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Auxiliary bodhisattva ethical restraints 35-39

Auxiliary bodhisattva ethical restraints 35-39

The text turns to training the mind on the stages of the path of advanced level practitioners. Part of a series of teachings on the Gomchen Lamrim by Gomchen Ngawang Drakpa. Visit Gomchen Lamrim Study Guide for a full list of contemplation points for the series.

  • Various ways of helping others in different circumstances
  • Situations when it is best not to help
  • How to assist others in eliminating their suffering
  • Repaying the kindness that has been shown to you

Gomchen Lamrim 98: Auxiliary Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints 35-39 (download)

Contemplation points

Venerable Chodron continued the commentary on the bodhisattva ethical code. Consider them one by one, in light of the commentary given. For each, consider the following:

  1. Consider specific situations that have occurred in your own life in light of the precept.  What holds you back from benefitting others in this way? What antidote(s) can you apply in the future to overcome this?
  2. Why is this precept so important to the bodhisattva path? How does breaking it harm yourself and others? How does keeping it benefit yourself and others?
  3. What are exceptions to the precept and why?
  4. Resolve to be mindful of the precept in your daily life.

Precepts covered this week:

To eliminate obstacles to the morality of benefiting others, abandon:

  • Auxiliary Precept #35: Not helping those who are in need. 
  • Auxiliary Precept #36: Avoiding taking care of the sick.
  • Auxiliary Precept #37: Not alleviating the sufferings of others.
  • Auxiliary Precept #38: Not explaining what is proper conduct to those who are reckless.
  • Auxiliary Precept #39: Not benefiting in return those who have benefited you.
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.