Wheel of Sharp Weapons: Verses 16-21

An expanded commentary on Dharmarakshita's The Wheel of Sharp Weapons given at Sravasti Abbey from 2004-2006.

  • Tracing the source of difficulties to our self-grasping ignorance and self-centered thought
  • Practicing taking and giving with each verse
  • Being separated from our loving friends
  • Creating obstacles to good relationships with teachers
  • Accusations, criticism, and gossip
  • Taking care of the basic necessities for others
  • Unclear mind and unhappy heart from creating negative karma
  • Causing obstacles to virtuous activities

Wheel of Sharp Weapons (expanded): Verses 16-21 (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.