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.

The word: Punish written on a wall.
Prison Dharma

Working with Buddhists behind bars

Overcoming fear and the judgmental mind to reach sentient beings in prison.

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Prison cell window that has light pentrating through, surroundings are in darkness.
Prison Dharma

The Dalai Lama on prison life

His Holiness talks about how to generate compassion for incarcerated people and the need for…

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A blue and red peace sign painted on a rock.
Transforming War and Terrorism

Responding to war with peace

How to work with disturbing emotions that arise in response to a contemporary war.

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A cartoon drawing of a person in jail clothes(black and white stripes) trap inside bars surrounded by the words:Fear, Anger, Pain, Innocent, Shame and Trust.
Prison Dharma

Prison Dharma

Reflections on visiting incarcerated people to share the Dharma in prisons throughout the United States

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Venerable Chodron in conversation with Dr. Steven Vannoy.
By Prison Volunteers

Teaching meditation in the prison system

Steven Vannoy taught Buddhism and meditation to incarcerated people. He got a psychology degree to…

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A peace sign made of flowers over the 'Imagine' John Lennon memorial in Central Park.
Transforming War and Terrorism

Peace and justice after September 11

Dealing with fear and moving forward with compassion after the September 11, 2001 attacks on…

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Venerable Chodron in meditation with a small group of lay practitioners..
A Nun's Life

Behind the scenes with Venerable Thubten Chodron

A broad discussion about becoming a nun, founding an abbey in North America, and the…

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