The session opens with greetings and sharing travel experiences. John asks about dream yoga, describing lucid awareness interrupted by waking when excitement arises. Geshe-la advises persistence, explaining that familiarity helps sustain lucidity. Another participant asks about lojong (mind training). Geshe-la describes lojong as preliminary training that ripens the mind, transforming agitation, trauma, and doubt into calm openness, preparing for recognition of the natural state.

Geshe-la explains how ego and lack of kindness undermine practice. Without trust in oneself or others, meditation falters. He emphasises that guru yoga refreshes trust in someone worthy of confidence, which in turn strengthens trust in self, lineage, and community. Trauma is described as agitation of mind; lojong helps calm this, building kindness, compassion, and stability.

Discussion turns to phowa practice. Geshe-la explains phowa as the intentional transfer of consciousness at death, training the natural process of mind’s transition. He notes phowa also functions as a long-life practice: practitioners eject consciousness with mantra and return it, strengthening vitality by gathering energies into the body. Even if signs do not appear immediately, steady practice accumulates benefit. Geshe-la stresses that doubt undermines progress, while dedication and trust support continuity. Phowa can also be practiced for others, helping guide them at death.

The conversation returns briefly to lojong. Geshe-la contrasts unripe mind—troubled by trauma, doubt, and fear—with ripened mind—marked by trust, compassion, and stability. A ripened mind approaches practice with confidence rather than agitation.

The session concludes with a formal meditation guided by a group member. Instructions include grounding, stillness, silence, and spaciousness, setting intention to realise Buddha nature for the benefit of all beings, and connecting with the sangha’s collective energy. Dedication prayers are recited, offering merit for the liberation of all beings and clearing of karma. The group closes with gratitude and farewells.