What's Your Motivation? Thubten Chodron

Spiritual Journey

Thubten Chodron recounts her unexpected spiritual journey, which led her to become a Buddhist nun. Initially, she pursued a career in education, driven by a desire to benefit others, but a meditation course with Tibetan lamas shifted her perspective 1. She realized her motivations were self-centered, prompting her to embrace a life dedicated to altruism. Despite a happy marriage and successful career, she felt her attachments hindered her spiritual practice 2.

I wanted to dedicate my life to this. I thought, if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it.

--- Thubten Chodron

This realization led her to ordain as a nun, seeking a life aligned with her newfound values.

   

Beyond Self-Centeredness

Chodron explores the concept of moving beyond self-centeredness to embrace a more meaningful existence. She argues that while people often care for loved ones, true altruism requires extending compassion to all beings, not just those we favor 3. This shift in perspective involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, as illustrated in her reflections on mindful eating 4.

If you help your friends and harm your enemies, that's not any better than a dog because it does what dog does.

--- Thubten Chodron

By contemplating the origins of our food and the labor involved, we can cultivate gratitude and a broader sense of responsibility.