Cherishing others

Shantideva’s “Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds,” Chapter 6, Verses 119-134

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.

  • Having respect for the two fields of merit—holy beings and ordinary sentient beings
  • Applying the teachings instead of reacting based on our habitual emotions
    • Genuine Dharma practice is working with our disturbing mental states
    • Anger is not a virus we catch from others; the seed of anger is in our mind
  • Taking care of sentient beings is the best way to repay the Buddhas’ kindness
    • Arrogance towards other sentient beings stems from ignorance
    • We should practice cherishing others more than we cherish ourselves
  • What it means to be the servant of others
  • Breaking down barriers between ourselves and others, especially in conflict situations
  • The benefits of practicing fortitude
  • A king has no power to send us to hell or grant us enlightenment—our actions alone determine our rebirths
    • Clarifying the Buddhist concept of hell
  • 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.