Training in Compassion

Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong

By: Norman Fischer

Narrated by: Norman Fischer

Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

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 in only the last 20 years or so - and it has become very popular indeed because it's a practice that one can fit very well into an ordinary life, and because it works.

Through the influence of Pema Chödrön, who was one of the first American Buddhist teachers to teach it extensively, the practice has moved out of its Buddhist context to affect the lives of non-Buddhists, too. It's in this spirit that Norman Fischer offers his commentary on the lojong slogans. He applies Zen wisdom to them, showing how well they fit in that related tradition, but he also sets the slogans in the context of resonant practices throughout the spiritual traditions. He shows 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.

©2012 Norman Fischer (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Powerful tools and insights

This was the best book I've ever read on finding my spiritual path and leading a happier more fulfilling life . It takes practice which I am going to do by applying the slogans every day .

I finally understand!

I had read about the practice of lojong but didn't get it until listening to this book. Norman Fischers explanation of the many different lojong phrases is straightforward on useful.

Training in Compassion

It was practical and down to earth ,exactly what I needed to hear .I am very thankful to Norman Fischer for his many years of practice and his ability to talk about it.

Operating manual for the human mind

A must read for every human being, walking the Earth. If everyone read this book our planet be a more harmonious, compassionate and peaceful place. I have given this book to at least 10 of my friends. Norman is an extraordinary teacher with a wonderful sense of humor, wisdom, and practicality. I have read it three times and listened to it on audible.

Wisdom for our real lives

Surprising and generous. Good guideposts for a balanced ad loving life. Norman Fischer once agin sheds valuable light.

Norman Fischer is an exceptional reader

Not only is this book beautifully written, but also Norman Fischer speaks it as if he's talking to you alone, making the whole practice of Lojong brilliantly accessible.

Great book with great teachings

There were so many insights to be taken from this book and I really liked how he emphasized falling out of practice and that being ok. He worded concepts well so that they were easy to understand and grasp for everyday life. I would suggest listening to it at 1.1x speed because his normal inflection is a little jolty.

Excellent resource

The Lojong teachings are presented in a very clear way, with detailed comments that allow us to have a deep understanding.

The examples of applications are unique, with simple and yet straightforward and practical ways to implement in our daily lives.

Excellent book!

Amazing

One of my favorite books on spirituality. Made Fischer one of my very favorite authors.

Now is the only time for training in compassion

This book will stand beside Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind as a living book that I can always return to for learning. I was ready for hearing and absorbing this teaching just as I happened across it. I hope you find the same -- that your readiness for training in compassion comes when you are broken, bored, angry, frustrated, content, confused, depressed, overwhelmed, terrified, joyous, alienated, sick, lonely, satisfied, excited -- and that no matter where you are and how you feel, now is not the right time, but the only time for training in compassion.