EveryBodhi Podcast

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 u...

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 mu...

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...

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 t...

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. Them...

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 pro...

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 sedu...

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 Maha...

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 i...

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...

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 misunderstoo...

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 nat...

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 M...

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)