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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Sunrise at Borobudur, the back view of the Buddha and stupas.
Essence of Refined Gold

Reflecting on the empty nature of phenomena

The benefits of listening to teachings on emptiness, and an discussion of emptiness according to…

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Sculpture of a handgun with barrel tied in a knot.
Interfaith Dialogue

Buddhist wisdom on violence and reconciliation

How we think suffering comes from outside and how we can rethink and transform our…

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Sunrise at Borobudur, the back view of the Buddha and stupas.
Essence of Refined Gold

Wisdom that knows the ultimate nature

Engaging in the wisdom that has the compassion, the ability, and the skill to be…

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Group photo of sangha with Khensur Jampa Tegchog.
Teachings by Khensur Jampa Tegchok

Understanding emptiness: Part 3

Question-and-answer session covering different types of wisdom, how wisdom overcomes ignorance, the nihilist's view, and…

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Group photo of sangha with Khensur Jampa Tegchog.
Teachings by Khensur Jampa Tegchok

Understanding emptiness: Part 2

Discussion on topics of emptiness of space, permanence of nirvana, labels, cognizers, enlightenment, nirvana, and…

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Group photo of sangha with Khensur Jampa Tegchog.
Teachings by Khensur Jampa Tegchok

Understanding emptiness: Part 1

Question-and-answer session covering balancing practice of method and wisdom aspects of the path, realizations, purification,…

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Venerable smiling while eating a meal with other monastics.
Living in Community

Six harmonies in a sangha community

Practical guidelines for setting up and living in a Dharma community or monastery, and the…

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Venerable Chodron sitting near a window, reading a book.
Contentment and Happiness

Simplifying our lives

Letting go of life's complications by giving up the dissatisfied mind and closing down the…

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Medical team helping man with his prosthetic leg.
On Taking Illness Onto the Path

A letter from a friend

Sravasti Abbey's website reaches out to millions. David shares his experience about experiencing the Dharma…

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Shantideva Teachings in Singapore

Chapter 3: Verses 22-33

Seeing the kindness of others and having the attitude that sees others in beauty. Adopting…

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Shantideva Teachings in Singapore

Chapter 3: Verses 10-20

How to look at our experiences of hurt or betrayal from a Dharma point of…

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