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Be Grateful to Everyone: An In-depth Guide to the Practice of Lojong
One of the best ways to bring meditation off the cushion and into everyday life is to practice lojong (or mind training). For centuries, Tibetans have used fifty-nine powerful mind-training slogans as a way to transform life’s ordinary situations into opportunities for awakening. In this seven-CD program, Pema Chödrön presents her definitive audio teachings on lojong. She offers an overview of the practice and goes on to provide inspiring commentary on the slogans while paying special attention to how to apply them on the spot in our daily lives. The CDs include:
• Practical commentary to enhance our understanding of the lojong slogans
• Seven writing and reflection exercises to help us engage deeply with the slogans
• Meditation instructions to help us relax, let go, and uncover our uncaught-up mind
• On-the-spot methods to deepen our bodhichitta, our compassion for all beings
• Question-and-answer sessions that address some of the most common issues that arise in lojong practice
• Two guided meditations on tonglen—a compassion practice based on the understanding that the very thing that triggers suffering can become the foundation of happiness
• Practical commentary to enhance our understanding of the lojong slogans
• Seven writing and reflection exercises to help us engage deeply with the slogans
• Meditation instructions to help us relax, let go, and uncover our uncaught-up mind
• On-the-spot methods to deepen our bodhichitta, our compassion for all beings
• Question-and-answer sessions that address some of the most common issues that arise in lojong practice
• Two guided meditations on tonglen—a compassion practice based on the understanding that the very thing that triggers suffering can become the foundation of happiness
Audio CD
First published March 8, 2011
About the author
Pema Chödrön
126 books5,687 followersAni Pema Chödrön (Deirdre Blomfield-Brown) is an American Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition, closely associated with the Kagyu school and the Shambhala lineage.
She attended Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She taught as an elementary school teacher for many years in both New Mexico and California. Pema has two children and three grandchildren.
While in her mid-thirties, she traveled to the French Alps and encountered Lama Chime Rinpoche, with whom she studied for several years. She became a novice nun in 1974 while studying with Lama Chime in London. His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa came to England at that time, and Ani Pema received her ordination from him.
Ani Pema first met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Trungpa, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection, studying with him from 1974 until his death in 1987. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full bikshuni ordination in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong.
Ani Pema served as the director of the Karma Dzong, in Boulder, CO, until moving in 1984 to rural Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to be the director of Gampo Abbey. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave her explicit instructions on establishing this monastery for western monks and nuns.
Ani Pema currently teaches in the United States and Canada and plans for an increased amount of time in solitary retreat under the guidance of Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.
She attended Miss Porter's School in Connecticut and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She taught as an elementary school teacher for many years in both New Mexico and California. Pema has two children and three grandchildren.
While in her mid-thirties, she traveled to the French Alps and encountered Lama Chime Rinpoche, with whom she studied for several years. She became a novice nun in 1974 while studying with Lama Chime in London. His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa came to England at that time, and Ani Pema received her ordination from him.
Ani Pema first met her root guru, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in 1972. Lama Chime encouraged her to work with Trungpa, and it was with him that she ultimately made her most profound connection, studying with him from 1974 until his death in 1987. At the request of the Sixteenth Karmapa, she received the full bikshuni ordination in the Chinese lineage of Buddhism in 1981 in Hong Kong.
Ani Pema served as the director of the Karma Dzong, in Boulder, CO, until moving in 1984 to rural Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to be the director of Gampo Abbey. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave her explicit instructions on establishing this monastery for western monks and nuns.
Ani Pema currently teaches in the United States and Canada and plans for an increased amount of time in solitary retreat under the guidance of Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 29, 2011
Highlights (?) from six weeks with Pema. Breathing in pain (yours, theirs, ours), breathing out the lightness of staring at fear. Her humanity, warmth, and devotion to nurturing compassion is obvious. And appreciated.
Although this is not a tightly integrated set of lectures and talks, the overall impact isn't diminished.
Big theme: compassion for others begins with unclenching your own fists.
Although this is not a tightly integrated set of lectures and talks, the overall impact isn't diminished.
Big theme: compassion for others begins with unclenching your own fists.
April 3, 2020
2019.05.15–2019.05.15
Contents
Chödrön P (2011) (06:38) Be Grateful to Everyone - An In-depth Guide to the Practice of Lojong
1-01. Shambhala Audio Presents
1-02. Introduction to the Retreat
1-03. The History of Lojong
1-04. Unbroken Lineage
1-05. Create Two Lists: Love and Compassion
1-06. First, train in the preliminaries [1.1]
1-07. Point 2: The Main Practice, Which Is Training in Bodhichitta
1-08. Regard all dharmas as dreams [2.2]
1-09. Examine the nature of unborn awareness [2.3]
1-10. Self-liberate even the antidote [2.4]
1-11. Rest in the nature of alaya, the essence [2.5]
1-12. In postmeditation, be a child of illusion [2.6]
1-13. Exercise: Giving Practice
2-01. The Relative Bodhichitta Slogans
2-02. Three objects, three poisons, three seeds virtue [2.8]
2-03. Practice the three difficulties [7.44]
2-04. Acknowledging the Three Poisons as the Seeds of Empathy
2-05. Sending and taking should be practiced alternately. These two should ride the breath [2.7]
2-06. Begin the sequence of sending and taking with yourself [2.10]
2-07. In all activities, train with the slogans [2.9]
2-08. Q&A [Part 1]
2-09. Q&A [Part 2]
3-01. Introduction: The Meaning of the Word Bodhichitta
3-02. Point 3: Transformation of Bad Circumstances into the Way of Enlightenment
3-03. When the world is filled with evil, transform all mishaps into the path of bodhi [3.11]
3-04. Drive all blames into one [3.12]
3-05. Difficulties as Opportunities for Awakening
3-06. Be grateful to everyone [3.13]
3-07. Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation [3.16]
3-08. Exercises: Sharing Enjoyment Practice and Same Boat Practice
4-01. Overview of Tonglen: Exchanging Oneself with Others
4-02. The Essence of Tonglen
4-03. Instructions on the Three Stages of Tonglen
4-04. Guided Tonglen Practice
4-05. Exercise: On-the-Spot Tonglen Practice
5-01. Point 4: The Five Strengths
5-02. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-03. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-04. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-05. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-06. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-07. Q&A [Part 1]
5-08. Q&A [Part 2]
5-09. Q&A [Part 3]
5-10. Q&A [Part 4]
5-11. Exercise: Equanimity Practice
6-01. The Three Types of Courage
6-02. Point 5: The Evaluation of Mind Training
6-03. All Dharmas Agree at One Point
6-04. Of the Two Witnesses, Hold the Principal One
6-05. Always Maintain a Joyful Mind
6-06. If You Can Practice Even When Distracted You're Well Trained
6-07. Don't Ponder Others
6-08. Don't Be Jealous
6-09. Don't Expect Applause
6-10. How Am I Blocking My Own Happiness?
7-01. The Bodhisattva Vow
7-02. Compassionate Aspirations
7-03. The Don't Slogans [6.25, 6.26, 6.27, 6.30, 6.31]
7-04. All activities should be done with one intention [7.39]. Correct all wrongs with one intention [7.40]
7-05. Two activities: one at the beginning, one at the end [7.41]
7-06. Train without bias in all areas. It is crucial always to do this pervasively and wholeheartedly [7.48]
7-07. Always train in whatever provokes resentment [7.49]
7-08. Conclusion: We're All in the Same Boat
Contents
Chödrön P (2011) (06:38) Be Grateful to Everyone - An In-depth Guide to the Practice of Lojong
1-01. Shambhala Audio Presents
1-02. Introduction to the Retreat
1-03. The History of Lojong
1-04. Unbroken Lineage
1-05. Create Two Lists: Love and Compassion
1-06. First, train in the preliminaries [1.1]
1-07. Point 2: The Main Practice, Which Is Training in Bodhichitta
1-08. Regard all dharmas as dreams [2.2]
1-09. Examine the nature of unborn awareness [2.3]
1-10. Self-liberate even the antidote [2.4]
1-11. Rest in the nature of alaya, the essence [2.5]
1-12. In postmeditation, be a child of illusion [2.6]
1-13. Exercise: Giving Practice
2-01. The Relative Bodhichitta Slogans
2-02. Three objects, three poisons, three seeds virtue [2.8]
2-03. Practice the three difficulties [7.44]
2-04. Acknowledging the Three Poisons as the Seeds of Empathy
2-05. Sending and taking should be practiced alternately. These two should ride the breath [2.7]
2-06. Begin the sequence of sending and taking with yourself [2.10]
2-07. In all activities, train with the slogans [2.9]
2-08. Q&A [Part 1]
2-09. Q&A [Part 2]
3-01. Introduction: The Meaning of the Word Bodhichitta
3-02. Point 3: Transformation of Bad Circumstances into the Way of Enlightenment
3-03. When the world is filled with evil, transform all mishaps into the path of bodhi [3.11]
3-04. Drive all blames into one [3.12]
3-05. Difficulties as Opportunities for Awakening
3-06. Be grateful to everyone [3.13]
3-07. Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation [3.16]
3-08. Exercises: Sharing Enjoyment Practice and Same Boat Practice
4-01. Overview of Tonglen: Exchanging Oneself with Others
4-02. The Essence of Tonglen
4-03. Instructions on the Three Stages of Tonglen
4-04. Guided Tonglen Practice
4-05. Exercise: On-the-Spot Tonglen Practice
5-01. Point 4: The Five Strengths
5-02. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-03. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-04. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-05. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-06. Practice the five strengths, the condensed heart instructions [4.17]
5-07. Q&A [Part 1]
5-08. Q&A [Part 2]
5-09. Q&A [Part 3]
5-10. Q&A [Part 4]
5-11. Exercise: Equanimity Practice
6-01. The Three Types of Courage
6-02. Point 5: The Evaluation of Mind Training
6-03. All Dharmas Agree at One Point
6-04. Of the Two Witnesses, Hold the Principal One
6-05. Always Maintain a Joyful Mind
6-06. If You Can Practice Even When Distracted You're Well Trained
6-07. Don't Ponder Others
6-08. Don't Be Jealous
6-09. Don't Expect Applause
6-10. How Am I Blocking My Own Happiness?
7-01. The Bodhisattva Vow
7-02. Compassionate Aspirations
7-03. The Don't Slogans [6.25, 6.26, 6.27, 6.30, 6.31]
7-04. All activities should be done with one intention [7.39]. Correct all wrongs with one intention [7.40]
7-05. Two activities: one at the beginning, one at the end [7.41]
7-06. Train without bias in all areas. It is crucial always to do this pervasively and wholeheartedly [7.48]
7-07. Always train in whatever provokes resentment [7.49]
7-08. Conclusion: We're All in the Same Boat
February 14, 2012
Chodron offer interpretations of Buddhist teachings. Her ideas and insights are useful in combatting daily negativity that might take the form of indifference, jealousy, anger, etc. Her humility and humor makes her teachings down to Earth. I am glad she doesn't take on a holier than thou attitude by admitting the daily imperfections that she is facing. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this struggle and that even a well disciplined Buddhist nun struggles like I do. This is a good book to read if you're trying to break a habit or dealing with a person who is really challenging you.
January 12, 2022
I thought this lecture series was a perfect length for the content. Pema Chödrön illustrates the practice of Lojong in a simple and modern context, making it easy to follow and relate. Before reading this book, I had already taken a course on Lojong, but this lecture set helped the practice really sink in for me.
September 16, 2018
Comprehensive and heart-warming
I first encountered Pema Chödrön 's teachings on lojong four years ago. I've read a number of Buddhist books since then and what drew me to her writing then is also what sets it apart from other similarly themed works until this very day. Whereas many of the teachings are harder to integrate into day to day life due to the barriers of translation, cultural relativism and terminology, Pema Chödrön 's recommendations are easy to work with. I love listening to her soft-spoken instructions peppered with jokes and anecdotes, they often leave me moved to tears, inspired and hopeful. Other teachings take time for synthesis and integration, hers change my state the moment I hear them. This stance, of course, is entirely subjective and others might not feel this material to be so transformative, but after years of having my nose in the pages, I am grateful to have found something that circumvents my brain and goes straight to the heart.
I first encountered Pema Chödrön 's teachings on lojong four years ago. I've read a number of Buddhist books since then and what drew me to her writing then is also what sets it apart from other similarly themed works until this very day. Whereas many of the teachings are harder to integrate into day to day life due to the barriers of translation, cultural relativism and terminology, Pema Chödrön 's recommendations are easy to work with. I love listening to her soft-spoken instructions peppered with jokes and anecdotes, they often leave me moved to tears, inspired and hopeful. Other teachings take time for synthesis and integration, hers change my state the moment I hear them. This stance, of course, is entirely subjective and others might not feel this material to be so transformative, but after years of having my nose in the pages, I am grateful to have found something that circumvents my brain and goes straight to the heart.
August 25, 2020
I'm a fan.
October 8, 2024
fantastic.. needed these fresh perspectives
July 26, 2019
This is a great guide to processing emotions in order to reach a state of loving kindness and compassion - regardless of your religion. It's very helpful when you're a sensitive person and prone to strong emotions. Bonus: the author is hilarious.
She talks about first starting where you are -- allowing yourself to practice self-compassion. Through kind thoughts and the use of the slogans, you can guide yourself into and through difficult emotions without self-blame, shame, or guilt, validate your feelings, and thus allow them to dissipate. After the difficult emotions have been processed, you can then access your loving heart which has innate wisdom ("Bodhicitta"). The trick is getting to that open heart.
The breathing technique is helpful. Chodron suggests breathing in the pain you feel, and breathing out love to all. I find it more helpful personally to visualize breathing in love and breathing out the pain, but I suppose it's whatever works for you, and what state of mind you are in. I also find it very useful to put all attention on the physical pain that accompanies painful emotions and objectively describe the sensations to myself (tight throat, aching chest, etc.). Combining that with the breathing really works like magic.
She talks about first starting where you are -- allowing yourself to practice self-compassion. Through kind thoughts and the use of the slogans, you can guide yourself into and through difficult emotions without self-blame, shame, or guilt, validate your feelings, and thus allow them to dissipate. After the difficult emotions have been processed, you can then access your loving heart which has innate wisdom ("Bodhicitta"). The trick is getting to that open heart.
The breathing technique is helpful. Chodron suggests breathing in the pain you feel, and breathing out love to all. I find it more helpful personally to visualize breathing in love and breathing out the pain, but I suppose it's whatever works for you, and what state of mind you are in. I also find it very useful to put all attention on the physical pain that accompanies painful emotions and objectively describe the sensations to myself (tight throat, aching chest, etc.). Combining that with the breathing really works like magic.
October 28, 2023
I enjoyed the wisdom shared here, but I was not expecting it to be a recording of a live lecture series. This includes poor audio of audience questions, the coughs and laughs of those participants, and long periods of the "silence" of group meditation sessions punctuated by the ambient noises of traffic outside of whichever lecture setting where this was recorded. I put that upfront as this wasn't so much a book as I was expecting, and at times made it hard to pay attention...though, again, the content and wisdom shared was very good
Read
November 18, 2019Regardless of your religious beliefs, this book had some good everyday practices and reminders
June 4, 2024
A book about finding inner peace and our essential roll of creating a peaceful world through the examples and lives of others.
December 12, 2024
Dynamite. A lojong retreat over multiple days. Always fresh. / Audible
June 14, 2025
An excellent listen that I mostly listened to on my wistful solo road trip
July 31, 2014
Enjoyed Pema's teachings for being grateful. It was very down to earth in the Buddhist teachings and made you think but realistically that we are human and have the feelings even though we strive to become totally enlightened and grateful to everyone. She has a very genuine voice as well as is funny.
August 22, 2012
Classic Pema--funny, insightful, meaningful. She rocks.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews