Emotions and klesas

Emotions and klesas

Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on Approaching the Buddhist Path, the first book in “The Library of Wisdom and Compassion” series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.

  • How our culture emphasizes our emotions
  • Understanding what attachment is and how its related to other afflictions
  • The disadvantages of clinging to people and things
  • The difference between how society and Buddhism view attachment
  • Contrasting wisdom fear versus ordinary fear

11 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Emotions and Klesas (download)

Contemplation points

  1. Take some time and reflect on what it would be like to live in a culture that does not focus on “my emotions.” Take a specific aspect of your life and consider how it would be different without this focus.
  2. Attachment: Describe why jealousy is based on attachment and how you can overcome it.
  3. Fear: When meditating on the lower realms, sometimes you can be overcome by a panicky fear. What is the best antidote for this kind of fear and how do you proceed practicing?
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.