EveryBodhi Podcast

Jampal Norbu

How do we navigate our lives in the midst of uncertainty? How do we bring our deepest intentions together with our actions? What is the purpose of spirituality? How do we accommodate both the beauty and the pain of life? These questions may never find definitive answers, but they are questions to live by. Join Buddhist student and teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, as she explores some of those genuine questions.

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20 episodes
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Avg 26 min
English

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S1 · E147
Thursday · 27 min
eB 147 - My Little Demon
Ego's arrogance ignores anything that doesn't serve "ME". "ME" is, in fact, the sole concern of arrogance, so it will hijack even our spiritual development. Bursting like a sausage stuffed with self-satisfaction, we'll congratulate ourselves for our great achievements of humility and altruism. Arrogance is as clueless as it is shameless in its performance, especially when it's dressed in a spiritual costume, and that's what makes it perhaps the most dangerous of emotional afflictions. Jampal Norbu examines the more subtle forms of arrogance with Lojong verse 37. Do not bring a god down to the level of a demon.
S1 · E146
August 26 · 22 min
eB 146 - In Your Own Way
The experience of getting in your own way is what we are referring to in Dharma teachings when we say neurosis. Dharma practice is intended to reduce that neurosis. But take care, because we can convince ourselves that we are shining a light on our inner world, when we are really dragging subtle neurosis along in our shadow. Jampal Norbu examines how Dharma practice exposes the subtle neurosis of ego by considering Lojong verse 36: Do not twist the practice.
S1 · E145
June 30 · 20 min
eB 145 - Friendly Competition
Survival of the fittest, is a well worn cliche deeply seeped into the fibers of our contemporary culture. Our every relationship can be influenced by a sense of competition and comparison if we don't learn to observe ourselves honestly. Jampal Norbu examines the ways Lojong acts as both a reference and a remedy along the bodhisattva path to becoming a genuine friend to ourselves, to the world, and even to opposing sports teams.
S1 · E144
January 6 · 23 min
eB 144 - The Buck Stops Here
We're quick to point a finger at another when anything's wrong. Sometimes the accusation might even be reasonable, but the point is, we have a tendency to blame others. Passing the buck, though, has a gradual weakening effect on our own mind. In the service of integrity and resilience we must reach the point of exclaiming,"The buck stops here." Jampal Norbu considers lawsuits, livestock, scapegoats and onion rings in the examination of Lojong verse 34, Do not transfer the dzo's load onto the ox.
S1 · E143
Oct 17, 2025 · 26 min
eB 143 - A Question of Integrity
On the surface, many Lojong verses seem like do-this-don't-do-that dictates restricting and prohibiting our freedom. These verses are actually friendly cautions alerting us to subtle attitudes that act against our well being. The integrity of our spiritual path depends upon a willingness to leave counterproductive habits behind in the name of true freedom. Jampal Norbu examines integrity in the context of aspiration bodhicitta through verse 33: Do Not Pounce Upon Vulnerability.
S1 · E142
Aug 5, 2025 · 21 min
eB 142 - The Best Revenge
We are full of stories. Our whole relative experience can be seen as such, just stories. Stories are helpful in comprehending experience, but stories also confuse our very perceptions. When our sense of self importance writes the narrative, we typically arrive at stories that are corrosive to positive agency, confidence and contentment. Through Lojong we're encouraged to be aware of who from within is telling the story. Jampal Norbu examines Lojong verse 32: Do Not Wait In Ambush.
S1 · E141
Jun 5, 2025 · 29 min
EB 141 - What A Life
There are 59 verses in the root text of Lojong that function as pithy mind training slogans. Each verse is dialed into a specific way that we struggle with our self importance. Through the years on this podcast, we've contemplated the verses one-by-one because each verse is worth considering. Sometimes we take a step back to view the bigger picture of how the spiritual path and the practice of Lojong expands relationships. During a trip to New Zealand, Jampal Norbu reflected on that deep appreciation.
S1 · E140
May 6, 2025 · 20 min
eB 140 - The Great Debate
Humans have used debate for millennia because it effectively exposes assumption, bias and misunderstanding. Most debates these days, though, are undertaken not for the sake of clarity and understanding, but for the sake of argument. In the spirit of argument, the main objective is to win, not to learn or clarify. Argument is ego's conquest in its relentless campaign of self validation. In the spirit of debating argument, Jampal Norbu explores Lojong verse 31-Do Not Be Contentious.
S1 · E139
Feb 2, 2025 · 19 min
eB 139 - A Question of Loyalty
Loyalty is a charged concept these days. For some, loyalty is a noble quality. For others, loyalty provokes dismissive disdain, as if it were just another outdated notion. But all of us demonstrate loyalty more often than we might be willing to admit. In this episode, Jampal Norbu reflects on the care and wisdom required to apply loyalty where loyalty is due. This is part 2 of a 2-part examination of Lojong verse 30 - Do not be a loyalist.
S1 · E138
Dec 23, 2024 · 25 min
eB 138 - I AM NOT PREDICTABLE
Each of Lojong's 59 slogans are composed of carefully selected words that can become powerful and reliable resources on the spiritual path. One's own words. Years ago, when Jampal Norbu worked on a Tibetan to English translation of the Lojong verses he was surprised to learn that Trungpa Rinpoche's well-know translation of Verse 30, "Don't be so predictable," was not quite direct or literal. In this episode, Jampal Norbu begins his two part examination of Lojong's most provocative verse.
S1 · E137
Oct 14, 2024 · 22 min
eB 137 - The Thought That Counts
Ego loves attention. It loves to call the shots. Ego even inserts itself into otherwise positive, altruistic actions. The Buddhist tradition of Lojong enables us to refine our practice of self-reflection so that we might observe and remedy ego's sneakier tactics. In this episode, Jampal Norbu encourages us to find and face the source of true happiness as he examines Lojong Verse 29: Abstain From Toxic Food.
S1 · E136
Aug 6, 2024 · 24 min
eB 136 - Adventurous Mindset
Jampal Norbu considers the examined, meaningful life beyond self indulgence and impulse. Our impulsive behavior is dictated by the self important rascal called ego, whose every action results in the five afflictive emotions. The Buddhist practice of Lojong trains us to spot and acknowledge those patterns. Seeing beyond those patterns we discover and appreciate new aspects and abilities within our very own mind. Understanding the verses, "Work with the strongest emotions first," and "Abandon expectation of fruition," can lead us there.
S1 · E135
Jul 1, 2024 · 23 min
eB 135 - The Land of Dragons
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 those great aspirants that came before us.
S1 · E134
Jun 5, 2024 · 18 min
eB 134 - A Pilgrim In Sarnath
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.
S1 · E133
Apr 25, 2024 · 27 min
eB 133 - Mind Your Own Business
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 contemplation of Verse 26: "Do Not Ponder Others' Business".
S1 · E132
Jan 18, 2024 · 30 min
eB 132 - Everyone's A Critic
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 healthier, positive mindset. Jampal Norbu explores verse 25 of Lojong: "Do not speak of the downfall of others." Theme music by Matt Quentin
S1 · E131
Dec 7, 2023 · 44 min
eB 131 - Freedom Through Discipline Pt 2 with Pema Chodron
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 today, but so do the examples of great living practitioners like Ani Pema Chodron. More than a world renowned author and teacher. Pema Chodron is a living example of Lojong in action. Part 2 of 2
S1 · E130
Oct 30, 2023 · 30 min
eB 130 - Freedom Through Discipline pt 1 with Pema Chödron
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 today, but so do the examples of great living practitioners, like Ani Pema Chodron. More than a world renowned author and teacher, Pema Chodron is a living example of Lojong in action.
S1 · E29
Oct 3, 2023 · 26 min
eB 129 - The Responsibility of Freedom
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 responsibility for your own mind. Jampal Norbu examines the 23rd verse of Lojong: "Always train in the three basic principles." Theme music by Matt Quentin
S1 · E128
Jul 25, 2023 · 39 min
eB 128 - Self Discovery
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 self reflection, our practice is available even when we find ourselves caught by life's distracting circumstances.

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