hilitehead

The Seven-Point Cause and Effect Method

The seven points are: recognizing that all sentient beings have been our mother in a past life; reflecting on the kindness of all beings; meditating on repaying their kindness; meditating on love; meditating on compassion; generating the extraordinary attitude of universal responsibility; and the actual development of bodhichitta.

Before we can apply the seven-point cause and effect method to ourselves, we need to cultivate a sense of equanimity towards all sentient beings, which is expressed through the ability to relate to all others equally. To do this, we need to address the problem of having thoughts and emotions that fluctuate. Not only should we try to overcome extreme negative emotions like anger and hatred, but also, in this particular spiritual practice, we should try to work with the attachment we feel to our loved ones.