This practice is based on the short text Eight Verses of Thought Transformation, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness). It was composed by Langri Thangpa Dorje Sengge, a disciple of the virtuous friend, perfect in all knowledge, Kadampa Geshe Potowa Rinchen Sal, who in turn was a disciple of the holy lamp of the teachings, Lama Atisha. Of his guru Potowa’s eight heart sons, Langri Thangpa was the only one to receive the special instructions on exchanging oneself with others.