Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds (2020–23)
Teachings on Shantideva’s Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds.
Root Text
A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life translated by Stephen Batchelor and published by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is available as an ebook on Google Play here.
Praise and reputation
Venerable Thubten Chodron Looking at the disadvantages of attachment to praise and blame, covering Verses 90-98 of Chapter 6
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Help and harm
Covering Verses 97-105 of Chapter 6 on how we can see those who harm us as not obstacles to be overcome, but rather a helpful…
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Cherishing our enemies
Covering Verses 104-112 of Chapter 6 "Patience" and exploring various reasonings for why we should venerate and cherish those who harm us
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Respecting sentient beings
Giving commentary to Verses 113-116, elaborating on why we should cherish and respect sentient beings as much as we cherish and respect the buddhas
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The meaning of compassion
As commentary to Verses 116-122 of Chapter 6, emphasizing the importance of cherishing sentient beings as a way to repay the kindness of the buddhas
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Retaliation
Covering Verses 122-132 from Chapter 6, exploring various reasons why retaliation against those who harm us is inappropriate
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Pleasing sentient beings
Reading Verses 131-134 of Chapter 6, explaining what it means to please sentient beings and the benefits of practicing fortitude, and beginning Chapter 7
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Making effort with joy
Covering Verses 1-4 of Chapter 7, discussing the true meaning of joyous effort and obstacles to it
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Averting the causes of war
Looking at war and current events from a Dharma perspective. Further commentary on verses 3 and 4 of Chapter 7.
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Living in the jaws of death
Shantideva's advice for overcoming laziness and developing enthusiasm for practicing the Dharma. Commentary on verses 5-10 of Chapter 7.
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People do not learn by suffering
Counteracting laziness and developing joyous effort. Commentary on verses 11-14 of Chapter 7. Also why people don't learn from suffering or punishment.
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Distracted by the causes for pain
Commentary on verse 15 of Chapter 7 including the intrusive conditions and incompatible propensities that interfere with practicing the Dharma.
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