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EveryBodhi is a podcast focused on classic Mahayana Buddhism for the modern meditator. Change is the only consistent thing in our lives. While we don’t always want what comes of change, we can learn to rise and meet the challenge by coming to know ourselves and our minds better. Through conversation with friends, interviews with generous teachers and his own contemplation, our host, Jampal Norbu, shares contemporary insights on ancient wisdom lineages. There has never been a better time to e ...
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“True wealth is having a peaceful heart and a clear mind.” - Ela Crain Ela Crain’s journey towards peace and clarity starts in Los Angeles, where she studies the Meisner Technique and works as a Life Coach. In June 2019, Ela packs her stuff and goes to Europe to spend a month alone in the Swiss Alps. Her plan is to spend some time to zoom out and see where her life is headed - but life has different plans for Ela. She ends up spending 6 months in the mountains in Switzerland and Mallorca wit ...
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Sit by a riverside in The Kingdom of Bhutan with Jampal Norbu as he reflects on the value of our Buddhist heritage and history. The people, places and surprises encountered along a pilgrim’s trail can illuminate many aspects of study, practice and experience. Lojong too connects us to the genuine heart of the spiritual path and the blessings of all…
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Jampal Norbu discusses the historical and cultural significance of the Deer Park at Sarnath, where the Buddha first turned The Wheel of Dharma. He emphasizes the unique context these teachings offer by acknowledging the root cause of all our suffering. Understanding this, we can proceed to cultivate a positive and meaningful existence.…
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The Lojong mind training slogans don’t offer practitioners advice so that we might simply become nice or agreeable people. Mind training aims to aid us in genuine transformation, but we need to challenge ourselves to understand its deeper, nuanced layers. In this episode, Jampal Norbu is joined by Dharma teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, in contem…
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Have you heard of negativity bias? Recognizing threats to our well being is intuitive and alerts a sense of urgency around perceived negativities. However, this same quality can run out of control in a world where social criticism, and doom scrolling keep us locked into negative patterns. Lojong practice transforms that negative urgency into a heal…
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The practice of Lojong has a long and well established history. Many great practitioners have composed invaluable commentaries on its liberating effects. Their guidebooks reach across centuries, and transform even our fast paced, modern day negativities. These illuminating texts make Lojong one of the most accessible Buddhist practices in the world…
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The practice of Lojong has a long and well established history. Many great practitioners have composed invaluable commentaries on its liberating effects that can reach across centuries and transform even our fast paced, modern day negativities. These illuminating guidebooks make Lojong one of the most accessible Buddhist practices in the world toda…
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Freedom is one of the fundamental rights for all human beings. But what does freedom look like on a personal level…on a spiritual level? Are we seeking freedom from responsibility, freedom from persecution or freedom from consequences? All beings are answerable to the laws of cause and effect, which means that true freedom comes from taking respons…
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Jampal Norbu examines the 22nd verse of Lojong: “You have reached proficiency if you can practice even while distracted." Transforming self concern into care for others is the core of Buddhist meditation. How then do we gauge our progress on that path? The key lies in self reflection, which makes meditation possible. With a strong foundation of sel…
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Suffering happens, sometimes in heaps. It takes a great deal of strength to overcome the internal darkness of neurotic emotions. While forced positivity can be just a bypass of a difficult experience in life, we’re still responsible for our own minds. So what to do? Lojong verse 21, “Always maintain a joyful attitude,” reminds us to deepen our unde…
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The proliferation of opinions is endless, and many of them are misinformed. How do we come to trust the direct perception of our own mind over the assumptions of others? Through contemplation and practice, we can learn to find genuine confidence in our own experience. In this episode, Jampal Norbu examines the 20th verse of Lojong, “Of the two witn…
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Jampal Norbu considers the 18th verse of Lojong, “The Mahayana Instructions for the transference of consciousness are the five thoughts. Conduct is vital.” We examined how the Five Strengths apply to everyday life in the previous episode. Now, we will see how the Five Strengths apply to the end of life. Dharma teacher Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel joins…
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Jampal Norbu examines what it means to bring the practice of Lojong fully into your life. The sixteenth verse of lojong, “use whatever you face as a practice immediately“, is a commitment to go beyond the framework of conventional thinking and to bring practice to everything as it arises. The power of this verse lives in the present moment, and if …
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Jampal Norbu gives a brief introduction to the four kayas, and the significance of emptiness as guardian against samsara’s influence. The fourteenth verse of lojong, “Meditate upon illusory appearance as the four kayas. This is the unsurpassable protection of emptiness” takes the relative understanding of bodhichitta and opens it to the greater imp…
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Jampal Norbu takes a look at the importance of gratitude in life, including gratitude for challenging events and people. The thirteenth verse of lojong, “Meditate upon gratitude towards all”, builds on the twelfth verse which focuses on taking responsibility for one’s mind. Adopting a practice of gratitude and responsibility, cultivates a healthy a…
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Jampal Norbu opens up the third point of mind training - transforming adversity into the path of enlightenment. The chapters starts with the eleventh verse of lojong, ‘When the world is full of evil, transform misfortune into the path of awakening”, which speaks to the stoic quality of taking all challenges as opportunities to grow in the practice …
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Jampal Norbu explores the application of tonglen within everyday life - especially in relationship with our selves. The tenth verse of Lojong, “Begin the sequence of taking with oneself”, is a potent slogan for caregivers who know what is required to relate with the suffering of those around them. This episode is the second of a two-part look at ho…
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Jampal Norbu explores the application of tonglen within everyday life - especially in relationship to oneself. The tenth verse of lojong, “Begin the sequence of taking with oneself“, is a potent slogan for caregivers who know what is required to relate with the suffering of those around them. This verse is the first in a two part look at how tongle…
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Jampal Norbu explores the necessity of mind training as a living practice through developing a deeper understanding of the lojong slogans. The diligent application of self reflection and the nature of mind will lead us to experience freedom from ego attachment and the afflictive emotions. It is, however, up to the individual to explore what that me…
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Jampal Norbu examines how dharma practice is meant to transform negative emotions. The goal of a Buddhist path is to transform negative states of mind instead of avoiding or denying them. The path to freedom begins with simple sitting practice which allows us to identify neurotic states of mind. With some stabilization of that capacity we can emplo…
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Renowned author and meditator Ani Pema Chodron answers questions and gives advice on the practice of tonglen. Tonglen is the exchange of self for others and is considered one of the greatest practices within Mahayana Buddhism. With characteristic good humor and kindness Ani Pema addresses the difficulties of the practice, its counterintuitive appro…
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Renowned author and meditator Ani Pema Chodron shares her own experience with tonglen practice, from her introduction to the practice by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, to her own present insights; all with characteristic good humor and kindness. Tonglen is the exchange of self for others and is considered one of the greatest practices within Mahayana Bu…
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Jampal Norbu introduces the practice of tonglen: the exchange of self for others. This practice is an essential step on the path of Mahayana Buddhism, and it is said that one cannot attain enlightenment without developing this exchange. “Tonglen” literally means “to send and receive.” By exchanging our self-concern for the indifference habitually h…
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Jampal Norbu examines the main practice of Bodhichitta, which rests at the heart the Lojong text. Bodhichitta is the aspiration to attain enlightenment in order to benefit all beings and to assist them in attaining freedom from suffering. An examination of this aspiration reveals the deep rooted intention that runs through all the teachings and slo…
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Jampal Norbu examines the 6th verse of Lojong: IN POST MEDITATION, BE A CHILD OF ILLUSION. In this context, “childlike” refers to a sense of wonder rather than immaturity. Meditation practice can dissolve narrow views into an uncontrived openness. The state of open awareness is sometimes called “beginner’s mind” and is referenced throughout eastern…
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Jampal Norbu examines the fifth verse of Lojong: “Rest in the Nature of the Alaya“. This verse explores what it means to rest the mind in meditation and the open-dimensionality of shunyata. There is more to meditation than just relaxing the mind or quieting our thoughts. Lojong mind training considers how thoughts, feelings, and even consciousness …
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Jampal Norbu examines the fourth verse of Lojong: “The Antidote in Itself is Liberated”. This verse explores emotional suffering through the five negative emotions, also known as kleshas, or the five poisons. Antidotes to these negative emotions are revealed through the Lojong practice along with the natural state of mind free from suffering. The e…
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In this episode Jampal Norbu leads a guided meditation to explore the nature of mind as we contemplate the third verse of the Lojong text, ‘Examine the nature of unborn awareness.’ All buddhist meditation is based on self reflection and awareness of one's own mind. Through that awareness, buddhist teachings progress from abstract ideas to direct ex…
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Jampal Norbu examines the second verse of Lojong: "Consider All Phenomena as a Dream". This verse introduces one of the great philisophical cornerstones of Mahayana Buddhism, understanding emptiness. Far from a nihilistic view, emptiness, or the experience of shunyata, grounds our meditation practice by providing precise context to the question "is…
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Jampal Norbu welcomes Dharma teacher and author Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel to examine the first verse of Lojong: “First, train in the preliminaries. The preliminary practices in Mahayana Buddhism are an essential support for any student of Lojong. They set the stage to inspire and motivate, while reminding us of why we turn to Dharma in the first pla…
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In this episode we are joined by Ela and Mario with some news about the Peaceful Ease podcast. Ela explains how over the months of producing this show, her visions have shifted and she is now working on a new direction for her career, which will mean taking a break from the Peaceful Ease podcast in order to focus on her coaching clients and worksho…
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“A quiet mind is our default mind when we aren’t paying attention to, and taking our turbulent thoughts seriously.” This beautiful quote is from Rani Bora’s book, ‘How to Turn Stress on its Head’. Listen as Rani explains what stress is and the best ways to deal with it. Rani’s extensive knowledge and caring advice on stress management will show you…
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Today, we are joined by Rani Bora, a holistic psychiatrist and wellness coach. Listen as Ela and Rani have a fascinating discussion about how to overcome low self-esteem and build confidence. Rani shares with us her philosophy and views on spirituality and psychiatry, and how she blends the two. Her approach is unique and eye-opening. With her calm…
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How do you deal with your anger? Most of us believe that anger is a negative emotion that we should be embarrassed about. In this episode, Ela describes how we can actually use anger for a good purpose, like in sports or stage performances. Ela explains that anger is a high-frequency emotion which can give you a lot of energy to get things done. Im…
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Mindfulness is a word that is mentioned a lot in today’s society. but what does it actually mean? Listen as Clive Holmes explains mindfulness links what is happening within to the world outside, and how this magical tool can change our lives. --- ABOUT CLIVE HOLMES Clive Holmes has been teaching meditation for the last twenty five years. He has com…
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In this episode we are joined again by Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher Clive Holmes. Listen as Ela and Clive dive into a deep discussion on the practice of meditation, from its beginnings to its development and benefits. Clive shares some useful tips about how we can all include meditation as a natural part of your daily life. With his gift to o…
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In this episode, we hear Ela address a question that is asked in a book named 'Wishcraft' by Barbara Sher. The book uncovers effective strategies for making real change in your life. Listen as Ela quizzes Mario how he would use his five lives. Ela also shares the most common choices that people make about their extra lives. Curious? Tune in for mor…
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In this second part of Ela's interview with Dr. Suraj Gogoi, Dr. Gogoi talks about The Three Principles outlines by Sydney Banks: mind, thought and consciousness. Dr. Gogoi shares how this principle has had an immense influence on his life and career as a mental health professional, and Innate Well-being Coach. --- ABOUT SURAJ GOGOI As well as a ps…
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When you wake up in the morning, do you feel fresh and clear-minded? If so, how long can you hold onto this feeling as you venture through the day? Today Ela's special guest, Dr. Suraj Gogoi, explains how our true nature is like that freshness we feel in the mornings, and how our ego minds creates an endless chase of feelings, both negative and pos…
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In this episode, Ela discusses the three characteristics of people who are searching for their purpose in life: pain, dissatisfaction, and restlessness with being comfortable. Listen as Ela explains how these qualities contribute and sometimes obstruct our search, and how this search shape who we are and how we approach life. Links Discovering Your…
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How often do you give encouragement and support to others, yet beat yourself up over the smallest thing? It is time to start showing yourself more compassion. Hence, in this episode Ela and Mario discuss being better friends with yourself and offer techniques to deal with self-deprecation and anger. Do unto yourself as you would do unto others!…
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How are your New Year’s resolutions going? As we approach the end of the first month of the year, you may be feeling like you are failing at keeping up with the goals you've set for yourself. Join Ela and Mario as they discuss how setting intentions and goals are two different things and why one is healthier than the other. Ela also talks about bei…
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Do you have trouble dealing with stress? There are many factors causing stress in our lives: work, family, relationships. What differs between us all is our ability to deal with it. In this episode, we welcome Nicole Ehrenberg once again. Listen as she explains what stress is, how it manifests, and the best ways to deal with it. Links Nicole Ehrenb…
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