Sravasti Abbey: Tradition and innovation
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Life at Sravasti Abbey 
Apr 6, 2004 The Pluralism Project at Harvard University aims to explore and understand religious diversity in America. Venerable Thubten Chodron was asked to speak about the background, purpose, and vision for Sravasti Abbey.
History and vision
- Historical background on the birth of Buddhism
- Venerable Chodron’s ordination
- The importance of full ordination
- Aspiration to preserve the monastic tradition
- Visions for Sravasti Abbey
Pluralism 01 (download)
Questions and answers
- Other means of conflict resolution
- The most well-received teachings in the prison population
- Setting up an open event in the prison
- Buddhist contribution to conflict areas
- Keeping on track to form the abbey
- The materialistic aspects of American society
- The best way to use our time
Pluralism 02 (download)
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.
