Working in the world

Working in the world

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 our skills and abilities to benefit others
  • Taking care oneself to practice the dharma without leaning towards self-mortification or self-indulgence
  • Applying the mind training techniques to accept the illness or difficulty we are experiencing
  • Differentiating between physical pain and associated mental pain
  • Balancing our practice and social engagement
  • Having realistic expectations

60 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Working in the World (download)

Contemplation points

Good Health and Dealing with Illness and Injury

  1. His Holiness writes: “Everyone desires good health, and for Dharma practitioners, it facilitates our ability to practice. For this reason we should do our best to maintain our health by eating nutritious meals, exercising and sleeping enough… “ How do you take care of yourself in this regard?
  2. In mind-training practice, we see our illness as a result of destructive actions. What are some ways to purify those?
  3. The Dalai Lama advises: “Sit quietly and observe the difference between the actual physical pain of the illness or injury and the mental suffering caused by fear and anxiety.
  4. Bring to mind an actual situation of physical pain such as stomach pain or an experience from the past. Try to differentiate in your imagination what is happening to you physically and whats going on in your mind?
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.