2009 Seven Point Mind Training Retreat

Led by Lama Michael Conklin at KCC
June 26 & 27, 2009

The Seven Points of Mind Training (lojong in Tibetan) constitute a system for transforming our ordinary relationships with others and with ourselves into the ground for the cultivation of loving-kindness and insight. This Buddhist practice was initially brought to Tibet in the 11th century by the great Indian Dharma master, Atisha. Since then, all the Tibetan schools have come to treasure it. 

 

This system of training includes instruction on both ultimate and relative bodhicitta practices.  Lojong practice is easy to approach, even for the novice, and is well-suited for application in the ordinary circumstances of contemporary life.

 

These sessions are intended as both a brief introduction for those who are unfamiliar with the Seven Points of Mind Training as well as a refresher and encouragement for those who actively apply these teachings. Independent study and practice will enhance participation.

While these teachings are offered without charge, please feel free to support the teachings with a donation.

     -6.26.09  Track 1 (19. MB)

            00:00-- The Buddhist Context:  Our commitment and clinging to self-cherishing as the root cause of suffering.

          12:00-- Overview of the 7 Points

           30:25-- Enjoyment and Integration as critical pieces of the path
 
     -6.26.09  Track 2 (31 MB)
            00:00-- Point One:  The Preliminaries-- the 4 obstacles and their antidotes (the 4 thoughts)
            39:00-- The 8 worldly dharmas
            42:05-- Developing a practice
 
     -6.26.09  Track 3 (29 MB)
             00:00-- 4 thoughts, Refuge & Bodhichitta
             16:50--Point Two:  The Main Practice, which is Training in Bodhichitta.  Ultimate Bodhichitta--"Contemplate all phenomena as dreamlike".
             33:48-- Relative Bodhichitta--Tonglen (Sending & Taking)  
 
     -6.26.09  Track 4 (43 MB)
              Q & A
                  00:00-- "What is the suffering of cyclic existence?"
                  13:40-- "How should I practice with limited time?"
                  24:00-- "When do you know the mind is stable?"
                  43:10-- "How do I visualize?"
                  52:05-- "How do you actually contemplate the 4 thoughts?"
 
     -6.26.09  Track 5 (25 MB)
               00:00-- Point Two aphorisms
               02:25-- Be a Child of Illusion
               05:28-- Giving & Taking
               06:21-- In Everything You Do, Practice With Words
               10:00-- 3 Objects, 3 Poisons, 3 Roots of Virtue
               14:10-- Alternately practice giving and taking. Mount them upon your breath.
               23:30-- Compassion and non-referential compassion (path vrs. fruit)
               28:35-- The nature of the ground of our being
 
     -6.26.09  Track 6 (38 MB)
               00:00-- Guided Meditation
               49:13-- Q & A
                              - "How does one balance good & bad karma?"
                              - "How or why does karma only ripen once?"
 
     -6.27.09  Track 1 (14 MB)
                00:00-- Guided Meditation
 
     -6.27.09  Track 2 (22 MB)
                00:00-- Point Three:  The Transformation of Bad Circumstances
                01:21-- When the whole world is enslaved by vices, transform adversities into the path of spiritual awakening
                10:41-- Blame everything on one culprit
                11:40-- Reflect on the kindness of all those around you
                12:50-- By meditating on delusive appearances as the 4 embodiments, emptiness becomes the best protection
                13:25-- The best strategy is to have 4 practices
                13:50-- Whatever you encounter immediately apply it to meditation
                16:40--Point Four:  A Synthesis of Practice for One Life
                17:23-- The 5 Strengths
 
     -6.27.09 Track 3 (29 MB)
                 00:00-- The Mahayana instruction for ejection of consciousness at death is the 5 strengths:  how you conduct yourself 
                                   is important (Point Four).
                 30:10--  Point Five:  Criterion of Proficiency
                 41:27--  Point Six:  Pledges of Mind Training
 
     -6.27.09 Track 4 (10 MB)
                 00:00-- Point Seven:  The Precepts of Mind Training
                 05:00-- Make No Mistake
 
     -6.27.09 Track 5 (40 MB)
                 Q & A
                       00:00-- "What's the actual order of the meditation practice and when do you practice the slogans?"
                       15:04-- "Is there such a thing as "cosmic balance" in relation to karma?"
                       30:00-- "How do I actually relate to my waking experience "like a dream"?"
                       40:50-- "In sudden death or dementia, are there any special instructions?"
                       55:29-- "How do I practice shamatha without an object?"
                    1:04:14-- "What does "Change Your Attitude But Remain Natural" mean?"
           
     -6.27.09 Track 6 (29 MB)
                  00:00-- Guided Meditation
                  32:03-- Dharma talk on "Aspirations for Mahamudra" prayer
                  41:19-- Recitation of "Aspirations for Mahamudra"