Realistic expectations
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 1 Approaching the Buddhist Path 
Sep 13, 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.
- Realistic and unrealistic sense of self
- Personal integrity and consideration for others to restrain our actions of body, speech, and mind
- Importance of consistent practice for creating the causes to overcome afflictions and attain realizations
- Having a long term view to cultivate a proper motivation and enthusiastic efforts to practice
- Why we need to practice the foundation topics before wanting to engage in advanced practices
54 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Realistic Expectations (download)
Contemplation points
Making progress
- What are the main points of the teachings on “Realistic Expectations” & “Advanced Practices at the Right Time?”
- What is a healthy/ realistic sense of self?
- What are your biggest identities and how do they hinder you in making spiritual progress?
Advanced practices at the right time
- Check in with yourself to see if you really integrate the teachings into your mind and life, or if they are just mere words? Where in doubt, study and practice the basic teachings.
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.
