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26 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

Geshe Tenzin Namdak, born in 1970 in The
Netherlands, met the Dharma in 1993. After his
graduation (B.Sc. in Hydrology) he lived for one year What is Mind
at Maitreya Institute where he received Lam Rim
teachings from Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen. On the advice Training?
of Lama Zopa Rinpoche he moved to Dharamsala in
1994 to learn Tibetan language and to take Getsul By Geshe Tenzin Namdak
(1995) and Gelong ordination (1996) from His
Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 1997 he entered the Geshe Benny: We hear the word lojong or mind training.
Study Program of Sera Jey Monastery in South India. Can you briefly explain what it lojong, and its
purpose?
On May 8, 2017, Ven. Tenzin Namdak was formally
awarded the geshe degree by Sera Je Monastic Geshe Namdak: The word lojong comes from the
University in recognition of his completion of the Tibetan word, “lo” meaning the “mind”, and “jong”
advanced Buddhist studies and practice program. mean to “train” or “transform”. So “lojong” means “mind
Completing the geshe studies program is a remarkable training”. It is therefore a practice that involves refining
achievement in itself. As a Westerner, Geshe Namdak’s and purifying one’s motivations and attitudes. There are
completion of the program speaks to his exemplary different levels of lojong practice.
dedication to the study and practice of Dharma. We
rejoice in his outstanding accomplishment. One is on a universal or secular level and is concerned
with how we deal with problems in life. We learn to
In 2018 Geshe Namdak was appointed the Resident accept problems in life by seeing that nothing is fixed, and
Teacher of Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, by things are changeable. This means that problems come
and go. By knowing that things come into being through
Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
causes and conditions, sometimes beyond our control,
we learn to accept them. We also see that they will not
Despite his extremely busy schedule teaching the be there forever, and this will then help us when we are
Dharma, Geshe Namdak was able to have a zoom going through a difficult time. We can also analyze the
interview with Benny Liow where he explained causes and if we can do something about it, we should, so
the basis of mind training and its importance and we do not need to worry. When we cannot do anything
relevance for modern people today. Eastern Horizon about it, then there is also no point in worrying about it
wishes to thank Geshe-la for his kindness and as well. Like with the difficulties that come with old age,
compassion in giving us his teaching on lojong in the it just happens to us, we cannot do anything about it, so
following interview. there is no point in worrying about this either. Worrying
will only add more mental suffering.