How do we navigate our lives in the midst of uncertainty? How do we bring our deepest intentions together with our actions? What is the purpose of spirituality?...
Loyalty is a charged concept these days. For some, loyalty is a noble quality. For others, loyalty provokes dismissive disdain, as if it were just another outdated notion. But all of us demonstrate loyalty more often than we might be willing to admit. In this episode, Jampal Norbu reflects on the care and wisdom required to apply loyalty where loyalty is due. This is part 2 of a 2-part examination of Lojong verse 30 - Do not be a loyalist.
--------
19:00
eB 138 - I AM NOT PREDICTABLE
Each of Lojong’s 59 slogans are composed of carefully selected words that can become powerful and reliable resources on the spiritual path. One's own words. Years ago, when Jampal Norbu worked on a Tibetan to English translation of the Lojong verses he was surprised to learn that Trungpa Rinpoche’s well-know translation of Verse 30, “Don’t be so predictable,” was not quite direct or literal. In this episode, Jampal Norbu begins his two part examination of Lojong’s most provocative verse.
--------
25:44
eB 137 - The Thought That Counts
Ego loves attention. It loves to call the shots. Ego even inserts itself into otherwise positive, altruistic actions. The Buddhist tradition of Lojong enables us to refine our practice of self-reflection so that we might observe and remedy ego’s sneakier tactics. In this episode, Jampal Norbu encourages us to find and face the source of true happiness as he examines Lojong Verse 29: Abstain From Toxic Food.
--------
22:52
eB 136 - Adventurous Mindset
Jampal Norbu considers the examined, meaningful life beyond self indulgence and impulse. Our impulsive behavior is dictated by the self important rascal called ego, whose every action results in the five afflictive emotions. The Buddhist practice of Lojong trains us to spot and acknowledge those patterns. Seeing beyond those patterns we discover and appreciate new aspects and abilities within our very own mind. Understanding the verses, “Work with the strongest emotions first,” and “Abandon expectation of fruition,” can lead us there.
--------
24:27
eB 135 - The Land of Dragons
Sit by a riverside in The Kingdom of Bhutan with Jampal Norbu as he reflects on the value of our Buddhist heritage and history. The people, places and surprises encountered along a pilgrim’s trail can illuminate many aspects of study, practice and experience. Lojong too connects us to the genuine heart of the spiritual path and the blessings of all those great aspirants that came before us.
How do we navigate our lives in the midst of uncertainty? How do we bring our deepest intentions together with our actions? What is the purpose of spirituality? How do we accommodate both the beauty and the pain of life? These questions may never find definitive answers, but they are questions to live by. Join Buddhist student and teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, as she explores some of those genuine questions.
Italia