The Third Dalai Lama's Refined Gold & Shantideva's Guide; 7th-March-2007 (Day 4 of 9; Afternoon) - Dalai Lama Audio Teachings on Tibetan Buddhism Podcast

One who has generated the awakening mind of bodhichitta is a bodhisattva. Generosity is a major part of the bodhisattva’s way of life. A teacher’s giving advice on subduing the disturbing emotions, on how to be less angry and more compassionate, is an example of generosity. Similarly, another example is the gift of fearlessness. His Holiness cites the work of various NGOs concerned with promoting world peace and others who focus on the protection of animals. Another contemporary example is the kindness of those who offer parts of their bodies, such as kidneys, corneas etc to relieve the sufferings of others. Although the Guide has no chapter on ethics, this is the focus of chapters 4 & 5 dealing with conscientiousness and alertness. What is crucial is to recognise that our real foe is our inner enemy, ignorance and the disturbing emotions. Ordinary enemies can only do us limited harm, whereas the inner enemy, disturbing emotions can trigger great danger now and in the future. Fortunately, it is a human characteristic to recognise, anticipate and forestall danger.