One of the greatest obstacles to practicing dharma and applying what we have learned is our own attitude. This slogan—“Don’t be swayed by external circumstances”—reminds us that we can practice regardless of what is happening externally—there is no situation in which we cannot practice. To develop this confidence is to develop an equanimity that is like a mighty mountain and cannot be moved by storms of bad weather.

Just remembering this allows us to work with our mind and emotions immediately, in every moment, and in every circumstance. No matter what others do or say, how we respond to the situation is our choice. We can always choose how we want to think, speak, and act. When we live with this perspective, we begin to realize that every moment in our lives has something to teach us.

Lojong is a Tibetan mind-training practice that uses practical slogans to transform daily challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Regardless of the Mahayana origin, this particular practice is appropriate to all yanas, as it is about equanimity, which is considered the crown and culmination of all the “immeasurables,” across all three yanas.

When we learn to welcome all aspects of experience, what were previously seen as undesirable obstacles can be transformed into opportunities for increasing self-knowledge, wisdom, and awareness. This practice helps develop emotional resilience without becoming indifferent or uncaring.

Reflect on experiences of being swayed by external circumstances, and notice what being “swayed” feels like.

• What external circumstances are most likely to throw you off course?
• Do you think that both good and bad moods can cause you to lose your equanimity?
• What are other ways to express being or feeling swayed by circumstances?

Evaluate what it means to be influenced by external circumstances; and implement the slogan—“don’t be swayed by external circumstances”—in your daily life.