14. Don’t ponder others; Don’t talk about injured limbs; Don’t malign others.

This trio of slogans reveals the “naked truth” about how we so often spend our time thinking about and talking about other people and their shortcomings. When I constantly think and gossip about what I see others doing that I don’t like, or compare myself to others, I’m probably doing this to feel better about myself and my own imperfections. This is the opposite of cultivating bodhicitta and compassion for all beings.

I can also relate this slogan to the “three poisons” from Slogan 9 in the Second Point of Mind Training. My thinking and talking about others and their shortcomings is an expression of aversion, which is totally related to the past and my inner stories. Similarly, if I ponder someone I feel attracted to, craving might arise. This poison is likely related to the future and my attachment to sensual satisfaction.

So what to do? The antidote in both cases is simple yet challenging: Drop the story line and connect with my direct experience in the present moment. This might enable me to cultivate unconditional friendliness and compassion for the person who is the object of my attention, whether my habitual response to them was aversion or craving.

11.2025