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 The practice of refuge
Having taken refuge, how to practice it by respecting the Buddha, the Dharma, and the…
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Benefits of having taken refuge
We become Buddhists, establish the foundation for all further vows. Eliminate negative and accumulate positive…
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Spiritual practice transforms us
Enlightenment is not a static state of mind, but rather a dynamic, transformative experience that…
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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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Qualities of a Buddha’s mind
Wisdom and compassion are the two basic qualities of a Buddha's mind.
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A bhikshuni’s view
A brief overview of how Buddhist monastic traditions spread and adapt to new cultures.
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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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Objects of refuge
Why take refuge? The meaning of refuge, the objects of refuge, and the relevance of…
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The lower realms
An in-depth look at the lower realms, the causes for rebirth there, and the benefits…
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Meditations on impermanence and death
Explanation of the gross and subtle impermanence, and followed by detailed instruction on how to…
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Meditation on death
Understanding the importance of contemplating death for the Buddhist practitioner, using the nine-step meditation on…
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