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The importance of motivation

The importance of motivation

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.

  • The importance of continuing to practice even if you have questions and doubts
  • Why its helpful to prepare our minds for future unpleasant situations
  • Caring for ourselves in reasonable and healthy ways
  • The demarcation of what is Dharma practice and what is not

39 Approaching the Buddhist Path: The Importance of Motivation (download)

Contemplation points

  1. We want happiness, but use wrong means to get the happiness we want. What are the “means” that you think bring you happiness, when you are in reality just running on automatic?
  2. What are possible motivations for actions that bring us lasting happiness?
  3. What does “being present in the moment” really mean?
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.