String of Precious Jewels

by Nagarjuna

I’ll tell you briefly the fine qualities
Of those on the path of compassion:
Giving, and ethics, patience, and effort,
Concentration, wisdom, compassion and such.

Giving is giving away what you have,
And ethics is doing good to others.
Patience is giving up feelings of anger,
And effort is joy that increases all good.

Concentration’s one-pointed, free of bad thoughts,
And wisdom decides what truth really is.
Compassion’s a kind of high intelligence
Mixed deep with a love for all living kind.

Giving brings wealth, a good world comes from ethics;
Patience brings beauty, eminence comes from effort.
Concentration brings peace, and from wisdom comes freedom;
Compassion achieves everything we all wish for.

A person who takes all seven of these
And perfects them together will reach
That place of inconceivable knowledge
No less than the world’s protector.

I first read this short text in “The Diamond Cutter” by Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally.  It was inspiring.  I think I read through it at least three times before continuing with the chapter.  The ancient words are so simple, so clear.  Yet, they seem to challenge eve the best of us still today.

Every single person on this planet is capable of these seven qualities.  What if each of us started our day with reading this proclamation?  What if we sealed in our day with reading this before we fall asleep?  These verses are perfect to begin a meditation with, to set the mood, to calm the mind and heart.

Please, print this and keep it near you.  Let these simple words inspire you and those around you.

Many Blessings,

Mindy Arbuckle

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