“Training” the mind does not in any way mean forcibly subjugating the mind. From spiritual teachings and through personal experience in meditation practice, the awareness sees directly and concretely how the mind functions.
Then you can tame the mind and work with it skillfully, to gradually eliminate delusion. So it’s not subjugating them. After mastering this method, the awareness needs to practice constantly. Only through constant practice can one eventually uproot all the delusions and attachments. This is similar to some worldly things. For example, when we practice Tai Chi, after you’ve learnt a routine, you need to practice it every day. After solo practice, you also need to practice with fellow practitioners. Only in this way can we truly have skills, and rich and flexible experience to deal with opponents. Practicing routines can enhance our inner strength, whereas practicing with others can accumulate experience in defeating opponents and mastering the true essence of Tai Chi flexibly. It’s the same with playing Go. After learning how to play Go, you need to practice every day on how to place stones, occupy territory, and capture the opponent’s stones. Afterwards, you also need to practice with a partner, and grow through partner practice. Just as a writer only learns a spontaneous freedom of expression after years of often grueling study ever since childhood. And just as the simple grace of a dancer is achieved only with enormous, patient effort for over 10 years since childhood. It’s all the same. Learning meditation is similar. When the mind begins to wake up, it masters the right method. The mind also needs long-term practice. After practicing for a period, it’ll reach perfection. Whatever you do, as long as your mind is fully devoted, you’ll reach perfection. This is true for both worldly things and meditation. It’s so meaningful to do this, more meaningful than anything else. It’s the most meaningful thing in life. Through learning meditation and mastering meditation methods, the mind can understand and realize the truth of the universe, become clear and free, with amazing power. This is the most meaningful thing in life. Doing other things is also to train us. Our mind needs enlightenment, after which even doing worldly things becomes meaningful. At that time, doing worldly things is to train our mind, to realize through practice, and to benefit sentient beings. While benefiting sentient beings, the mind is perfected. Without enlightenment, if you seek Dharma from external illusions, your life would be meaningless with innumerable sufferings. Meditation can make the mind more and more pliable, so that you can become master of your own mind and employ it to its fullest and most beneficial end.