Chod Practice: Cutting through the Ego

This practice strikes right at the heart of selfish attitude. Rather than defend ourselves from potential harm-givers, here, we imagine offering our treasured bodies to those who would seek to harm us. We also give away body and mind to satisfy the needs of all beings. This forces the practitioner to examine carefully how we hold the “I” and thus presents a supreme opportunity to develop both wisdom and compassion simultaneously. Highly recommended for those with experience in lo-jong, or mind training. This technique is best practiced under the guidance of a teacher.

“Chod cuts off the self-cherishing thought and ignorance, the greatest obstacles on the way to enlightenment. A brave way to exchange oneself for others and develop compassion, Chod is also a quick method to realise emptiness. Without having these two, wisdom and compassion, there is no way to achieve enlightenment.”       

-Lama Zopa Rinpoche