The emptiness of inherent existence
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Essence of Refined Gold 
May 8, 2008 Part of a series of teachings on Essence of Refined Gold by the Third Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso. The text is a commentary on Songs of Experience by Lama Tsongkhapa.
- Devoid of their own inherent existence, things and persons exist dependently
- Things are dependent on parts, causes, and concepts
- Realizing emptiness helps to relax our mind, reduce attachment, and release anger and confusion
Essence of Refined Gold 54a (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.
