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Purification and non-negotiables

Purification and non-negotiables

Part of a series of teachings given at the Winter Retreat from January to April 2005 at Sravasti Abbey.

Addressing points raised during retreat

  • Sacrifice of worldly security for Dharma practice
  • Purify uncomfortable situation
  • Clarification of “living in the moment”
  • Etiquette of living in a monastery
  • Right view and making everyday decisions
  • Creating negative karma and wasting time by following our “non-negotiables”

Vajrasattva 03 (download)

Questions and answers

  • Loving ourselves
  • What is attachment?
  • Thinking about the benefits of the practice
  • Romantic idea of being completely compassionate
  • Having time to think about food, sleep, mantra
  • Jealous of others’ merit
  • What are “non-negotiables”?
  • Don’t let your mind go back to Mexico while your body is here

Vajrasattva 04 (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.