The mind, rebirth, and karma

Part of a series of teachings given during Sravasti Abbey's annual Exploring Buddhism for Young Adults program in 2016.

  • The definition of the mind
  • The differences between mind and body
  • Explaining rebirth and the process of ending it
  • Reasons why animal rebirths are unfortunate
  • Buddhism is based on reasoning, not belief without investigation
  • Collective versus individual karma

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.