Ending the pity party

Ending the pity party

A series of talks based on Don’t Believe Everything You Think given at Sravasti Abbey’s monthly Sharing the Dharma Day starting in March 2013. The book is a commentary on The 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas.

Though you lack what you need and are constantly disparaged,
Afflicted by dangerous sickness and spirits,
Without discouragement take on the misdeeds
And the pain of all living beings—
This is the practice of Bodhisattvas.

  • Looking at our usual responses to undesirable experiences and the results of those actions
  • Avoiding discouragement when experiencing negative circumstances and instead transforming them into opportunities for cultivating compassion for others
  • Using taking and giving meditation when experiencing pain
  • How taking and giving helps to feel connected to others in a healthy and loving way

SDD 18: Ending the pity party (download)

Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.