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Today, it is a pleasure to present two works of sage advice by the wise Master to his disciples, namely, “Advice for Alak Dongak” and “Advice to Lama Rigdzin Gyatso — On Understanding the Influence of Companions and Avoiding and Adopting Them Accordingly.”Advice for Alak Dongak “To remain in solitude without taming the mind Is to be like the wild woodland beasts and birds, As the supreme Victorious One himself has said. Vital it is, then, to unite outer and inner solitude! Proud at the thought of having tamed the mind, After simply pacifying a single thought or emotion, And contemptuous of those who are pre-occupied— These are hooks of Māra for those in retreat. Pay no heed, therefore, to others’ vices or virtues, And inspire yourself with enthusiasm for Dharma, For who is happier than the host of the event At which the mind is seen to be a mere illusion?”“My friend, you’ve set out on the way to every happiness, But as you tirelessly cultivate diligence and devotion, Be ever watchful, alert for the demon of arrogant pride, And your life will end happily too —do you understand? Not ruining the mind with false visions of deities or demons, But furnishing it with the treasures of jewel-like qualities, May you follow in the footsteps of the great Kadampa saints.”Advice to Lama Rigdzin Gyatso On Understanding the Influence of Companions and Avoiding and Adopting Them Accordingly “The influence of good friends’ behavior is as follows: The company of the wise increases intelligence. The company of the compassionate awakens bodhicitta. The company of the contented reduces desires. The company of the generous inspires a wish to give. The company of the calm and collected improves one’s own temperament. The company of the disenchanted inspires disillusionment, and The company of the renunciant inspires a wish to be free. The company of those concerned with future lives is a reminder of virtue. The company of the good inspires the wish for liberation. The company of the dharmic is a reminder to practice Dharma. The company of those with limited desires inspires contentment. The company of the diligent greatly strengthens one’s valor. The company of the honorable inspires virtuous qualities. The company of freedom-seekers encourages the pursuit of lasting happiness. The company of the virtuous inspires a wholesome attitude. The company of those with pure perception engenders devotion. The company of the prudent leads to the fulfilment of long-term aspirations. Such is the behavior of positive friends. Keep, therefore, to virtuous companions.”
