Instructions to Oneself by Patrul Rimpoche

There are three things one should remain attentive to:

one’s benevolent gurus,
the compassionate Buddha,
one’s own mindfulness and awareness.

There are three things to hold in grateful remembrance:
the masters who confer the precepts,
the Dharma that shows the path,
the precepts and vows.

There are three things to set in place:
the mind in the body,
the body in the seat,
and relaxation in the mind.

There are three things to forget instantly:
friends who provoke one’s desire and craving,
enemies who arouse one’s anger and hatred,
drowsiness that obscures one’s mind.

There are three things to be cautious of:
speaking in public,
behaving in solitude,
observing the mind.

There are three things that one should conceal:
the merit of oneself,
the faults of others,
one’s plans for the future.

There are three things that one should not advocate:
one’s fleeting thought of renunciation,
one’s dishonest and insincere behavior,
one’s virtuous deeds.

There are three places where one should not go:
where quarrels and fighting happen,
where large crowds gathers,
places of entertainment.

There are three types of behavior that one should avoid:

teaching the Dharma to people who are not suitable vessels,
talking about one’s experience without being asked,
uttering words that contradict the truth.

There are three things that one should not do:
lose one’s composure before friends,
break one’s promise,
do things in inconsistent ways.

There are three things that one must not do:
become conceited and arrogant,
talk behind others’ backs,
make light of any sentient beings.

There are three things that one should not do:
give money to the rich,
develop faith in the crafty,
tell secrets to anyone.

There are three things not to observe:
the body of a beautiful woman,
the behavior of a friend,
one’s own merit.

There are three things that should be in conformity:
conversations with friends,
clothes with local customs,
mind with the Dharma.

There are three things that one should ignore
praises from others,
words of a fickle man,
advice from a fool.

There are three things that one should not seek:
the wealth of the rich,
an honorable rank,
gorgeous garments.

There are three things that one should not slander:
those who command respect and support,
the retail goods of others,
one’s benevolent gurus.

There are three kinds of people that one should not praise:
those criticized by all,
self-conceited fools,
simple-minded children.

There are three kinds of people that one should neither praise nor slander:
one’s relatives,
unknown teachers,
any person.

Instructions as such are abundant;
All in all, it is imperative
to observe oneself all the time,
this is the essence of mundane or transmundane knowledge.

As a yogi with pure wisdom,
I have devised these simple instructions to help tame my mind.
They have profound meanings and one should practice them.

I dedicate all merit to all sentient beings, may they be free from suffering, and obtain happiness, and ultimately, to soon become enlightened!

Translated/Taught by Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche

http://www.khenposodargye.org/2015/07/a-brief-commentary-on-the-instructions-to-oneself/