Level 8: Slogans of Mind Training

The principles of lojong center on integrating our meditation practice into our everyday lives, primarily by remembering bodhicitta as the intent behind all our actions. Lojong distills the Buddha’s teachings into brief, catchy proverbs. These phrases encourage us to cultivate the thoughts and actions that bring us closer to enlightenment.

There are 59 lojong slogans, organized into a 7 point mind training system. The Buddhist practice of lojong helps us break free from the unconscious habits that keep us in a cycle of suffering. They remind us to cultivate the selfless, beneficial habits of a bodhisattva instead.

Drive all blames into one is the 12th lojong slogan. It is found in point 3 of the practice, which focuses on transforming unfavorable circumstances. This phrase reminds us to cease blaming our troubles on external circumstances and others. Instead, we are to look within and examine how our own ignorance and misunderstanding is at the root of our pain.

The five strengths of Buddhism include faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration and wisdom. These strengths, or powers, are conducive to enlightenment. With faith, we apply our energy to the practice of mindfulness and concentration, developing wisdom in the process. These five qualities are embraced by all schools of Buddhism as foundational to the path.