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Venerable Thubten Chodron

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

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Freedom Behind Bars

Venerable Thubten Chodron and the Prison Dharma Outreach Team were recently interviewed for the Clear Mountain Monastery Podcast. Watch as they reflect on the importance of this program for all involved.

What really touches a person in prison is the thought that 'Even after all I've done in my life,' I can work to generate compassion for others.”
People on the outside don't have any idea what prison is really like. How do you maintain yourself and not fall into negativity in that setting?”
There's this attitude toward people in prison of 'lock them up and throw away the key.' There's a lot of talent and potential that doesn't get used.”

Featured Teachings

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

Prison wire against blue sky. Prison Dharma

Prison volunteer workshop

A discussion of techniques and practices to benefit incarcerated people.…

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Silhouette of a man meditating. By Prison Volunteers

An afternoon in prison

Venerable Jigme rejoices the dharma practice by group of incarcerated…

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Gems of Wisdom

Verse 8: The prison of personal entanglements

Attachment to loved ones and friends creates suffering that distracts…

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Inmate looking out from behind prison bars. On Refuge and Bodhicitta

We are all prisoners

We are prisoners of our own minds. Ignorance, anger, and…

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Old prison cells in dim light. Prison Dharma

The value of prison work

The far-reaching benefits of sharing Dharma with those in prison.

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Cultivating the Four Immeasurables

Meditation on how compassion changes us

Guided contemplation on how compassion has changed our life and…

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Purple flowers blossom in a bunch. Short Verses to Cultivate Bodhicitta

Verse 14-1: The prison of cyclic existence

Determination to be free, aspiration for enlightenment to benefit sentient…

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Latest Posts

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

Stages of the Path

Stopping anger for contempt and criticism

How to avoid anger when criticized or insulted.

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Prison Dharma

Freedom behind bars

Inspiring stories and reflections on the Prison Dharma Outreach program.

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Teachings by Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe

The emptiness of an inherent self

A teaching on the emptiness of inherent existence covering verses…

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Stages of the Path

Anger is unjustified on analysis of the basis

Using analysis and reflection to develop patience.

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Teachings by Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe

Realms of upper rebirth

Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe teaches on the various upper rebirths and…

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Stages of the Path

The patience of disregarding harm

Avoiding anger in the face of harm from others.

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Teachings by Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe

The results of non-virtue

Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe teaches what it means to practice the…

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Volume 4 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps

Hindrances of malice, lethargy and sleepiness

Explaining the hindrances of malice, lethargy, and sleepiness, from Chapter…

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Stages of the Path

How to generate patience in our mindstream

Developing patience with those who harm you.

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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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