Bodhisattva secondary misdeeds 1-9

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.

  • The four binding factors for losing vows and four powers for strengthening weakened vows
  • Faulty actions detrimental to training in far-reaching generosity:
    • Not making offerings to the Three Jewels through the three gateways of our bodies, speech, and minds
    • Following out our desirous minds
    • Not showing respect to our elders
    • Not answering those who ask us questions
    • Not accepting when invited as a guest
    • Not accepting material gifts
    • Not giving the Dharma to those who wish to learn
  • Faulty actions detrimental to training in far-reaching ethical conduct:
    • Ignoring those with shattered ethics
    • Not upholding moral training for the sake of others’ faith

You can access Alex Berzin’s explanation of the secondary misdeeds here.

28 Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds: Bodhisattva Secondary Misdeeds 1-9 (download)

Venerable Sangye Khadro

California-born, Venerable Sangye Khadro ordained as a Buddhist nun at Kopan Monastery in 1974 and is a longtime friend and colleague of Abbey founder Venerable Thubten Chodron. She took bhikshuni (full) ordination in 1988. While studying at Nalanda Monastery in France in the 1980s, she helped to start the Dorje Pamo Nunnery, along with Venerable Chodron. Venerable Sangye Khadro has studied with many Buddhist masters including Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, and Khensur Jampa Tegchok. At her teachers’ request, she began teaching in 1980 and has since taught in countries around the world, occasionally taking time off for personal retreats. She served as resident teacher in Buddha House, Australia, Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore, and the FPMT centre in Denmark. From 2008-2015, she followed the Masters Program at the Lama Tsong Khapa Institute in Italy. Venerable has authored a number books found here, including the best-selling How to Meditate. She has taught at Sravasti Abbey since 2017 and is now a full-time resident.