Lojong: Mahayana Mind Training

The vast path of Mahayana Buddhism begins with rousing bodhichitta - the heart of awakening. In the ultimate context, this bodhichitta is none other than the open heart of space, emptiness, as one may study in Nalandabodhi through the profound teachings of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche in his book, Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness, or similar sources.  In the relative context, this bodhichitta is a heart of caring and compassion, never giving up on cultivating the potential for complete Enlightenment in any situation or with any other person.

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche says that to truly develop a means of working skillfully in the world, one must understand both ultimate and relative bodhichitta. Understanding in this context does not mean a mere intellectual comprehension, but a heart-felt experience beyond conceptualization. Starting with an experiential glimpse of emptiness, we can learn to skillfully and authentically extend ourselves into the world to be of benefit to other beings.

This is a practice-based course with a focus on how we can work with the Seven Points of Mind Training - the traditional lojong teachings in the lineage of Atisha - to bring about transformation in our way of relating to the world.  A special emphasis will be placed on taking these teaching into daily life and working with emotions though using the Seven Points.  The Seven Points of Mind Training include a wealth of rich teachings and practices, including tonglen, analytical meditation, working with the six paramitas and working with the mind training slogans.  These skillful means will be combined with teachings from The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche on how to work with emotions to promote true and meaningful transformation.

Please join us as we extend the experiential glimpse of emptiness, the heart of openness to the world, that we may have experienced during the study of the Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness.  Please note that participants in this course will be asked to engage in a period of daily meditation between course sessions in order to bring the greatest benefit to one's self and others. Instruction will be provided.

Though familiarity with the Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness is helpful, it is not required for participating in this course.