Self-confidence

91 Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds

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.

  • Motivation for practicing the Dharma
  • Review of verses 47-49
  • Verse 50: Benefiting others who are unable to benefit themselves
  • Verse 51: The motivation for virtue should not be self-importance
  • Verse 52: Engaging in virtue without pride
  • Verse 53: Self-confidence is necessary for liberation
  • Verses 54-55: The self-confidence of the bodhisattva
  • Verses 56-58: The disadvantages of self-importance

91 Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds: Self-confidence (download)

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.

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