Buddhist Study Group – The Eight Verses of Training the Mind
Online Study Group – Lojong: Buddhist Mind Training
This Module is part of The Buddha’s Path (our foundational study programme) and introduces one of the most transformative teachings of the Mahayana tradition: Lojong, or Buddhist mind training.
Lojong is a profound and practical method for transforming all of life’s circumstances, pleasant or painful, into the spiritual path. This approach teaches us how to embody bodhicitta in daily life, how to live and train in the world as a Bodhisattva.
At its heart, Lojong is about shifting the emphasis from self-centredness to cherishing others, and using daily life as the training ground for compassion, patience, and wisdom.
In this course, we will undertake a line-by-line exploration of Geshe Langri Tangpa’s classic lojong text, The Eight Verses of Training the Mind. Composed in the 11th century, these verses are revered for their profound simplicity and depth. They capture the essence of the Mahayana path – compassion, wisdom, and the transformation of self-grasping – and offer a complete guide to the inner life of a bodhisattva. Even a single line, it is said, encapsulates the entire teaching of the Buddha.
Further Study
The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
For those who wish to take their study further, as part of this module, we invite you to follow our 22-part course on The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, a revered middle-length Lojong text that expands and deepens these themes. This course was recorded as part of a one-week retreat in 2024.
We hope this module will offer both inspiration and practical tools for integrating the Dharma into all aspects of life.
Module 9: The Bodhisattva Path III: Lojong – Buddhist Mind Training
About the Study Group Leader
Our Study Group is led by David Oromith. David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.
David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.
Dates & Format:
Our Study Group takes place on Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm (UK time – check your timezone here). There are occasional breaks when David is away hosting retreats and for term holidays. Upcoming dates can be seen when booking below. Recordings are made available to participants who would like to follow along at their own pace.
Sessions consist of a meditation, teachings on our course material, and group discussions of our experience and questions.
Participants can join the Study Group at any time and at any point in the series. There’s no need to wait until you’re caught up to join a live session, though you’re welcome to watch the recordings at your leisure.
Other Timezones: CET: 8-9.30pm
Americas 11am PST, 12pm MST, 1pm CST, 2pm EST
Australia Fridays 5am AEST • NZ Fridays 8am NZDT
Correct as of February 2025 – please click here to check the time in your region.
Booking & Donation:
This Online Study Group relies entirely on donations. Only through your honest generosity will we be able to continue offering these sessions for the benefit of all. You can make a donation using one of the options at the checkout, or by visiting this page.
We suggest a donation of £25 for this module of this programme, but you’re able to offer within your means.
It is customary to offer dana (a donation) to support the teacher and the activities of the dhama organisation. No one is excluded from participating for lack of funds, but if you’re able to, as is tradition, please consider making an offering. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and all money raised goes directly into supporting our activities and fundraising for the Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre.
Recordings and Notes:
Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to access recordings and notes from this series here.
If you would like to support our vision of making these teachings as accessible as possible, please consider making a donation, supporting future groups, events & retreats. Interested to know why we charge for this event and what happens to profits? Read here.
Speakers
Speaker
David OromithBuddhist Contemplative, Author and Meditation GuideDavid is a Buddhist contemplative, author, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi, an organisation based in the UK and a member of the UK’s Network of Buddhist Organisations. He teaches workshops internationally and online and leads retreats across the UK. Through his clear and practical teaching style and warm and humorous approach, David inspires people to take back control of their thoughts and feelings and discover genuine wellbeing within.
