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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"Speak the truth even if your voice shakes" painted on a wall.
LR08 Karma

The destructive actions of speech

An explanation of the karma related to our use of speech: lying, divisive speech, harsh…

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A steak with the word 'Eat' below it.
LR08 Karma

The three physical destructive actions

Intention and motivation produce different results from our actions. Being honest with ourselves helps us…

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Collage of a Buddha
LR08 Karma

General characteristics of karma

An introduction to karma, what it is, what it is not, and how karma relates…

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Abbey guest receiving a tsa-tsa from Venerable Chodron.
LR07 Refuge

The practice of refuge

Having taken refuge, how to practice it by respecting the Buddha, the Dharma, and the…

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Abbey retreatants waiting for Venerable to arrive for a teaching.
LR07 Refuge

Benefits of having taken refuge

We become Buddhists, establish the foundation for all further vows. Eliminate negative and accumulate positive…

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Silhouette of person and bird flying against pink sunrise.
LR07 Refuge

Spiritual practice transforms us

Enlightenment is not a static state of mind, but rather a dynamic, transformative experience that…

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Monastics at the Abbey, chanting.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of the Three Jewels

The qualities of the Three Jewels in which we take refuge: the Buddha's enlightening influence,…

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Black and white image of a Buddha statue.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of a Buddha’s mind

Wisdom and compassion are the two basic qualities of a Buddha's mind.

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Venerables Tarpa, Saldon, and Chodron standing outside in the lower Abbey meadow.
Interfaith Dialogue

A bhikshuni’s view

A brief overview of how Buddhist monastic traditions spread and adapt to new cultures.

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A painting of Shakyamuni Buddha teaching to monastics.
LR07 Refuge

A Buddha’s body and speech

Knowing about the qualities and skills of a Buddha's body and speech can aid us…

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Shrine of a large Tibetan Buddha.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of a Buddha

The Buddha's teachings are a reliable guide for our spiritual path.

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