Working with our Emotions:
"The Eight Verses of Mind Transformation"
with Venerable Lozang Yönten
Ven. Yönten will guide us through the “Eight Verses of Mind Transformation” by Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054-1123), this beloved spiritual poem is one of the most important texts from a genre of Tibetan spiritual writings known as Lojong (literally “mind training”). The first seven verses give the basis for a systematic training in the methods for cultivating compassion, and the eighth verse deals with the practices for cultivating the wisdom that enables us to see the true nature of reality. These profound teachings will help us let go of mental habits that cause suffering and enhance our ability to relate to the world in more constructive ways.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama refers to this work as one of the main sources of his own inspiration and includes it in his daily meditations.
Additional Materials
Text: The Eight Verses of Thought Transformation by Geshe Langri Thangpa, at the FPMT Store
Recording
About the Teacher
Bhikshuni Lozang Yönten (Chaplain and Lecturer of Buddhist Studies at Maitripa College in Portland, Oregon USA) has been a nun since 2003.
Buddhist since her teenage years, Ven. Yönten moved to Australia and studied extensively under Gyurmé Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering (at Chenrezig Institute, AU) from 2002-2009 before moving to India to study at Thosamling Institute 2010-2011. With the permission of her Abbott, she took higher ordination as a Siksamana in 2009 and as a Bhikshuni/Gelongma in 2011. In 2012, she became an accredited In-Depth Registered Teacher with FPMT and was requested to become the Resident Teacher at Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre in New South Wales, Australia where she remained for three years and frequently visited up until the pandemic.
From 2015 onwards, Ven. Yönten was mainly based in New Zealand at Mahamudra Centre. During that period, she divided her time between leading retreats in New Zealand and teaching Philosophy at Human Spirit: Buddhist Psychoanalytic Training Program in Israel, as well as offering classes and retreats in various parts of Europe, until she moved back to the USA in 2021.
Prior to joining Maitripa College, Yönten-la offered retreats and courses at Vajrapani Institute and Land of Medicine Buddha – both in California. She also has experience in hospice work and palliative care, as well as a deep commitment to social justice and a love of animals.
