Be wholehearted is about overcoming your defences and making a commitment to practice mind training wholeheartedly. The original lojong slogan is: Train wholeheartedly, which means you don’t hold back or avoid feelings or experiences that make you uncomfortable. When you commit to training your mind, you can’t make excuses or look for ways to avoid… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Be Wholehearted

Don’t wobble is about being consistent with your mind training practice and not getting sidetracked by other things in your life or doubts about what you’re doing. The original lojong slogan is: Don’t vacillate, which draws your attention to the way your mind tends to get caught up in its own vortex, running in circles… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Wobble

Don’t misinterpret is about not misinterpreting the teachings and applying them in ways that mean you don’t really have to change. The original lojong slogan is the same and focuses on six specific qualities that you should avoid misinterpreting (see the book for more). Spiritual practices of all kinds can make you feel good and… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Misinterpret

Practice what’s important is about not wasting the opportunity to practice mind training and meditation by paying attention to this moment right now. The original lojong slogan is: This time, practice the main points, which are to help others, practice the teachings, and cultivate compassion. This moment is the only time in which you can… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Practice What’s Important

Don’t count on external conditions is about practising mind training and meditation no matter what’s going on in your life. Whether your circumstances are favourable or not, practice anyway. The original lojong slogan is: Don’t be swayed by external circumstances, which reminds you that you can’t control reality. You can only control your reaction to… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Count on External Conditions

Meditate on what you resent is about noticing when you shut down or get annoyed, and using that to wake yourself up. The original lojong slogan is: Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment, and it encourages you to practice tonglen meditation with the things that get your goat. This slogan asks you to pay attention… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Meditate on What You Resent

Train with a whole heart is about applying the practice of mind training to everything in your life, not just when you’re meditating. The original lojong slogan is rather long: Train without bias in all areas. It is crucial always to do this pervasively and wholeheartedly. The key idea is to practice without bias, which… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Train with a Whole Heart

Practice with your whole being is about applying the practice of mind training to your whole being, not just your mind. The original lojong slogan is: Keep the three inseparable, which means seeing the body, speech, and mind as united. The body refers to how you act and what you do. Speech isn’t just what… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Practice with your Whole Being

Don’t lose track is about remembering your inspiration and practising gratitude to help you maintain your commitment to mind training and awakening. The original lojong slogan is: Pay heed that the three never wane, and it refers to the three causes in slogan 45. It’s hard to maintain your enthusiasm and keep practising over the… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Lose Track

Take on the three causes is about increasing the possibility of awakening by embracing ideas and practices that support you. The original lojong slogan is: Take on the three principal causes, and they are to find a teacher, to recognise the importance of the teachings, and to change your lifestyle so it supports your desire… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Take on the Three Causes

Train in the three difficulties is about dealing with your bad habits and difficult emotions. The original lojong slogan is the same and refers to the difficulties of breaking free of the behaviour that holds you back. The three difficulties are the three ways your habits can cause you problems. First is the difficulty of… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Train in the Three Difficulties

Remember what’s at stake is about walking your talk and remembering to focus on what matters to you most. In the context of this teaching, that’s your intention to wake up and help others. The original lojong slogan is: Observe these two, even at the risk of your life, the two being the refuge and… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Remember What’s at Stake