Lojong (Mind Training): Questions and Answers

A host, Jamie, reads questions submitted by participants in an online lojong training cycle, and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo answers in English. Her answers keep returning to one point of lojong: treat whatever happens, especially difficult people and disappointments, as material for practice.

The questions cover how to respond when things do not go as hoped, advice for young practitioners, how to deal with an inner critic and with doubt, and how a day of work and family can become Dharma practice. Later questions ask about self-esteem and Buddha nature, balancing silence with connection to others, feeling pleased when a harmful person suffers, and ethical conduct; hope and fear come up in her answer on the key to success in lojong. She draws on stories and similes throughout, including space and clouds and the ocean of samsara.