renunciation

Renunciation, or the determination to be free, is the attitude aspiring to be free from all suffering and to attain the liberation that is freedom from cyclic existence.

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New to Buddhism

Vesak and the Buddha’s life

The story behind Vesak, the holiest day of the year for Buddhists, and how we…

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Venerable Chodron having a discussion outside with a group of youth.
Young Adults Explore Buddhism 2006

The meaning and purpose of renunciation

Examining our experiences through the lens of the Buddha's teachings will give rise to a…

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Shantideva image in ground mineral pigment on silk.
Shantideva Teachings in Singapore

Chapter 1: Verse 1

Explanation: there's no irreparable gap between who we are and the goal of Buddhahood. The…

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Vajrasattva statue
Vajrasattva Winter Retreat 2005-06

What are your non-negotiables?

Retreatants discuss what they can't let go of in their lives, and come to realize…

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Venerable Tarpa getting her head shaved by Venerable and other monastics.
Three Principal Aspects of the Path

Renunciation and bodhicitta

We can end our grasping at the illusory happiness of our lives and learn to…

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A yellow statute of prince siddhartha cutting of his hair, as a symbol of his renunciation.
Three Principal Aspects of the Path

Advantages of renunciation

Explains the opening verses, and explains the importance and advantages of renunciation. Clarifies what renunciation…

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A Green Tara tsatsa.
Prayers and Practices

Recovering after Hurricane Wilma

Advice to a Buddhist group on developing renunciation and bodhicitta in the aftermath of Hurricane…

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Venerable Chodron and a monk walking down a path, in conversation.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Monastic practices

A discussion among Western and Asian monastics highlights some of the practices in their particular…

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Abbey monastics chanting during a Medicine Buddha puja.
Dealing with Grief

Losing a dear one who was young

A letter from a student questioning the reason for the loss of her younger sister.

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Volunteers distributing bottles of water from the back of a pickup truck.
Responding to Prejudice

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina

Advice to two Dharma students on extending compassion to those directly suffering and those distressed…

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