Auxiliary bodhisattva ethical restraints 19-20
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.
- Method and purpose of making and receiving apologies
- Apologizing according to Non-violent Communication techniques
- Not acting out our thoughts of anger
- Different ways to work with anger when it arises
- How attachment and anger are related
Gomchen Lamrim 95: Auxiliary Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints 19-20 (download)
Contemplation points
Venerable Chodron continued the commentary on the bodhisattva ethical code. Spend time on each in light of the commentary given.
- 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 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 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.