Chapter 1. Lojong Makes Your Mind So Happy
1. Lojong Makes Your Mind So Happy
When your mind is trained in lojong, the lamrim lojong, whenever you face a problem your mind is so happy. Why is your mind is so happy? It is totally opposite to how people think in the West—your mind is so happy because you are experiencing the suffering of the six-realm sentient beings. Because your mind is already trained in bodhichitta, your mind is so happy when you meet a problem, any problem. If somebody is angry with you or somebody accuses you, your mind is so happy. If somebody talks about your mistakes or a doctor says that you have cancer, your mind is so happy. (Lama Zopa Rinpoche)
Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Tenzin Osel Rinpoche at Root Institute, 2017 (photo by Ven. Losang Sherab)
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
As you read this chapter of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings and watch the video excerpts keep the following points in mind and reflect on them:
- What is the best motivation for reading these teachings on lojong?
- What is special about the lojong found in the lamrim?
- What happens when you have too much luxury and comfort?
- What happens when you have too many problems?
- Why does the concept of permanence cheat you?
- Who or what should you blame for all your problems?
- Who or what do most people blame?
- What practice brings real peace and happiness in your heart?
- What are some of the analogies of bodhichitta?
- What happens when your mind is trained in lojong?
Once you have finished reading this chapter, do the related meditations and mindfulness practices.