Auxiliary bodhisattva ethical restraints 40-46

• Relieving the sorrow of those grieving
• Providing physical support and working for other’s welfare
• Harmonizing our way of thinking and acting with Dharma friends
• Skillfully correcting others and acknowledging their good qualities

Gomchen Lamrim 99: Auxiliary Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints 40-46 (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:

1. Consider specific situations that have occurred in your own life in light of the precept. What holds you back from benefitting others in this way? What antidote(s) can you apply in the future to overcome this?
2. 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?
3. What are exceptions to the precept and why?
4. Resolve to be mindful of the precept in your daily life.

Precepts covered this week

To eliminate obstacles to the morality of benefiting others, abandon:

• Auxiliary Precept #40: Not relieving the sorrow of others.
• Auxiliary Precept #41: Not giving material possessions to those in need.
• Auxiliary Precept #42: Not working for the welfare of your circle of friends, disciples, servants, etc.
• Auxiliary Precept #43: Not acting in accordance with the wishes of others if doing so does not bring harm to yourself or others.
• Auxiliary Precept #44: Not praising those with good qualities.
• Auxiliary Precept #45: Not acting with whatever means are necessary according to the circumstances to stop someone who is doing harmful actions.
• Auxiliary Precept #46: Not using miraculous powers, if you possess this ability, in order to stop others from doing destructive actions.