How to Develop Motivation

These words of wisdom from Tricycle.com by Thupten Jinpa show us how to develop motivation. We will see more on this theme tomorrow from Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Thupten Jinpa is best known as the Dalai Lama‘s long-time translator and close friend. At one time, he was also a monk.

This man was also partly responsible for the development of the Center For Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University. We have seen many profound articles and videos from CCARE professionals such as Kelly McGonigal, Richie Davidson, Paul Ekman, Roshi Joan Halifax, and others. Click on the links to see their contributions to this wonderful project.

How to Develop Motivation | May 6, 2015 In Buddhist thinking, motivation is a matter of desire, more specifically the desire to act accompanied with a sense of purpose. Say, in the case of being more compassionate, it’s by making emotional connection with compassion and its objectives that we arouse in ourselves the desire to act. And it’s through seeing the benefits that we acquire a sense of purpose in being more compassionate. – Thupten Jinpa, “Turning Intention into Motivation”

As you see from what Thupten Jinpa says, compassion for other people is a true motivator to begin and continue a daily meditation practice.

In my opinion, having compassion as part of my own daily practice has helped me be a better person and not neglect my practice.

How do you get motivated to do your meditation practice? Please share.

Books by Thupten Jinpa

A Fearless Heart: Why Compassion is the Key to Greater Wellbeing by Thupten Jinpa In 1979 Jon Kabat-Zinn popularised the Buddhist practice of mindfulness when he revealed that it could alleviate depression. While mindfulness is a powerful tool, it will only take us so far. Now the highly acclaimed thought leader and English translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Thupten Jinp… [Read More…]