Challenging the ego

Shantideva’s “Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds,” Chapter 6, Verses 99-102

A series of teachings given at various venues in Mexico in April 2015. The teachings are in English with Spanish translation. This talk took place in Xalapa and was organized by Rechung Dorje Dragpa Center.

  • If the Dharma goes into our heart, our ego should feel uncomfortable
  • We have to understand that the problem is in our mind, not in something outside of us
  • Counteracting the dissatisfied mind that only focuses on negativities
  • Working with anger towards ourselves
  • Practicing self-acceptance and making use of our talents and abilities
  • Imagining the Buddhas looking at us with compassion
  • Antidotes to anger at people who ruin our reputation
  • There is nowhere in samsara we will not be criticized; even the Buddha was criticized
  • Inappropriateness of getting angry when others hinder our creation of merit
  • Questions and answers

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.