mgyurma

mgyurma is a term of Tibetan origin that refers to a specific type of Tibetan Buddhist practice. It is often translated as "mind training" or "mind transformation." The core of mgyurma practice involves a systematic approach to cultivating positive mental states and diminishing negative ones. This is achieved through a combination of meditation, contemplation, and ethical conduct.

The practice typically begins with foundational teachings on the nature of the mind and the impermanence of phenomena. Practitioners then engage in various meditation techniques aimed at developing mindfulness, concentration, and insight. These techniques can include analytical meditation, where one contemplates specific concepts or teachings, and shamatha-vipashyana meditation, which focuses on developing calm abiding and clear seeing.

A key aspect of mgyurma is the cultivation of qualities such as compassion, loving-kindness, patience, and wisdom. This is often done through specific contemplative exercises that encourage the practitioner to extend these positive emotions to themselves and all sentient beings. Ethical conduct, known as sila, is also considered an integral part of mgyurma, as it provides the stable foundation upon which mental training can flourish.

The ultimate goal of mgyurma is to achieve liberation from suffering and attain enlightenment. By transforming the mind, practitioners aim to purify it of obscurations and realize their inherent potential for wisdom and compassion. The practice is not seen as a quick fix but rather as a gradual, lifelong path of inner development.