Explore Monastic Life
Teachings from the annual Exploring Monastic Life program at Sravasti Abbey.
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Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Venerable Thubten Samten An example of integrity
Group discussion questions pertaining to our understanding of integrity.
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Venerable Thubten Semkye Development of the first sangha
Stories of the early monastic community and how the guidelines became established.
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Venerable Thubten Jigme Cultivating self-acceptance
A reflection on making the Dharma one's personal journey by internalizing the teachings.
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Entire path to enlightenment
How negative actions and virtues affect initial, middle and high-level practitioners differently.
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Working with the mind in a structured way
An explanation of diligent study and practice of the Dharma with practical ways of working…
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How a monastic interacts with others
How to condition one's mind as one progress on the monastic life.
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Training the mind in contentment
Conviction in the Buddhist worldview to direct our time and energy appropriately.
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Vinaya of the seven recent Buddhas
How a short verse of vinaya can be expanded to encourage contemplation of Buddhist principles.
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Relating to the material world
A teaching on the perils of looking externally for one's sense pleasures. Cultivating genuine spiritual…
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Changes in relationships and social life
After ordination, one creates space with family and friends and interacts with them in different…
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What changes when you become a monastic
The seven aspects of monastic life that are different, and the rationale behind them.
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