Always maintain only a joyful mind. What does it mean? Here a student at Middle Way School, unpacks slogan #21 in our ongoing series of students explaining Atisha’s Lojong slogans. This slogan is about remembering not to take things, nor ourselves, too seriously. It is possible to appreciate what we have, smile at least once a day, and work with our current situation with a light and joyful attitude. 

“According to this slogan, we should not practice the dharma with gritted teeth, but with delight. We should appreciate our good fortune 29 in having found a teaching that not only talks about uprooting suffering and its cause, but also shows us how to do so. We should have a little humor.” —Judy Lief, in “Working with the Slogans of Atisha — A practical guide to leading a compassionate life”

“Constantly apply cheerfulness, if for no other reason than because you are on this spiritual path. Have a sense of gratitude to everything, even difficult emotions, because of their potential to wake you up.” ― Pema Chödrön in Always Maintain a Joyful Mind: And Other Lojong Teachings on Awakening Compassion and Fearlessness

Find more resources via our Index of lojong slogans.

Video by Chase Bauer.