karma

Teachings related to the law of karma and its effects, or how intentional actions of body, speech, and mind affect our circumstances and experiences. The law of karma and its effects explains how present experience is the product of past actions and how present actions affect future experience. Posts include teachings on the types and characteristics of karma and how to use an understanding of karma in daily life.

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View all posts in Venerable Thubten Chodron's teaching archive.

Woman visiting dogs in a shelter.
LR08 Karma

Positive actions and their results

Looking at karma in terms of the positive actions and results, and a discussion of…

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Young monks meditating.
LR08 Karma

Meditating on the 10 destructive actions

Instructions for meditation on karma and the ten destructive actions, thinking about the causes of…

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Entrance to hell realm.
LR08 Karma

The results of the 10 destructive actions

A look at how karma ripens, the maturation result, results similar to the cause, and…

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The word "Implications" written in yellow against a gray background.
LR08 Karma

A broader view of destructive actions

It makes a big difference how we treat ourselves or others and with what motivation…

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The word "Mind" painted on a wall.
LR08 Karma

Three destructive actions of mind

Of the ten destructive actions, the three mental actions are the motivator for all the…

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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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A group of Buddhist and Catholic nuns visiting the Abbey.
Interfaith Dialogue

Comparing and contrasting views

A comparison of religious views to support interfaith practice.

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Deteriorating Buddha statue at the Abbey pet cemetary.
LR06 Death

The lower realms

An in-depth look at the lower realms, the causes for rebirth there, and the benefits…

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