Show Notes
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.
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The experience of getting in your own way is what we are referring to in Dharma teachings when we say neurosis. Dharma practice is intended to reduce that neurosis. But take care, because we can convince ourselves that we are shining a light on our inner world, when we are really dragging subtle neurosis along in our shadow. Jampal Norbu examines how Dharma practice exposes the subtle neurosis of ego by considering Lojong verse 36: Do not twist the practice.
Survival of the fittest, is a well worn cliche deeply seeped into the fibers of our contemporary culture. Our every relationship can be influenced by a sense of competition and comparison if we don't learn to observe ourselves honestly. Jampal Norbu examines the ways Lojong acts as both a reference and a remedy along the bodhisattva path to becoming a genuine friend to ourselves, to the world, and even to opposing sports teams.
We're quick to point a finger at another when anything's wrong. Sometimes the accusation might even be reasonable, but the point is, we have a tendency to blame others. Passing the buck, though, has a gradual weakening effect on our own mind. In the service of integrity and resilience we must reach the point of exclaiming,"The buck stops here." Jampal Norbu considers lawsuits, livestock, scapegoats and onion rings in the examination of Lojong verse 34, Do not transfer the dzo's load onto the ox.
On the surface, many Lojong verses seem like do-this-don't-do-that dictates restricting and prohibiting our freedom. These verses are actually friendly cautions alerting us to subtle attitudes that act against our well being. The integrity of our spiritual path depends upon a willingness to leave counterproductive habits behind in the name of true freedom. Jampal Norbu examines integrity in the context of aspiration bodhicitta through verse 33: Do Not Pounce Upon Vulnerability.
We are full of stories. Our whole relative experience can be seen as such, just stories. Stories are helpful in comprehending experience, but stories also confuse our very perceptions. When our sense of self importance writes the narrative, we typically arrive at stories that are corrosive to positive agency, confidence and contentment. Through Lojong we're encouraged to be aware of who from within is telling the story. Jampal Norbu examines Lojong verse 32: Do Not Wait In Ambush.