Spread of Buddhadharma

Spread of Buddhadharma

Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on Approaching the Buddhist Path, the first book in “The Library of Wisdom and Compassion” series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.

  • How Buddhism developed and was influenced by many factors
  • Discerning the difference between Buddhism and culture
  • Why Buddhist institutions are not objects of refuge
  • The two main Buddhist traditions according to their language

20 Approaching the Buddhist Path: Spread of Buddhadharma (download)

Contemplation points

  1. What is Buddhism and what is culture? Make some examples from your own experience with practicing and studying Buddhism or from just observing.
  2. What are some categories other than the Four Noble Truths that can be used to distinguish culture and Buddhism?
Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.