Mind and emotions

Mind and emotions

Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on Approaching the Buddhist Path, the first book in “The Library of Wisdom and Compassion” series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.

  • Three components of emotions from the psychological approach
  • The Buddhist perspective on feelings and mental factors
  • The four alternatives between feelings and ethical values
  • Western culture’s emphasis on emotions versus the Tibetan attitude
  • Understanding the importance of our intentions

08 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Mind and Emotions (download)

Contemplation points

  1. Describe how karma is created using the process of the 12 links. Choose a personal example with a certain result.
  2. What is the difference between science and Buddhism with regard to emotions?
  3. Why is it so important to think about the long-term effects of negative and positive emotions?
  4. Think about an emotion you had recently and clarify for yourself if this feeling is virtuous or non-virtuous. How can you change your mind to create virtuous states?
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.