The symbolism of Medicine Buddha

Part of a series of talks given during the Medicine Buddha retreat at Sravasti Abbey from July 3 to July 9, 2021. The retreat was offered as an online event. The Medicine Buddha sadhana was used during the retreat.

  • Helping others without a judgemental attitude
  • The five precepts are a framework for living harmoniously
  • The Medicine Buddha’s appearance symbolizes the qualities we wish to develop

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.