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The body is not beautiful

105 Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds

Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on Shantideva’s classic text, Bodhisattvacharyavatara, often translated as Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds. Venerable Thubten Chodron also refers to the outline of the commentary by Gyaltsab Dharma Rinchen and the commentary by the Abbot Dragpa Gyaltsen.

  • Examining if our view of the body is realistic or exaggerated
  • Review of verses 62 and 63
  • Verse 64: Abandon attachment by viewing the body as equal to a corpse
  • Verses 65-67: The body cannot be made pure by applying scents
  • Verse 68: The body in it’s natural state is frightening
  • Verses 69-71: How attachment to the body leads to suffering
  • Verses 72-73: Due to exhaustion one cannot enjoy the desired

105 Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds: The body is not beautiful (download)

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.

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