Lojong Meditation – Everything You Need To Know

Lojong meditation is a powerful Tibetan Buddhist practice that uses contemplative slogans to train the mind. These slogans help purify thoughts, cultivate compassion, and shift our perspective toward a more enlightened way of seeing the world.

Many of my students find Lojong meditation to be a transformative tool for personal growth. By meditating on the slogans, they develop healthier mental habits and a more compassionate outlook on life.

What Is Lojong Meditation?

Lojong, meaning “mind training,” originated in Tibetan Buddhism as a method to develop wisdom and compassion. The practice is based on a series of slogans, originally compiled by the Buddhist teacher Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, and later refined in different lineages such as Dzogchen Nyingthig and Langri Tangpa’s teachings.

Unlike mantra meditation, where the focus is on sound, Lojong meditation involves contemplating the meaning of slogans, allowing their wisdom to reshape your thinking.

How to Practice Lojong Meditation

Lojong is a part of formal Buddhist meditation but can be practiced informally throughout the day. Here’s a guided meditation to help you get started.

Step-by-Step Lojong Meditation Guide

1. Find a Comfortable Posture
   Sit with a straight but relaxed spine. If seated in a chair, keep your feet flat on the ground.

2. Breathe Mindfully
   Take 25 slow, mindful breaths to settle your mind.

3. Choose a Lojong Slogan
   A good starting point is:

   “Maintain awareness of the preciousness of human life.”

4. Contemplate the Slogan

   • Repeat the slogan silently in your mind.

   • Observe any thoughts or imagery that arise. For example, when I meditate on this slogan, I often visualize a butterfly soaring above a sunlit field, evoking a sense of peacefulness.

   • Let the meaning of the slogan sink in, allowing it to shape your awareness.

5. Sit with the Practice
   Meditate on the slogan for about 10 minutes, letting insights emerge naturally.

6. Carry It into Daily Life

   • Throughout your day, bring the slogan to mind during moments of stress, decision-making, or reflection.

   • Lojong is traditionally paired with Tonglen meditation, a practice of giving and receiving compassion through the breath.

Lojong Slogans to Try

Here are a few other Lojong slogans to explore in your meditation:

• “Regard all dharmas as dreams.” (Everything is impermanent.)

• “Examine the nature of unborn awareness.”

• “In all activities, train with slogans.”

• “Begin the sequence of sending and taking with yourself.” (A reference to Tonglen meditation.)

You can find more Lojong slogans on Wikipedia.

My Experience with Lojong Meditation

Lojong has been a transformative addition to my daily practice. These slogans serve as reminders to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and perspective. One of the most powerful aspects of Lojong is that it doesn’t have to be confined to meditation sessions.

Often, I’ll pause in the middle of a busy day, recall a slogan, and let its wisdom guide me. This simple act shifts my mindset and deepens my awareness.

By combining Lojong meditation with other mindfulness practices, I’ve been able to develop a more compassionate outlook on life—and my students have found the same.

Want to Deepen Your Meditation Practice?

If you’d like to integrate Lojong meditation into your practice—or if meditation feels challenging for you—I can help. In a private meditation lesson, we’ll create a personalized approach that fits your needs.

Book a private lesson today and start your journey toward a more conscious and compassionate life.

Paul Harrison

Paul Harrison is a meditation teacher with 25 years of experience and a deep passion for helping others. Known for his empathy and authentic approach, he’s dedicated to guiding individuals and teams toward mindfulness, clarity, and well-being.