Qualities to abandon and cultivate

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 the same situation can provoke a courageous or despondent fear
  • Understanding the difference between the two types of hope and fear
  • Developing self-worth by not comparing ourselves to others
  • Secular and Buddhist antidotes to depression
  • The kindness of others as a remedy to many afflictions

18 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Qualities to Abandon and Cultivate (download)

Contemplation points

  1. What are the advantages of practicing joyous perseverance/effort?
  2. What worldly activities have you done that were infused with joyous effort and what difficulties did you overcome with a joyful determined mind?
  3. What dharma activities have you done that were infused with joyous effort and what difficulties did you overcome with a joyful determined mind?
  4. How do we kick this joyous perseverance into gear?
  5. What are the obstacles to joyous perseverance?
  6. Share examples of joyous perseverance that you have seen in others that inspire you.
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.