Tailoring teachings to meet different needs

04 Exploring Monastic Life 2022

Part of a series of teachings given during Sravasti Abbey's annual Exploring Monastic Life program in 2022.

  • Beings of all times and cultures want happiness
  • Applying the Dharma to issues that concern us
  • Generosity between the sangha and laypeople
  • Considering context appropriately to tailor one’s practice
  • Tolerating cultural differences and not judging others

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.