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.

Read Full Bio

View Posts

Western Monastics

Western Buddhist nuns in the Tibetan tradition

Venerable Chodron explores the history of Buddhist nuns in the West through her own experiences,…

View Post
Exploring Monastic Life 2022

Precepts free the mind

An explanation of the lay precepts with examples of different cultural mindsets.

View Post
Exploring Monastic Life 2022

Pratimoksa precepts

An explanation of the divisions of precepts and clarification of particular vows.

View Post
Volume 3 Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature

Bodhisattvas’ path to awakening

Continuing teaching from Chapter 11, explaining the five paths of the bodhisattva vehicle.

View Post
Exploring Monastic Life 2022

Approaching ordination

Information about the program and questions to consider about ordination.

View Post
Volume 3 Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature

Freedom from cyclic existence

Commencing teaching from Chapter 11, describing five paths of the practitioners of sravaka vehicle.

View Post
Shantideva Teachings at Sravasti Abbey

The faults of attachment

Commentary on verses that cover the faults of attachment to material possessions, reputation, fame, praise…

View Post
A Nun's Life

A life in the Dharma

A discussion that includes the journey to becoming a Buddhist nun and founding a monastery,…

View Post