The 37 Harmonies and Good Karma verses 45-46
97 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 4 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps 
May 22, 2026 Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on the book Following in the Buddha's Footsteps, the fourth volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. First half of this talk also includes teaching from Good Karma annual retreat.
- Good Karma verse 45
- When calamities befall me
- Like the ironsmith slain by his own sword
- Be heedful of nonvirtuous acts
- Good Karma verse 46
- I undergo sufferings in the lower realms
- Like the fletcher slain by his own arrow
- Be heedful regarding destructive actions
- Secular mindfulness derived from Buddhist mindfulness
- Overview of the Thirty-seven Harmonies with Awakening
97 The 37 Harmonies and Good Karma Verses 45-46 (download)
Contemplation points
- What is the difference between nonconceptual and conceptual consciousnesses? Observe the environment around you and make some examples. Which type of consciousness can trigger disturbing emotions?
- What are the benefits of training the mind to have bare attention on what is occurring in the present moment? What are some secular contexts in which this can be beneficial? What is the purpose for those who are practicing Buddhism?
- The Thirty-Seven Harmonies with Awakening are practiced both in the Sravaka Vehicle and in the Mahayana. What is the main differences in how they are practiced in each?
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.
