And dedicate at the end. Full attention to these three excellences
Is cherished by those on the path to Liberation, it is taught.
Don’t forget; keep it in mind! That is my heart advice.
This verse teaches that any Dharma practice should be sustained by the three excellences. Omniscient Longchen Rabjam said,
Finally, dedication. Being fully sustained by these,
Are the three points cherished by those on the path to Liberation.
First, for roots of virtue to be embraced by skillful means, there is the preparation-excellence of bodhicitta. For roots of virtue to not be destroyed by conditions, there is the main-practice-excellence of being without conceptualization; and to multiply roots of virtue, there is the conclusion-excellence of dedication.
As for the first, preparing with bodhicitta, whatever Dharma practice we are doing should be transformed by a good, compassionate motivation. Receiving Dharma teachings, doing recitation or meditation, whatever virtue of body, speech, and mind we are doing, we should sustain it, support it, with a motivation of good intentions. If you are listening to teachings from a Guru, think, all sentient beings throughout space want happiness and don’t want suffering just like me. Although they want happiness, however, they don’t know how to create causes of happiness. Although they don’t want suffering, they quickly create the causes of suffering throughout the day and night. As said in Guide to the Bodhisattva Conduct,
Though they want happiness, out of confusion,
They destroy their happiness like an enemy.
Although they want to get rid of suffering,
They rush right into it.
Thus, if you set your intention that you are receiving the teaching in order for sentient beings to have happiness and be free of suffering, you are preparing with the excellence of bodhicitta.
