Always Maintain a Joyful Mind

Chödrön, Pema. Always Maintain a Joyful Mind: And Other Lojong Teachings On Awakening Compassion and Fearlessness. Translated by the Na¯landa¯ Translation Committee. Boston: Shambhala, 2007.

9781590304600; Book--Spiritual life--Buddhism;

For centuries Tibetan Buddhists have employed a collection of pithy, penetrating slogans to help them develop equanimity, intelligence, and compassion amid the turbulence of daily life. This book presents this transformative spiritual practice (called lojong in Tibetan) in a way that readers of any background can understand and put to use.  Always Maintain a Joyful Mind features fifty-nine powerful maxims including, "Always maintain a joyful mind," "Don't be so predictable," "Be grateful to everyone." 

Each lojong slogan is followed by Pema Chödrön’s fresh, succinct, and inspiring commentary on how to understand and apply the maxim in everyday living.Also included is a 45-minute audio program entitled “Opening the Heart,” in which the author offers in-depth instruction on tonglen meditation practice (“taking in and sending out”), a powerful practice that anyone can undertake to awaken compassion for oneself and others.  See also The Compassion Box.

Hardcover book with CD.

Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist nun in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa, the renowned Tibetan meditation master. She is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is the author of five books including the best-selling When Things Fall Apart and The Places That Scare You. 

• Pema Chödrön
• Buddhism
• Meditation