Dharma Notes

Notes on the Absolute Bodhichitta Aphorisms

February 26, 2026

So what is bodhichitta? Bodhi means awakened. Chitta means mind. Bodhichitta is sometimes translated as “the mind of awakening.” There are two types of the mind of awakening: absolute and relative, but they need some unpacking.

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Faulty and Flawless Meditation

January 28, 2026

Meditation practice is known as undistracted ordinary mind. Ordinary mind simply means your mind’s natural state. When you try to correct it by judging, accepting or rejecting, it will no longer be your ordinary mind.

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The Meaning and Role of Dana

November 5, 2025

In Buddhism, dana is the training of the heart. It is the practice of giving not only through material means but in sharing one’s time, energy, and knowledge. It is the core of spiritual training that cultivates generosity and supports personal growth.

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Reflections on the Tradition of Lojong

October 31, 2025

Two texts stand out from the vast literature of Tibet’s Lojong, or mind training, tradition: Langri Thangpa’s Eight Verses on Mind Training and Geshe Chekawa’s Seven-Point Mind Training. Beginning in November and continuing into next year, our mind training group will explore both of these foundational texts, with a special focus on identifying and engaging in the practices they offer.

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