Monastic Life
A treasury of information about the joys and challenges of life as a Buddhist monastic.
All Posts in Monastic Life
Venerable Thubten Chodron Success and meaning in life
Examining one's motivation to ordain plus benefits and realities of life as a monastic.
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Authority, leaders and respect
Examining issues of authority and power in relation to our behavior and how we relate…
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Parents and gurus
Responding to questions about ordaining when parents don't approve and how to find a guru.
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Venerable Thubten Chonyi Why would I ordain?
The benefits of ordination and how monastic communities enable the Dharma to flourish.
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Origin of and living in the precepts
The origins of precepts, how they have adapted over time, and how they protect us.
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The Buddha’s life
The Buddha's life, his path to awakening, and how Buddhism has adapted over time.
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Guided by wise teachers
Venerable Chodron reflects on the influence of her teachers and her journey to monasticism.
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Bringing Dharma to the West in the 21st century
Questions about the function of Dharma communities and how lay people and monastics can support…
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Buddhist Monastic Experience
How Tibetan Buddhism can help modern people live ethically and with compassion.
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Master the core of practice, rise to the challenge
Reflections on building a vibrant Buddhist community in the modern age.
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“She loved being a bhikshuni”: Spreading...
Venerable Chodron talks about the contribution of Venerable Hengching to the spread of full ordination…
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