First, train in the preliminaries

Posted by: Michael | 12/01/2013

First, train in the preliminaries

Now that I have assembled the lojong phrases in a workable format here, I feel I should move forward with the way I have come to understand them at his point in time. I am certain that, going forward, my understanding will develop and change and I will most likely rework the phrases as I go along to reflect my evolving grasp of the meaning. In case anyone stumbles onto this post in isolation I want to make it clear that this is NOT a traditional Tibetan or Mahayana presentation of the lojong mind training practice; rather, it is my own reworking of the same according to my own faulty understanding of Theravada doctrine and abhidhamma and is in no way intended to be authoritative in any sense. In truth, it is simply a reflection of my own desire to work with the lojong teachings as a means to transform my heart and mind and may very well be a prideful an ill-advised endeavor so I caution anyone from putting too much stock in what they read here.

According to Chogyam Trungpa the meaning of the first slogan is best described by the epithet “The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind.” He states:

In practicing the slogans and in your daily life, you should maintain an awareness of [1] the preciousness of human life and the particular good fortune of life in an environment in which you can hear the teachings of Buddhadharma; [2] the reality of death, that it comes suddenly and without warning; [3] the entrapment of karma–that whatever you do, whether virtuous or not, only further entraps you in the chain of cause and effect; and [4] the intensity and inevitability of suffering for yourself and for all sentient beings. This is called “taking an attitude of the four reminders.” (http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tib/training.htm)

It is hard to conceive of anything lacking in this formulation and it is a great reminder of the precariousness and preciousness of or present position. In Pali terms these four thoughts engender samvega (or a sense of urgency) which helps us to practice with renewed zeal and effort. So far, so good.

May all beings find freedom from suffering!