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Setting Our Motivation

from

An Open-Hearted Life

by Venerable Thubten Chodron
& Dr. Russell Kolts

Shambhala Publications

Have you ever considered why you do the things you do? We have many different motivations, linked to a wide range of goals – we may want to form and maintain relationships; acquire money, status or possessions; pursue meaning and happiness in life.

At other times, we may not be aware of our motivations at all – going through the day checking off items on a ‘to do’ list, disconnected from the awareness of why we’re doing these things.

However, it’s possible for us to choose and consciously cultivate a motivation in our minds, just as we considerable advantages to doing this: the motivation behind an action – the reason we’re doing it – deeply influences the manner in which we do the action, how we feel while we’re doing it, as well as the outcome of the activity.

Over time, pausing to consciously cultivate a compassionate motivation before we act transforms our mental state, assisting us to make wise decisions and enhancing our lives.

Including compassion in our motivation can transform even the most mundane tasks. We can wash dishes so others may eat without becoming ill. As parents and teachers, we can guide and occasionally discipline children with the motivation to help them develop qualities that will serve them well as they grow in life. We can interact with customers with the intention of helping them find what they need and will enjoy.

Buddhist teachers encourage us to examine our motives before we act, making sure they are not selfish or unkind, and that our ultimate goal is to benefit others and free them from suffering.

Imagine acting with the motivation to free all beings – including yourself – from suffering. Try not to get caught up in thinking, ‘That’s silly, there’s no way I could possibly do that.’ Simply imagine how you would feel, think, and behave if you had such a motive.