In this talk Venerable Thubten Ngawang explores the significance of having positive motivations and the concept of bodhisattvas, beings dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all.
These beings embody joyous effort and take delight in virtuous actions.
Thubten Ngawang shares a personal anecdote about helping a friend find joy in the simple task of refilling peanut butter jars, which led to a reflection on his own approach to mundane chores like washing dishes.
Inspired by Marshall Rosenberg’s quote on giving from the heart, he emphasizes the value of sincere, untainted motivation akin to the joy of a child:
Please do as I requested, only if you can do so with the joy of a little child feeding a hungry duck. Please do not do as I request if there is any taint of fear of punishment if you don’t. Please do not do as I request to buy my love, that, is hoping that I will love you more if you do. Please do not do as I request if you will feel guilty if you don’t. Please do not do as I request if you will feel shameful. And certainly do not do as I request out of any sense of duty or obligation.
The conversation further explores how resentment and guilt can negatively affect our experience of tasks.
Thubten Ngawang illustrates this with a story about teaching his children to contribute to the family with positive motivation rather than obligation.
By shifting focus to the benefits and adopting a mindset of liking what we do, we can transform our experience.
Additionally, Thubten Ngawang touches on the power of causality, suggesting that positive motivation can lead to happiness and good karma.
He encourages listeners to question and investigate their negative thoughts to overcome unhappiness and enhance productivity.
Commitment and viewing obligations as strengths are highlighted as ways to find joy in everyday life, ultimately allowing us to contribute positively to the world.
