Discerning virtuous from nonvirtuous actions
58 The Foundation of Buddhist Practice
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 2 The Foundation of Buddhist Practice 
Aug 28, 2020 Part of an ongoing series of teachings (retreat and Friday) based on the book The Foundation of Buddhist Practice, second volume in “The Library of Wisdom and Compassion” series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.
- Factors that make karma heavy such as frequency, strength of motivation
- Regretting harmful actions, rejoicing beneficial actions
- Keeping precepts, general mental constitution, naturally negative actions
- Applying Four opponent powers
- Having faith in karma and its effects and generating wisdom
- Actions motivated by attachment, animosity, confusion
- Actions motivated by non-attachment, non-anger, non-confusion
- Difference between doing something virtuous and being selfish
- Considering the long term effects of scientific and technological developments
The Foundation of Buddhist Practice 58: Discerning Virtuous From Nonvirtuous Actions (download)
Contemplation points
- What is the purpose of applying mindfulness and introspective awareness?
- What is the best way to work towards a good future rebirth?
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.
