
Reflections on the Tradition of Lojong
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.
These texts are intimately related through the lineage of Master Atisha (982-1054). Langri Thangpa was a disciple of Potowa Rinchen Sal, one of the three Kadam Brothers and a senior student of Atisha’s principal disciple, Dromtönpa. Significantly, their connection is personal: Geshe Chekawa was inspired to search for the author after glancing, almost by accident, at the Eight Verses. Though Langri Thangpa had passed away, Chekawa received the full mind training teachings from his student, Sharawa.
Chekawa became convinced that the mind training teachings were the definitive answer to all his searching. He stated: “No more salivating for something else, no more urge to listen to something else; I feel a sense of relief.” Inspired by this profound realization, Geshe Chekawa then composed the Seven-Point Mind Training, the text that is now synonymous with the entire Lojong tradition.
The practice of tonglen, or sending and taking, is clearly already present in the Eight Verses:
In brief, I will train myself to offer benefit and joy
to all my mothers, both directly and indirectly.
And respectfully take upon myself
all the hurts and pains of my mothers.
At the heart of these profound teachings is the wish to exchange self-grasping with a deep heartfelt cherishing of all other beings. May these heroic instructions resound across time and space.
The opening session of the Mind Training Foundational Texts review will take place on November 6. You’re warmly invited to join, either in person or via Zoom. Click here to learn more.
Image of Geshe Chekhawa Yeshe Dorje, courtesy of Himalayan Art Resources.
