper realms many times.
• The intention to accomplish others benefit is a Jewel. It is the source of happiness in samsara. Deity practice comes later.
• The important thing is motivation in your mind. If you wish to bring about beings’ benefit, that is the essential point. The activity you chooses to engage in beyond that is less important.
• If motivation is not pure, virtue is seed for cyclic existence.