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Eight verses of thought transformation: Verses 7-8

Eight verses of thought transformation: Verses 7-8

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.

  • Using smaller difficulties to practice the mind training methods
  • How to do the taking-and-giving meditation effectively
  • Eight worldly concerns and how they affect our virtuous actions
  • Interactive discussion on seeking praise
  • Benefits of realizing emptiness and perceiving all phenomena as illusory

46 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Eight Verses of Thought Transformation Verses 7-8 (download)

Contemplation points

  1. What disadvantages are there if we always blame the outside for this and that, such as when we are sick or something doesn’t go OUR way?
  2. Describe one or two practices to apply when challenges such as a sickness befalls you.
  3. What are the disadvantages of wanting to receive praise? What are the antidotes to praise?
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.