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Venerable Thubten Chodron

Pioneering American Buddhist teacher and founder of Sravasti Abbey, currently assisting His Holiness the Dalai Lama with The Library of Wisdom and Compassion book series.

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Understanding the Dalai Lama

On December 10^th, Venerable Chodron gives a talk to celebrate two landmarks related to His Holiness the Dalai Lama – the Nobel Peace prize he received 35 years ago and his upcoming 90^th birthday in 2025. Find more information on the Zoom talk here: “Understanding the Dalai Lama.” The time of this event is most convenient for our friends in Asia, but it will be recorded and available at the Foundation’s YouTube channel. See also this article from His Holiness on “How to Be a Buddhist in Today’s World.”

Today the world faces a crisis related to lack of respect for spiritual principles and ethical values. Such virtues cannot be forced on society.”

Religion faces three principal challenges today: communism, modern science and the combination of consumerism and materialism.”

Religion values ethical conduct, which may involve delayed gratification, whereas consumerism directs us toward immediate happiness.”

Religious values such as kindness, generosity and honesty get lost in the rush to make more money and have more and “better” possessions.”

Featured Teachings

Check out highlights from Venerable Thubten Chodron's extensive teaching archive.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and compassion

Looking to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as an example…

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Venerable Chodron sitting with a panel of presenters.

Learning, Living, and Teaching Bodhicitta

The publication of Venerable Thubten Chodron's panel talk at The…

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Buddha nature

Explaining the two types of Buddha nature to help us…

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Verse 16: Opening the door of liberation

We run away from liberation because we let our negative…

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The Buddhist path and emptiness

An overview of the Buddhist path and how the delusion…

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Discussion: Emptiness, ethical conduct, and mindfulness

Geshe Dadul Namgyal responds to questions on self- and other-emptiness,…

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Latest Posts

Keep up with recent teachings by Venerable Thubten Chodron and other Sravasti Abbey monastics.

The reasons for taking refuge

Reviewing the reasons for taking refuge and the Perfection Vehicle’s…

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Entering the great vehicle

How bodhicitta is the gateway to the Mahayana.

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Changing how we view ourselves and others

Taking a more compete view of others by changing our…

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The value of the monastic community

Explaining the value of the monastic community, commencing teaching from…

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The path to cultivate

Guarding ethical conduct and the four causes of infractions.

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Higher ethical codes and making mistakes

Explaining the ethical conduct for Bodhisattva and Tantric practitioners found…

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The measure of the middle scope attitude

Explanation of the intermediate state and rebirth.

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Intoxicants and celibacy

Explaining the two precepts westerners have the most difficulty with—taking…

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Why is the Vinaya important if things are empty?

Why ethical conduct is the foundation of compassion and how…

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Upcoming Live Teachings

Follow Venerable Thubten Chodron's teachings at Sravasti Abbey, online, and worldwide.

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Books

Learn more about Buddhist books written and edited by Venerable Thubten Chodron.

Book cover of "Vajrayana and the Culmination of the Path"

Vajrayana and the Culmination of the Path

The final volume of the Library of Wisdom and Compassion by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Vener...

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Book cover of Guided Buddhist Meditations

Guided Buddhist Meditations

This invaluable resource provides Dharma practitioners with clear explanations of the stages of t...

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Working with Anger

A variety of Buddhist methods for subduing anger, not by changing what is happening, but by worki...

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Book cover of Buddhism for Beginners

Buddhism for Beginners

An accessible and engaging introduction to some of the most commonly asked questions about the es...

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Book cover of Pearl of Wisdom I

Pearl of Wisdom, Book I

A compilation of prayers and practices commonly taught to people beginning to study and practice ...

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Book cover of Pearl of Wisdom II

Pearl of Wisdom, Book II

An inspiring resource for students who have already entered into the practice of Tibetan Buddhism...

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Book cover of Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature

Volume 3 of The Library of Wisdom and Compassion addresses the unsatisfactory nature of samsara, ...

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Book cover of Awaken Every Day

Awaken Every Day

An instant dose of everyday wisdom, these insightful reflections help us understand our minds, ou...

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Book cover of the Study Guide for Open Heart Clear Mind

Open Heart, Clear Mind: Study Guide

A complementary resource to Venerable Chodron’s book, Open Heart, Clear Mind, this study gu...

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