Thubten Chodron

Teachings by Venerable Thubten Chodron.

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Collage of a Buddha
LR08 Karma

General characteristics of karma

An introduction to karma, what it is, what it is not, and how karma relates…

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Abbey guest receiving a tsa-tsa from Venerable Chodron.
LR07 Refuge

The practice of refuge

Having taken refuge, how to practice it by respecting the Buddha, the Dharma, and the…

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Abbey retreatants waiting for Venerable to arrive for a teaching.
LR07 Refuge

Benefits of having taken refuge

We become Buddhists, establish the foundation for all further vows. Eliminate negative and accumulate positive…

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Silhouette of person and bird flying against pink sunrise.
LR07 Refuge

Spiritual practice transforms us

Enlightenment is not a static state of mind, but rather a dynamic, transformative experience that…

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Monastics at the Abbey, chanting.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of the Three Jewels

The qualities of the Three Jewels in which we take refuge: the Buddha's enlightening influence,…

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Black and white image of a Buddha statue.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of a Buddha’s mind

Wisdom and compassion are the two basic qualities of a Buddha's mind.

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Venerables Tarpa, Saldon, and Chodron standing outside in the lower Abbey meadow.
Interfaith Dialogue

A bhikshuni’s view

A brief overview of how Buddhist monastic traditions spread and adapt to new cultures.

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A painting of Shakyamuni Buddha teaching to monastics.
LR07 Refuge

A Buddha’s body and speech

Knowing about the qualities and skills of a Buddha's body and speech can aid us…

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Shrine of a large Tibetan Buddha.
LR07 Refuge

Qualities of a Buddha

The Buddha's teachings are a reliable guide for our spiritual path.

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Venerables Semkye and Chonyi preparing offerings in front of the Abbey altar.
LR07 Refuge

Objects of refuge

Why take refuge? The meaning of refuge, the objects of refuge, and the relevance of…

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Deteriorating Buddha statue at the Abbey pet cemetary.
LR06 Death

The lower realms

An in-depth look at the lower realms, the causes for rebirth there, and the benefits…

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