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Bodhisattva ethical restraints: Introduction and vows 1-3

Bodhisattva ethical restraints: Introduction and vows 1-3

Part of a series of talks on the bodhisattva ethical restraints. The talks from January 3 through March 1, 2012, are concurrent with the 2011-2012 Vajrasattva Winter Retreat at Sravasti Abbey.

  • Introduction
  • Explanation of vows according to a commentary by Dagpo Rinpoche which uses Tsongkhapa’s explanation
  • Vows of engaging bodhicitta
  • Vows 1-3 are to avoid:
    • 1. (a) Praising yourself or (b) belittling others because of attachment to receiving material offerings, praise, and respect.

    • 2. (a) Not giving material aid or (b) not teaching the Dharma to those who are suffering and without a protector, because of miserliness.

    • 3. (a) Not listening although another declares his/her offense or (b) with anger blaming him/her and retaliating.

  • When a precept has more than one aspect, doing just one aspect constitutes a transgression of the precept.

Bodhisattva ethical restraints 02: Introduction and vows 1-3 (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.

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