The main practice in the Seven Points of Mind Training by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje is “sending and taking.” The reason we engage in this practice is to reduce self-cherishing and increase cherishing of others. The rest of the text provides the foundation for engaging in this practice and guidelines and advice for bringing the benefits of this practice into our post-meditation world.

Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche begins by teaching the lineage of the text and then wisely teaches extensively and skillfully on the two most important “Points” in the text: Point 1 - the preliminary practices that provide the foundation for engaging in the main practice; and Point 2 - the main practice, training in Bodhicitta (absolute and relative). Rinpoche also provides a practice format for engaging in the formal meditation practices. This format incorporates the preliminary practices of guru yoga and contemplating the four reminders (precious human birth, impermanence, karma, and the suffering of samsara). In addition to beautiful and clear teachings on the preliminary and main practices, Rinpoche leads practice sessions with the group.

In the final two talks, Rinpoche presents profound and concise commentary on all of the remaining points and slogans. The Third Point helps transform adverse conditions through bodhicitta (absolute and relative), conduct, and meditation. The Fourth Point offers condensed practices for life and death based on the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. Points Five and Six include slogans on measuring our mind training progress and slogans on understanding mind training commitments. The concluding Seventh Point presents slogans of Advice for Mind Training. Rinpoche encourages questions throughout the weekend. Six talks by Drupon Rinpoche with translation by Chris Stagg. One talk on Eight Verses on Mind Training by Langri Tangpa is given by Mitra Karl Brunnhölzl.