Lojong is the Tibetan Buddhist practice that involves working with short phrases (called "slogans") as a way of generating bodhichitta, the heart and mind of enlightened compassion. Though the practice is more than a millennium old, it has become popular in the West only in the last twenty years or so because it's a practice that one can fit very well into an ordinary life, and because it works.
In Training in Compassion, Norman Fischer offers his commentary on the lojong slogans. He applies Zen wisdom to them, showing lojong to be a wonderful method for everyone, including those who aren't otherwise interested in Buddhism, who don't have the time or inclination to meditate, or who'd just like to morph into the kind of person who's focused rather than scattered, generous rather than stingy, and kind rather than thoughtless.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. We'll choose a winner next Friday, December 14, at noon EST. Congrats to David! Thanks for your comments, everyone, and come back for more giveaways!
I love Zoketsu :-)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:53 am
I am just learning this and would love to read this book.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:53 am
I would love a copy of training in Compassion. I am a student of Cyndi Lee and have been a reader of Shambala Sun for a short while. I find the articles and reading recommendations very helpful.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:55 am
I'd love an opportunity to read this book.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:56 am
Like learn more the true meaning of exchanging self for others in essence
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:56 am
I've been reading a lot about Lojong lately and would enjoy learning more!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:57 am
In the words of zen there is nothing I can say
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:58 am
I love learning about being a better person, and I think this book would help excel me on that journey!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:58 am
After many years of sitting the Soto Zen Shikantaza method of just sitting, I have discovered practices that open to more heart. I would love to receive a copy of this book!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:58 am
Looks very interesting. Thanks for this giveaway!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:59 am
Would love to read more about Lojong. It has captured my attention. It will be a nice source to my daily practice.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:00 am
As a longtime zen practitioner, who has also worked with the lojong teachings, I am intrigued to read what Zoketsu has written.
Gregg
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:00 am
Compassion is a subject I teach to my karate students -- it's one of our "martial virtues." (http://emeraldnecklacebudo.com/values.htm)
I'd love to use this book as an additional resource for studying and embodying the subject of compassion. With gratitude! J
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:01 am
As a long-time zen practitioner, who has also worked with the lojong teachings, I am intrigued to read what Zoketsu has written..
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:01 am
What a lovely read this would be, something most of us need! Thanks!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:02 am
I have not heard of Lojong until I read this page. It is good to learn something new each day & this book would be sure to continue to nourish my spiritual appetite.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:03 am
This intersection (and interaction) of the Zen and Tibetan Buddhist tradition is reminiscent of the co-mingling present with Suzuki Rosh and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. I look forward to reading Fischer's "read" of that intersection from his perspective.
Two traditions enriching one another. What could be better!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:04 am
I am a Reiki Jin Kei Do Master. In my lineage we intend to walk the path of compassion and wisdom. I think this teaching will deepen my understanding and practice. Thank you!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:05 am
I am expanding my spiritual journey and this book looks like it would be very insightful!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:05 am
I'm very interested in Buddhism and I would love to develop focus, generosity and kindness in my life; this book would be a great help.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:06 am
I would love to read this book. I believe it would help me greatly in my everyday practice. a lotus for all buddhas to be
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:08 am
Embracing the universalities of all religions has helped me on my spiritual path. I especially love Zen & Tibetan Buddism. I work as a Massage Therapist and it's important that I have compassion for my clients. This book would offer great insight for me to better serve my clients. Pick me!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:09 am
Thank you so much for your generous offering. Peace and love to you for working to make the world a more compassionate place.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:10 am
This book looks great. What can be better than strengthening compassion?
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:10 am
Whether it's meditation, chanting or Lojong, all these practices would lead to the same aim in achieving wisdom, courage and compassion in our lives. Creativity is a natural result of an open mind..
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:14 am
beautiful,thank you for your kindness
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:19 am
Looks like a nice companion for Shantideva.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:20 am
A Zen commentary on Tibetan teachings? Sounds interesting enough. It will be hard to be open minded...
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:20 am
Thanks for all of the great books you publish and make available to the world. And pick me, pick me, pick me!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:20 am
It sounds as if this is what the world needs. I would love to read and share this book and its teachings!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:21 am
Our perspective is always better when we look at things from more than one viewpoint. I look forward to reading this!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:23 am
I am studying Zen, but seem to focus more on discouraging unhelpful seeds (in mind consciousness) rather than encouraging beneficial ones (like compassion). This book would benefit my practice. If I don't win it, I'll be buying it :-)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:23 am
A year and half ago my family moved to Cuenca, Ecuador. Here there wasn't a Shambhala center like there was in Atlanta, GA where we lived before our big move. About a year ago I meet two practicing Buddhists and one is a certified teacher so we have started a group and are working on becoming a Shambhala meditation group. This book would be a great asset not just for me but for our newly formed group. Please keeps on in your thoughts as we go through the process of becoming a formal group. Thank you, Susan
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:25 am
Sounds like an interesting book. I'd love read it.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:26 am
I've recently become aware of the benefits of Lojong practice in living mindfully and would love the oportunity to read this book.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:26 am
Commodifiers of compassion! :D
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:33 am
I'd love to learn about the Lojong Slogans through a Zen lens! Thank you Norman Fischer for writing this book!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:35 am
I would be grateful to receive this gift.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:35 am
within the body there is music unending
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:35 am
I've been coming across Lojong and would like to learn more...
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:37 am
Would love to win this book because I havenot one a book yet.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:38 am
I'm enjoying Fischer's book on Odysseus and midlife and would love to read this as well!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:38 am
Thanks for the heads up on this title!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:38 am
Sitting shikantaza is just about the most radical thing one can do in this modern world. It never leaves me untouched. Norman Fischer's book sounds to be one which could help with daily practice.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:38 am
I want to win this book. That is all
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:42 am
I am studying Lojong and this book would be a great help.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:43 am
I would welcome the opportunity to read this book. It would fit nicely with what I -try- to practice and teach in my martial arts classes.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:54 am
I was addicted to prescription pain pills for quite a while but i recently changed my life and am on a very spiritual journey and awakening. I would be honored to win this book. =)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Delicious.... I can't wait and always in Practice MODE.
Namaste...
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:06 pm
I would to learn to deepen my meditation practice!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Compassion.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Would love to take a look at this and Mr. Fischer always shares his unique insight!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:19 pm
As someone who has never mastered meditation despite numerous attempts, this sounds like a great alternative. Sign me up!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:22 pm
This book sounds wonderful! Sometimes i just don't feel like being spiritual. It's a process for me. Literature always helps me.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:24 pm
I would love to read this book and inspire my practice
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:24 pm
I'm ready!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:26 pm
May this gift benefit all beings.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:34 pm
As a therapist I am looking for ways to inspire, to lighten the burden of those I come in contact with. As a student of Life, I practice what I learn, so that I can teach from the perspective of humble understanding. Short phrases might be very effective in conveying a truth, allowing it space/time to sip in through the crevices of our Psyche. Untouched by the critical mind these short phrases can help us at a time we is need it the most.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:45 pm
LoJong came up in a different context and I thought I needed to learn more about it...and here it is.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:46 pm
I would love a copy of this book. I have been wanting to return to lojong practice, and feel that the book would be really helpful!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Any tool can get you out of the box you are in; compassion, wisdom, and authenticity can get you out of the box and falling into a bigger box faster... Love it!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:51 pm
I should have learnt about compassion to myself before learning about how to be good to others.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I would love to read a Zen perspective on lojong teachings and share this with nursing colleagues
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:12 pm
I would love a copy of this book to give to a friend at a time in her life that she would be most happy and grateful to receive it. Mahalo.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Many bows to Norman for this gift!!!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Any Book stays just a book, wisdom and method need to work hand in hand....so unless put into practice.....the book has no meaning in itself.......by wisdom and method we not only benefit ourselves from the book but we also benefit others directly or indirectly......
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Thanks for this opportunity.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Zoketsu Norman Fischer is a wonderful teacher. I will certainly buy this book if I don't win it.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:44 pm
I would absolutely LOVE a copy of this book!! As a Buddhist, I am always striving to be a better soul. This would be a wonderful tool :)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Fascinating that Norman is incorporating Tibetan teachings into his Zen background. Very curious how this came about. I'm sure he'll tell us in this book. Of course, like everyone else, I'd love to read it. How will you choose your 'winner.?
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 2:39 pm
What a great gift this is of you to share with us, Norman. Thank you! I would love to have a copy as I know that it would be quite helpful in daily life.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Thank you, this looks like a great book!
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Thank you, generous offer of a great book.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:00 pm
More book to make me better?
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Norman is a wonderful Dharma teacher and I'm certain the book will be equally wonderful.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:25 pm
To be able to blend compassion and wisdom in service to all sentient beings - what a wonderful learning opportunity. Thank you Mr. Fisher for providing us with another stone on the Dharma path...I look forward to an opportunity to learn more...
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Would love a copy
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I would love a copy .....thank you in advance ! :-)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:36 pm
I plan to buy this book. I look forward to reading it and learning how to enhance my practice. Thank you :-)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Norman is a wonderful teacher and I'm certain that the book is equally wonderful.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Thank you for a chance to win this book.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:42 pm
From my regular zazen practice over the years, I have become aware that there appears to be not much compassion in my life. Now that I have become aware of this fact, just how to actually manifest compassion in my daily life has been on my mind for some time. Training in Compassion could help deepen my awareness and sympathy for other's suffering and foster the desire to do something about it.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Lojong is a new concept for me. I'd be grateful for an opportunity to learn more about it.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 4:08 pm
In the beging of my practice, I thought compassion would be a snap. Now I know it takes lots practice. It takes guidance. It also takes having compassion for yourself because it is very difficult to get over yourself. I didn't realize all the obstacles that stood in the way of me being a fully, or even partly, compassionate person. Bohdichitta is hard. I am not there yet and could use all the help I can get.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm
each practice creates its own path and the one i am walking could use a guide - this book would certainly help my journey.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 4:22 pm
I would love this book to carry me further in my evolution into compassion for self and others.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 4:33 pm
I would love to add this to my library. A bit more assistance on this Journey is always welcomed. Thank you.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 4:39 pm
May All Beings Be Happy. May All Beings Be Peaceful. May all Beings Be Free From Suffering. Aum Bhuh, Aum Bhuvah, Aum Swaha, Aum Maha, Aum Janah, Aum Tapah, Aum Satyam, Aum Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo, Yonah, Pracyodayat
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 5:16 pm
May who ever reads this be healthy, and truly happy.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Sounds like a great book to help get going in you're travels
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 5:33 pm
This would be an interesting meditation to learn. Hope I win a copy :o)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm
I tend to be a somewhat slap-dash practioner of Buddhism and need all the help I can get to make it better.
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 8:00 pm
My soul is good already - so is yours - I think the challenge is to let it come out to play more often. Hopefully this book can inspire before 'I' expire. :)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Our souls are great already - the challenge is to let them come out to play more often... and hopefully this book can inspire this, before 'I' expire... :-)
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Nothing more important than training in compassion--so glad to see this in print finally!
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:13 am
I love the idea of a Zen approach to Lojong!
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:14 am
I adore Norman and would love to give this book to my son, who is working hard to grow his compassion.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:21 am
Norman Fischer has always been my inspiration and a wonderful speaker. I want to learn to be more compassionate, which I find in our daily lives sometimes we may overlook and forget.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:49 am
Zippy says: I am I enlightened yet?
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:50 am
Es gibt nichts Gutes - ausser man tut es!
(popular German aphoristic rhyme: "only that is truthfully Good which lives in our deeds")
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 1:39 am
Three years ago my fiance died, I listened to him die on the phone. I was angry and bitter and stopped talking to God. About 10 months ago I began a quest for answers to stop the bitterness, the pain and the sadness. I came across a Buddhist website and just began reading. My whole way of thinking is starting to change but I have so much more to learn.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 3:25 am
I want to comment, I love lojong and zen. As the spirit of lojong is mounting discomfort on the breath and offering ones joy and happiness, I would like to offer the book to someone else, you can choose.
I'm delighted to see a zen version of this wonderful teaching.
Be well Martin
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 3:59 am
I would love to learn this practice and to read Norman Fischer's teachings on this.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 10:35 am
I would love to have this wonderful, inspirational book. Namaste. P.S. my 60th birthday is tomorrow.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:16 pm
I have the feeling that Lozong is as genuine empathy and its application,to self and others,truly the unified self
hav,nt read any book on the subject as of yet.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Am I enlightened yet? -- Zippy
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Lojong is a fabulous practice and I am curious to se the intersection of vajrayana and zen in this context.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:23 pm
I enjoy working on becoming a better person and would love the chance to read this book.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Lojong seems very interesting to someone already endulged in zen koans :)
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Zen I was, Zen I be. Zen I am?
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 12:55 pm
This sounds like an interesting book.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 1:14 pm
The "eat the blame" teaching was captivating, and I'd like to know more about Lojong.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Would love to read this book! Love it when some schools deeply appreciate the teachings of other schools.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 3:01 pm
I just want to sit as love.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Sounds like an interesting read.. The snake story is a good hook anyhow. I would be interested in reading more about these practices.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 5:27 pm
The more that there is written and shared about practising compassion the better this world will be.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 5:34 pm
I would love a copy. I am always trying to educate myself with topics of this nature.
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 7:05 pm
It would be such a wonderful gift. Thank you for the opportunity. Metta :)
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Sounds like a great book for supporting my practice. Thanks!
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 9:01 pm
i am Norman´s student, i always like how he brings zen into all aspects of life, when he speaks everything seems so simple,
he is wonderful teaching compassion, it is part of his life so nice he is sharing this now with us,gassho
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Peace and Love from Kenya.
Posted on December 9, 2012 at 4:34 am
Gawd, "Eat the blame and it will make you strong"?! That gets really close to victim-blaming and makes me so uncomfortable. I guess that is the point, right?
Posted on December 9, 2012 at 7:29 am