Is the Buddha’s word always spoken by the Buddha?
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 1 Approaching the Buddhist Path 
Mar 8, 2019 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.
- Proving that the Mahayana sutras are the words of the Buddha
- Pali and Sanskrit views on liberation, buddhahood, and the mind
- The meaninglessness of being attached to our reputation
- Why there is no reason to criticize the Mahayana teachings
- Four authentic factors and the importance of valuing our spiritual lineage
29 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Is the Buddha’s Word Always Spoken by the Buddha? (download)
Contemplation points
- Why do you think people might doubt the authenticity of scriptures?
- Why is it important to be aware of your spiritual lineage?
- How do we develop faith and confidence in the teachings of the Buddha?
- Identify what teachings you heard that you know in your bones are true.
- Venerable Chodron said: When doubts arise or people are challenging you, come back to this what is true for you. This really grounds you. Identify at least with one thing that helps ground you in your faith.
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.
