Seven Point Mind Training and Avalokiteśvara Jenang

Pith instructions for spiritual practice in challenging times

By Geshe Sonam Ngodrup
Translation from Tibetan to English by Venerable Khedrup

The Mind Training (Lojong) teachings are essential pith instructions enabling us to use the difficult life situations we face as opportunities to develop our minds. By applying these teachings in daily life, obstacles can become catalysts for spiritual growth and realization.

In the words of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lojong allows us "to experience suffering with a good heart."

In the text of The Seven Point Lojong, Geshe Chekawa presents fifty-nine beautifully challenging mind training slogans that are transformative when put into practice. Geshe Sonam Ngodrup will teach this text from an experiential point of view, helping us understand how to integrate its essence as a method for using every moment to develop a more compassionate heart.

On the last day of these teachings, Geshe la will grant a jenang (permission initiation) into the Kriyā tantra practice of Four armed Avalokiteśvara (Chenrezig), the Buddha of Compassion. The practice of this deity allows us to incorporate practices of visualization and mantra recitation to further develop the positive qualities of love and compassion.

For whom:

The theme of these this event is ideal as a integration experience for participants of the FSS course. The course is suitable for everyone. Some familiarity with the basic concepts of Buddhist thought is recommended in order to get the most out of this experience.

What to expect:

Next to Geshe la’s inspiring teachings, we will offer guided meditations, review class and Q&A. Accommodation in shared double rooms. Delicious vegetarian meals. Participation in some shared household tasks such as dishwashing is expected.

About Geshe Sonam Ngodrup:

Geshe Sonam Ngodrup, was born in 1968 in the Ganze region of Kham, Tibet and left at the age of 13 to study Buddhism in India. He was ordained as a novice monk at Sera Jey Monastery that year, and at the age of 21 received full ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

 Geshe la graduated as a Geshe Lharampa from Sera Jey Monastery in first position in 2003, and in 2004 completed a year of tantric studies at Gyumed Monastery in Hunsur. He was one of the most popular petri geygan (official scripture teachers) at Sera Jey with several hundred students, teaching complex topics of the monastic curriculum. In addition, Geshe la taught sutra studies at Dzongkhar Choede and Gyumed monasteries where his classes were in high demand.

In 2011, Geshe la came to the West, teaching the topics of the Basic Program first at Nalanda Monastery in France and then at Maitreya Institute in the Netherlands, in addition to courses on introductory Buddhism throughout Europe.

In 2019, Geshe la settled in Canada. He is a well-loved teacher whose vast scriptural knowledge is tempered by a naturally humble nature and profound non-sectarian approach to the study of the teachings.