The kindness of enemies

116 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.

  • Getting our mind to see all sentient beings as equal
  • Seeing everyone as full human beings, not as stereotypes
  • The kindness of those who have harmed us
  • The help from sentient beings exceeds their harm
  • Since we will all die it makes no sense to hold grudges or discriminate
  • Questions and comments

116 Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds: The kindness of enemies (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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