In traditional Buddhism, it is common for masters and scholars to produce commentary on previous texts or teachings with the intention of increasing understanding of the original teachings. While I am neither a master nor a scholar, in this project I offer this commentary synthesizing my own learning and direct experience.
One of my early strategies for learning and practicing Lojong was to make my own set of slogan cards. At the time, I thankfully had two very creative young children to help me decorate them! Below you will find images of these cards, organized by the revised Four Points of Mind Training, to represent each slogan. Click on an image to view the commentary in a new tab.
Each slogan commentary page includes an audio player to listen to a recording of the commentary. At the bottom of each slogan commentary page you will also find a cross-reference for the slogan(s) with the original presentation, as well as page numbers for slogan commentary from Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (CTR) and Pema Chödrön (PC).
I. The Preliminaries, Which Are a Basis for Dharma Practice.
Click on the image to see the commentary in a new tab.
II. The Main Practice, Which Is Training in Bodhicitta.
Bodhicitta, literally “awakened heart” or “awakened mind,” is the essential quality one develops on the Mahayana path of Buddhism. It is the primary quality of the Bodhisattva or “awakened being.”
Bodhicitta is divided into two categories, absolute (also known as ultimate) and relative. Absolute bodhicitta, which is the subject of the first five slogans of this point, is non-conceptual and can only be experienced directly. Therefore, these slogans are in the form of pointers toward something that is ineffable and non-conceptual. Relative bodhicitta, however, is the quality one directly cultivates through thought, speech and action. The final four slogans of this point refer to relative bodhicitta.
Traditionally the bodhisattva path consists of perfecting the six paramitas or qualities of bodhicitta: generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, meditation and discriminating wisdom. In the Lojong slogans, absolute bodhicitta relates mainly with the quality of generosity and the formal practice of meditation. Relative bodhicitta relates mainly with the quality of discipline and the post-meditation practice of the rest of our lives off the cushion.
Absolute Bodhicitta
Hover over the images for carousel navigation. Click on an image to see the commentary in a new tab.
Relative Bodhicitta
Hover over the images for carousel navigation. Click on an image to see the commentary in a new tab.
III. The Heart of the Matter, Which Is the Three Difficulties.
Click on the image to see the commentary in a new tab.
The First Difficulty: Seeing Neurosis as Neurosis
Hover over the images for carousel navigation. Click on an image to see the commentary in a new tab.
The Second Difficulty: Trying Something Different
Hover over the images for carousel navigation. Click on an image to see the commentary in a new tab.
The Third Difficulty: Making This a Way of Life
Hover over the images for carousel navigation. Click on an image to see the commentary in a new tab.
IV. Training Wholeheartedly for Living and Dying.
Hover over the images for carousel navigation. Click on an image to see the commentary in a new tab.