social engagement

Teachings on how to respond to contemporary social issues with a compassionate motivation and wisdom.

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

A black and white photo of a house with the word Karma on the window.
Essence of Refined Gold

Continuation of the discussion of karma

A tragic event near the Abbey introduces understanding how what happens in daily life affects…

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Venerable Tenzin Sangmo (hands folded together), the Dutch nun who founded and runs Thösamling, and Venerable Lhundup Damchö, to her left, are among those listening intently to Venerable Chödron’s Dharma talk.
Full Ordination for Nuns

The birth of Sakyadhita

Reminiscing about the pioneering conference that brought together female Buddhist practitioners from around the world.

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Geshe Kelsang Damdul, smiling.
Engaged Buddhism

Compassion and world peace

Translating compassion into social action for the benefit of ourselves, our communities and the world.

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A man mediating in a park, surrounded by trees and leaves.
Working with Emotions

Making friends with ourselves

Discovering our Buddha potential by investigating the source of lasting happiness and cultivating the heart…

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A prison inmate looks through the window of a cell and the other inmate squatting in a corner, his hands covering his head.
Prison Dharma

Seeking liberation while in prison

Lama Zopa Rinpoche comments on the karmic connection those who work with incarcerated people must…

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A student at a state police graduation.
By Prison Volunteers

Scholarship from death row prisoners

A story of incarcerated people on death row who provide scholarships to family members of…

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Venerable Chodron standing with inmates at SCCC prison in Licking, Missouri.
Prison Dharma

Compassion for perpetrators

A compassionate response to the difficulties both caused and experienced by L. B., an incarcerated…

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Prison Dharma

Fill yourself with good qualities

Ever feel like a prisoner? During a meditation for people who work with incarcerated people,…

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Old prison cells in dim light.
Prison Dharma

The value of prison work

The far-reaching benefits of sharing Dharma with those in prison.

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Cross stitch of a riot scene.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

An almost riot

A person in prison reflects on the power people have, to bring about change when…

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A buddha statue with reflecting image of the buddha on the surface.
Prison Dharma

Heartfelt gifts

People in prison connect with the Triple Gem through offerings of great generosity.

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