Giving an overview of the text and covering the Verse on Shantideva’s homage to the Triple Gem.
Introduction and homage
Series: Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds (Thursday Teachings)
Venerable Thubten Chodron teaches on Shantideva’s classic text “Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds.” Streamed live from Sravasti Abbey on Thursdays at 10 am PST.
Freedoms and fortunes of a precious human life
Covering verses 1.1c-1.4 on Shantideva’s purpose for writing the text and the eight freedoms and ten fortunes afforded by a precious human life.
Why bodhicitta is so powerful
Finishing teaching on the ten fortunes of a precious human life and explaining why bodhicitta is so powerful (Verses 1.4–1.7).
The benefits of bodhicitta
Meditating on equanimity and explaining the benefits of bodhicitta, covering various analogies that explain these benefits (Verses 1.8 – 1.14)
The bodhisattva ethical code
Giving commentary to Verses 15-23, explaining 8 guidelines that keep bodhicitta from degrading and teaching on the benefits of aspiring and engaging bodhicitta
The merits of bodhicitta
Answering questions and teaching on Verses 1.24-1.33 on the vast merits that come from generating bodhicitta.
Offering natural substances
Beginning Chapter 2 “Purifying Negativities” with verses on making offerings to buddhas and bodhisattvas with things found in nature (Verses 1.34-2.6)
Making sensuous offerings to the Buddhas
Covering Verses 2.7-2.21 about mentally emanated offerings for Buddhas and bodhisattvas, including common and peerless offerings that delight the senses
Different kinds of refuge
Teaching on the different kinds of refuge – causal and resultant, and final and provisional (Verses 2.21-2.26)
Four opponent powers
Covering Verses 2.27-2.31 on the four opponent powers of purification.