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 Thubten Chodron Saying goodbye to our spiritual teachers
How to choose and rely on a spiritual mentor and cultivate the qualities of a…
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Ultimate nature of the twelve links
Continuing the teachings from Chapter 8, covering the section "The Ultimate Nature of the Twelve…
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Contemplating karma and its effects
Contemplating karmic cause and effect to strengthen the aspiration for virtue.
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Like illusions
Teaching from Chapter 8, explaining why phenomena are "like illusions" but are not actually illusions.
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The four powers that increase joyous effort
Commentary to verses 30-38 of Chapter 7, including the four powers that increase the strength…
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The benefits of living in community
Venerable Chodron talks with a monastic about what it means to take full ordination.
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The entrance to the Buddhist path
An introduction to refuge and its place in a general overview of Buddhist teachings.
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Nominally existent self
Continuing the teaching from Chapter 8, using the examples to explain who cycles in samsara.
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Courage to practice
By creating the causes to overcome discouragement the results will be joyous effort to practice…
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The Gift of Offering Service
Offering service is our chance to give something of value to the Three Jewels.
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Who experiences the 12 links?
Continuing the teaching from Chapter 8, completing the example from the Pali explanation and covering…
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Overcoming discouragement
Commentary on verses 15-22 of Chapter 7, on overcoming discouragement and developing enthusiasm to practice…
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