3 Pillars of Meditation

Pema Dragpa December 14, 2018

“In order to bring about the realization that body, speech, and mind are truly dependent on the mind itself, we must engage in mindfulness, alertness, and modesty.

These three pillars are very important aspects of our practice. However, it is important to continually reactivate these supports throughout our meditation practice.

(1) First, what is mindfulness? In simple words, mindfulness means remembering the instructions we are practicing—remembering what we have started.

(2) Second, what is the alertness? Alertness is checking up on whether or not our meditation practice is going well. Unlike mindfulness, which is watching all the time, alertness guides our meditation from a distance.

(3) The third support is bagyö, a Tibetan word that is often translated into English as “careful” or “modest.” This refers to being careful with our self by remaining humble and simple about the way we view our self and our practice. Bagyö expresses the sense of always trying to maintain a good character and frame of mind.

Of these three supports, mindfulness is the nearest to ourselves: it always stays very close to us. Alertness is a little more distant but always ready to help out. Bagyö, or carefulness, is even further away. Nonetheless, it supports us and guides us towards mindfulness and alertness.”

Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche

Turning the Wisdom Wheel of the Nine Golden Chariots (pg 49)

Photo of Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche at Padma Gochen Ling in 2015.