Auxiliary bodhisattva ethical restraints 13-18
Auxiliary bodhisattva ethical restraints 13-18
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Gomchen Lamrim 
May 26, 2017 The text turns to training the mind on the stages of the path of advanced level practitioners. Part of a series of teachings on the Gomchen Lamrim by Gomchen Ngawang Drakpa. Visit Gomchen Lamrim Study Guide for a full list of contemplation points for the series.
- Discussion about distracting amusements and reducing attachment to them
- Correcting our own and others destructive behavior
- How to respond to insults, anger, abuse and criticism with fortitude
- Not neglecting those who are angry at you
Gomchen Lamrim 93: Auxiliary Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints 13-18 (download)
Contemplation points
Venerable Chodron continued the commentary on the bodhisattva ethical code. Consider them one by one, in light of the commentary given. For each, consider the following.
- In what situations have you seen yourself act this way in the past or under what conditions might it be easy to act this way in the future (it might help to consider how you’ve seen this negativity in the world)? Consider some of the examples Venerable Chodron shared.
- From which of the ten non-virtues is the precept helping you to restrain?
- What are some of the exceptions to the precept and why?
- Which of the six perfections is the precept eliminating obstacles to and how?
- What are the antidotes that can be applied when you are tempted to act contrary to the precept?
- Why is this precept so important to the bodhisattva path? How does breaking it harm yourself and others? How does keeping it benefit yourself and others?
- Resolve to be mindful of the precept in your daily life.
Precepts covered this week:
To eliminate obstacles to the far-reaching practice of ethical conduct, abandon:
- Auxiliary Precept #13: Being distracted by and having a strong attachment to amusement, or without any beneficial purpose leading others to join in distracting activities.
- Auxiliary Precept #14: Believing and saying that followers of the Mahayana should remain in cyclic existence and not try to attain liberation from afflictions
- Auxiliary Precept #15: Not abandoning destructive actions which cause you to have a bad reputation.
- Auxiliary Precept #16: Not correcting your own deluded actions or not helping others to correct theirs.
To eliminate obstacles to the far-reaching practice of fortitude, abandon:
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.
