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.

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Venerable Chodron meditating.
Buddhist Worldview

Appreciating the opportunity to practice

Sharing from discussion groups about what we take for granted, what to prioritize in our…

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Venerable Chodron meditating.
Buddhist Worldview

I, me, myself and mine

A deeper look at the third seal: all phenomena lack a self. The meaning of…

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Venerable Chodron meditating.
Buddhist Worldview

Impermanence, dukkha and selflessness

Questions and answers on the first seal followed by teachings on the second seal: all…

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Refuge Ngöndro

Taking refuge in the guru

How to take refuge in the guru as part of the preliminary practice (ngöndro) of…

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Venerable Chodron meditating.
Buddhist Worldview

Contemplating impermanence

Introduction to the Heart Sutra, the four seals of Buddhism, and teachings on the first…

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Seven-point Mind Training

Resistance to practicing tonglen

How the taking and giving practice can transform our minds, making us happier.

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Monastic in meditation.
Preliminary Practices

Preliminary practice (ngöndro) overview

An introduction to the practices that help clear and purify our minds so that we…

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Cover of Taming the Mind.
Taming the Mind

Karma and the wish for freedom

An explanation of karma. How to benefit ourselves and others by developing the ten virtues.

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Seven-point Mind Training

Eroding self-centeredness

How we can use the meditation on taking on the suffering of others to erode…

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Young monk with palms together and head bowed.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

The seven ways to end disputes

Promoting unity, gladness, friendship and harmony in the community for our benefit. Not being difficult…

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Monastics sitting together.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

Kassapa Discourses: Admonishment

The community is spurred by examples of people who practice well. Helping people restrain from…

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Venerable Chodron visiting with an Abbey guest.
Exploring Monastic Life 2009

Kassapa Discourses: Guarding the mind

If we have self-restraint, there is less danger of breaking the precepts. We stay mentally…

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