The enemy of the self-centered mind
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Working with Emotions 
Nov 29, 2025 A talk given at Clear Mountain Monastery in Seattle, Washington.
- We are equal to all sentient beings because we all want happiness and not to suffer equally
- The self-centered mind does not protect us, it’s a big deceiver
- Self-centeredness is a setup for nonvirtue and suffering
- We all have our own “rules of the universe”
- The label “I” is a matter of perspective
- Starting to overcome self-centeredness with small steps
- The self-centered mind is not an inherent part of our mind
- Give your pain to the self-centered thought and let your mind be happy
- Giving is it’s own reward, a thank you is not needed
- Questions and answers
- How do we cultivate compassion for those who are indifferent and lack empathy?
- How do we work with the affliction of anger?
- How can we act caring when we don’t really feel caring?
- How can I deal with my self-centered mind after I was not paid by my friend?
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.
