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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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Vulture Peak where the Buddha taught his disciples, with the opening lines of the Heart Sutra overlaid.

Thus I Have Heard...

The Heart Sutra instructs us that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence yet exist dependently. This concise teaching illuminates the Buddhist view of both the ultimate and conventional natures of existence.

Listen and learn as Venerable Chodron teaches on this often-recited text, using a commentary on the “Heart Sutra” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

If this text is not crystal clear, then we need to do more purification, creation of merit, listening, reflecting, & meditating.”

Just as a mother gives birth to children, the perfection of wisdom is what gives birth to to the Aryas and to the Buddhas.”

It is important to constantly check our motivations & to maintain our aspiration to liberate all beings from suffering.”

Featured Teachings

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

Statue of Avalokiteshvara

The Heart of Wisdom Sutra

Recording of the Sravasti Abbey sangha chanting the Heart of…

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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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“She loved being a bhikshuni”: Spreading...

Venerable Chodron talks about the contribution of Venerable Hengching to…

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Holding a retreat mind

Three ways to visualize Manjushri and how to set up…

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Verse 17-2: Taking care of ourselves

Seeing ourselves as worthwhile people, being kind to others because…

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Discovering anger within

What Buddhism says about anger as a mental factor, and…

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The nature of all phenomena is emptiness

How phenomena actually exist and the importance of understanding emptiness.

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Latest Posts

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

Disadvantages of self-centeredness

How the self-centered attitude is the cause of problems in…

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Different methods for equalizing and exchanging self...

Explanation of the meditations to develop bodhicitta.

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Equalizing and exchanging oneself and others

Developing bodhicitta through exchanging self and others.

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Think about it this way

An interview with Venerable Thubten Chodron covering a wide range…

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Facing difficulties with joy and equanimity

We can have joy and equanimity even in the face…

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Living in the modern world with love and compassion

Compassion has the aspect of allaying suffering as it's characteristic.

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Living in the modern world with love and compassion

Applying the Buddhist teachings on love in our modern life.

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Recollecting the Three Jewels

Discussing the practice of the six recollections, according to the…

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Compassion, extraordinary attitude, & bodhicitta

Steps 5 - 7 of the 7-point cause and effect…

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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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