Shantideva's Compendium of Precepts (Laptu) and A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Chod-jug); 19-Mar-2006 (Day 4 of 9; Afternoon) - Dalai Lama Audio Teachings on Tibetan Buddhism Podcast

Summary: His Holiness the Dalai Lama opened by saying that the mind has an aptitude for change. This is why it is important that we try to take advantage of our opportunity and work to transform our minds. Everyone experiences a wish for happiness and dislikes being unhappy. Unhappiness results from having an undisciplined mind, but the mere presence of knowledge does not rectify this. Our distorted view of reality is countered by thinking about aspects of wisdom, such as impermanence, the nature of suffering, selflessness, and the peace that is liberation. Our lack of warm-heartedness is countered by positive emotions such as love and compassion. Disturbing emotions are the source of our problems and they arise because of ignorance. We need wisdom, an understanding of reality to counter ignorance. As a basis for wisdom, we need concentration and the foundation of that is discipline. His Holiness commented that the Compendium’s approach to ethical discipline is more from a protective point of view, whereas in the Guide the focus is more on personal improvement. Alertness or awareness is the key to making progress in this.