EveryBodhi Podcast

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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 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 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.