EveryBodhi Podcast

Humans have used debate for millennia because it effectively exposes assumption, bias and misunderstanding. Most debates these days, though, are undertaken not for the sake of clarity and understanding, but for the sake of argument. In the spirit of argument, the main objective is to win, not to learn or clarify. Argument is ego's conquest in its relentless campaign of self validation. In the spirit of debating argument, Jampal Norbu explores Lojong verse 31-Do Not Be Contentious.

Loyalty is a charged concept these days. For some, loyalty is a noble quality. For others, loyalty provokes dismissive disdain, as if it were just another outdated notion. But all of us demonstrate loyalty more often than we might be willing to admit. In this episode, Jampal Norbu reflects on the care and wisdom required to apply loyalty where loyalty is due. This is part 2 of a 2-part examination of Lojong verse 30 - Do not be a loyalist.

Each of Lojong's 59 slogans are composed of carefully selected words that can become powerful and reliable resources on the spiritual path. One's own words. Years ago, when Jampal Norbu worked on a Tibetan to English translation of the Lojong verses he was surprised to learn that Trungpa Rinpoche's well-know translation of Verse 30, “Don't be so predictable,” was not quite direct or literal. In this episode, Jampal Norbu begins his two part examination of Lojong's most provocative verse. 

Ego loves attention. It loves to call the shots. Ego even inserts itself into otherwise positive, altruistic actions. The Buddhist tradition of Lojong enables us to refine our practice of self-reflection so that we might observe and remedy ego's sneakier tactics. In this episode, Jampal Norbu encourages us to find and face the source of true happiness as he examines Lojong Verse 29: Abstain From Toxic Food.

Jampal Norbu considers the examined, meaningful life beyond self indulgence and impulse. Our impulsive behavior is dictated by the self important rascal called ego, whose every action results in the five afflictive emotions. The Buddhist practice of Lojong trains us to spot and acknowledge those patterns. Seeing beyond those patterns we discover and appreciate new aspects and abilities within our very own mind. Understanding the verses, “Work with the strongest emotions first,” and “Abandon expectation of fruition,” can lead us there.

Sit by a riverside in The Kingdom of Bhutan with Jampal Norbu as he reflects on the value of our Buddhist heritage and history. The people, places and surprises encountered along a pilgrim's trail can illuminate many aspects of study, practice and experience. Lojong too connects us to the genuine heart of the spiritual path and the blessings of all those great aspirants that came before us. 

Jampal Norbu discusses the historical and cultural significance of the Deer Park at Sarnath, where the Buddha first turned The Wheel of Dharma. He emphasizes the unique context these teachings offer by acknowledging the root cause of all our suffering. Understanding this, we can proceed to cultivate a positive and meaningful existence.

The Lojong mind training slogans don't offer practitioners advice so that we might simply become nice or agreeable people. Mind training aims to aid us in genuine transformation, but we need to challenge ourselves to understand its deeper, nuanced layers. In this episode, Jampal Norbu is joined by Dharma teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, in contemplation of Verse 26: “Do Not Ponder Others' Business”.

Have you heard of negativity bias? Recognizing threats to our well being is intuitive and alerts a sense of urgency around perceived negativities. However, this same quality can run out of control in a world where social criticism, and doom scrolling keep us locked into negative patterns. Lojong practice transforms that negative urgency into a healthier, positive mindset. Jampal Norbu explores verse 25 of Lojong: “Do not speak of the downfall of others.” Theme music by Matt Quentin

The practice of Lojong has a long and well established history. Many great practitioners have composed invaluable commentaries on its liberating effects. Their guidebooks reach across centuries, and transform even our fast paced, modern day negativities. These illuminating texts make Lojong one of the most accessible Buddhist practices in the world today, but so do the examples of great living practitioners like Ani Pema Chodron. More than a world renowned author and teacher. Pema Chodron is a living example of Lojong in action. Part 2 of 2

The practice of Lojong has a long and well established history. Many great practitioners have composed invaluable commentaries on its liberating effects that can reach across centuries and transform even our fast paced, modern day negativities. These illuminating guidebooks make Lojong one of the most accessible Buddhist practices in the world today, but so do the examples of great living practitioners, like Ani Pema Chodron. More than a world renowned author and teacher, Pema Chodron is a living example of Lojong in action.

Freedom is one of the fundamental rights for all human beings. But what does freedom look like on a personal level…on a spiritual level? Are we seeking freedom from responsibility, freedom from persecution or freedom from consequences? All beings are answerable to the laws of cause and effect, which means that true freedom comes from taking responsibility for your own mind. Jampal Norbu examines the 23rd verse of Lojong: “Always train in the three basic principles.“ Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu examines the 22nd verse of Lojong: “You have reached proficiency if you can practice even while distracted."  Transforming self concern into care for others is the core of Buddhist meditation. How then do we gauge our progress on that path? The key lies in self reflection, which makes meditation possible. With a strong foundation of self reflection, our practice is available even when we find ourselves caught by life's distracting circumstances.

Suffering happens, sometimes in heaps. It takes a great deal of strength to overcome the internal darkness of neurotic emotions. While forced positivity can be just a bypass of a difficult experience in life, we're still responsible for our own minds. So what to do? Lojong verse 21, “Always maintain a joyful attitude,” reminds us to deepen our understanding within the experiences of both suffering and happiness. music by Matt Quentin

The proliferation of opinions is endless, and many of them are misinformed. How do we come to trust the direct perception of our own mind over the assumptions of others? Through contemplation and practice, we can learn to find genuine confidence in our own experience. In this episode, Jampal Norbu examines the 20th verse of Lojong, “Of the two witnesses, rely on the main one.” Theme music by Matt Quentin

In this episode, Jampal Norbu examines the 19th verse of Lojong, “All dharma agrees at a single point.” This verse identifies the common ground shared by all schools of Buddhism; a ground that provides the essential basis of Dharma practice. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu considers the 18th verse of Lojong, “The Mahayana Instructions for the transference of consciousness are the five thoughts. Conduct is vital.” We examined how the Five Strengths apply to everyday life in the previous episode. Now, we will see how the Five Strengths apply to the end of life. Dharma teacher Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel joins Dungse Jampal for a thoughtful dialogue on how mind training can make a difference at the pivotal moment of disillusionment. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu explores the fourth point of mind training, which encourages practitioners to make Lojong a way of life. The seventeenth verse of Lojong, “The pith instructions briefly summarized: Apply the five strengths,” shows us the path to a life wholly integrated with bodhicitta. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu examines what it means to bring the practice of Lojong fully into your life. The sixteenth verse of lojong, “use whatever you face as a practice immediately“, is a commitment to go beyond the framework of conventional thinking and to bring practice to everything as it arises. The power of this verse lives in the present moment, and if we can bring our practice insight to this moment, then it will change our life. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu explores the practice of applying Tonglen in everyday life by utilizing specific skillful means. The fifteenth verse of Lojong, “The Four Practices are the Best of Means,” outline specific methods of practice which enhance Lojong practice in general. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu gives a brief introduction to the four kayas, and the significance of emptiness as guardian against samsara's influence. The fourteenth verse of lojong, “Meditate upon illusory appearance as the four kayas. This is the unsurpassable protection of emptiness” takes the relative understanding of bodhichitta and opens it to the greater implications of just how far this practice can take us. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu takes a look at the importance of gratitude in life, including gratitude for challenging events and people. The thirteenth verse of lojong, “Meditate upon gratitude towards all”, builds on the twelfth verse which focuses on taking responsibility for one's mind. Adopting a practice of gratitude and responsibility, cultivates a healthy attitude for practice in a volatile world. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu looks into the importance of taking responsibility for the activity of our own minds, without succumbing to self-aggression. The twelfth verse of lojong, “Realize all faults spring from one source” is a difficult verse to adopt into practice, but it gives rise to empowering results. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu opens up the third point of mind training - transforming adversity into the path of enlightenment. The chapters starts with the eleventh verse of lojong, ‘When the world is full of evil, transform misfortune into the path of awakening”, which speaks to the stoic quality of taking all challenges as opportunities to grow in the practice of dharma. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu explores the application of tonglen within everyday life - especially in relationship with our selves. The tenth verse of Lojong, “Begin the sequence of taking with oneself”, is a potent slogan for caregivers who know what is required to relate with the suffering of those around them. This episode is the second of a two-part look at how tonglen can be applied within caregiving, and to honor those caregivers who regularly extend beyond themselves. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu explores the application of tonglen within everyday life - especially in relationship to oneself. The tenth verse of lojong, “Begin the sequence of taking with oneself“, is a potent slogan for caregivers who know what is required to relate with the suffering of those around them. This verse is the first in a two part look at how tonglen can be applied within caregiving, and to honor those who regularly extend beyond themselves. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu explores the necessity of mind training as a living practice through developing a deeper understanding of the lojong slogans. The diligent application of self reflection and the nature of mind will lead us to experience freedom from ego attachment and the afflictive emotions. It is, however, up to the individual to explore what that means directly. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu examines how dharma practice is meant to transform negative emotions. The goal of a Buddhist path is to transform negative states of mind instead of avoiding or denying them. The path to freedom begins with simple sitting practice which allows us to identify neurotic states of mind. With some stabilization of that capacity we can employ the Lojong teachings to find true benefit. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu shares his personal reflections on tonglen practice, the exchange of self for others. By emphasizing bodhichitta, and the teachings on the four noble truths, Jampal looks at the qualities of tonglen practice, which have made the greatest impact on him. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Renowned author and meditator Ani Pema Chodron answers questions and gives advice on the practice of tonglen. Tonglen is the exchange of self for others and is considered one of the greatest practices within Mahayana Buddhism. With characteristic good humor and kindness Ani Pema addresses the difficulties of the practice, its counterintuitive approach to transforming habitual thinking and it's profound result. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Renowned author and meditator Ani Pema Chodron shares her own experience with tonglen practice, from her introduction to the practice by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, to her own present insights; all with characteristic good humor and kindness. Tonglen is the exchange of self for others and is considered one of the greatest practices within Mahayana Buddhism. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu introduces the practice of tonglen: the exchange of self for others. This practice is an essential step on the path of Mahayana Buddhism, and it is said that one cannot attain enlightenment without developing this exchange. “Tonglen” literally means “to send and receive.” By exchanging our self-concern for the indifference habitually held toward others, bodhisattvas transcend the seductive trap of the ego through this counterintuitive yet effective meditation. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu examines the main practice of Bodhichitta, which rests at the heart the Lojong text. Bodhichitta is the aspiration to attain enlightenment in order to benefit all beings and to assist them in attaining freedom from suffering. An examination of this aspiration reveals the deep rooted intention that runs through all the teachings and slogans of Lojong. Bodhichitta is present in all Mahayana practices, and those who take up the path and practice of bodhichitta are known as bodhisattvas. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu examines the 6th verse of Lojong: IN POST MEDITATION, BE A CHILD OF ILLUSION. In this context, “childlike” refers to a sense of wonder rather than immaturity. Meditation practice can dissolve narrow views into an uncontrived openness. The state of open awareness is sometimes called “beginner's mind” and is referenced throughout eastern philosophy and artwork. The more our experience in-meditation stabilizes, the more our post-meditation life is transformed. Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu examines the fifth verse of Lojong: “Rest in the Nature of the Alaya“. This verse explores what it means to rest the mind in meditation and the open-dimensionality of shunyata. There is more to meditation than just relaxing the mind or quieting our thoughts. Lojong mind training considers how thoughts, feelings, and even consciousness are free of any fixed existence. What is left when we don't find any solid, single, or permanent entity to hold onto? Through the direct experience of our uncontrived awareness we discover who we are without any elaboration. Theme music by Matt Quentin

Jampal Norbu examines the fourth verse of Lojong: “The Antidote in Itself is Liberated”. This verse explores emotional suffering through the five negative emotions, also known as kleshas, or the five poisons. Antidotes to these negative emotions are revealed through the Lojong practice along with the natural state of mind  free from suffering. The episode culminates in one of the most misunderstood points of Mahayana Buddhism: that emptiness itself is empty of emptiness. Theme music by Matt Quentin

In this episode Jampal Norbu leads a guided meditation to explore the nature of mind as we contemplate the third verse of the Lojong text, ‘Examine the nature of unborn awareness.' All buddhist meditation is based on self reflection and awareness of one's own mind. Through that awareness, buddhist teachings progress from abstract ideas to direct experience. Through the direct experience of the nature of mind our confidence and understanding of the Lojong teachings also progress.

Jampal Norbu examines the second verse of Lojong: "Consider All Phenomena as a Dream". This verse introduces one of the great philisophical cornerstones of Mahayana Buddhism, understanding emptiness. Far from a nihilistic view, emptiness, or the experience of shunyata, grounds our meditation practice by providing precise context to the question "is the world more than it seems?" . Theme music by Matt Quentin.

Jampal Norbu welcomes Dharma teacher and author Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel to examine the first verse of Lojong: “First, train in the preliminaries. The preliminary practices in Mahayana Buddhism are an essential support for any student of Lojong. They set the stage to inspire and motivate, while reminding us of why we turn to Dharma in the first place. Theme music by Matt Quentin

In this episode, Jampal Norbu begins his examination of the various commentaries on Lojong, the classic teachings on Mahayana mind transformation. He considers the deep experiences that bring us to the spiritual path and the negative habits that make Lojong essential to our lives. (music by Matt Quentin via ChilledCow)