The Tibetan term shenpa can be defined as, “that which binds the sentient mind to samsara.” We find shenpa in our concepts, our reactions and our feelings. A direct way of talking about shenpa is to say that it refers to the visercal experience of ego-clinging. When our face flushes and  we react intensely, or we cling desperately, we feel the pain of all those in our gut or chest. That is the sign of shenpa. When we habitually follow the dictates of our shenpas they create only more pain and point us in the direction of suffering.

To counteract shenpa, however, we first need to shine a light on it and connect the dots. With a fresh perspective on the issue, as Rinpoche says in this video, we might even see the experience of shenpa as a blessing from our teacher because it alerts us to the presence of our self-importance, which is the starting point for getting free from it.