Popular Books

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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Joined hands of two people.
Bodhisattva Path

Equanimity

Developing equanimity opens the heart equally to all, offering genuine respect for all beings.

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Ven. Chodron removes the last bit of Katya'shair.
For Young People

Look, Mommy, that lady has no hair!

The symbolism of shaving the head.

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Venerable Thubten Chodron bowing forward and smiling happily.
A Nun's Life

Inspiration to ordain

Venerable Chodron was interviewed by Mahabodhi Society of USA about the benefits of monastic life…

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A blue and red peace sign painted on a rock.
Transforming War and Terrorism

Responding to war with peace

How to work with disturbing emotions that arise in response to a contemporary war.

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A man in black walking toward bright light.
Three Principal Aspects of the Path

The middle way view

Examining emptiness and the misconception of the self existent, permanent self; the relationship of the…

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A man in black walking toward bright light.
Three Principal Aspects of the Path

Ultimate and conventional existence

The ultimate nature of emptiness within the three aspects of the path, discussion of ultimate…

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Small Buddha statue next to a candle.
Helping the Dying and Deceased

Preparing for a loved one’s death

Using the teachings to prepare the loved one for death and to prepare the family…

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Buddhist invoices praying
Prayers and Practices

Morning prayers

Prayers to set our motivation and aspirations for the day.

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Tenenaged girl, smiling.
For Young People

A letter to Venerable Chodron

A teenager shares her thoughts about Buddhism.

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Four nuns with four Sravasti Abbey cats named after the four immeasurables.
Cultivating the Four Immeasurables

Practicing rejoicing

What we get jealous about, what we do when we get jealous, and how to…

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Four nuns with four Sravasti Abbey cats named after the four immeasurables.
Cultivating the Four Immeasurables

Meditating on the four immeasurables

Developing love for all sentient beings, cultivating gratitude, and a discussion about karma.

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Four nuns with four Sravasti Abbey cats named after the four immeasurables.
Cultivating the Four Immeasurables

Love and contentment

What it means to be happy, practicing contentment, and practicing generosity with wisdom.

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