Bodhisattva Breakfast Corner - Buddhist Teachings for Daily Life & Daily Practice

Dying Without Regret - Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 19

23 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron reminds us how important it is to practice the Dharma so that we are able to die without fear and regret. She emphasizes the importance of taking refuge at the time of death, and encourages us not to cling to our material possessions, which will cause us to die with a mind of attachment.

The Slideshow of Your Life - Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 18

22 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron teaches on the fourth verse of "Essential Spiritual Advice" by the First Dalai Lama, commenting on how ridiculous it is to cling to our reputation in the face of impermanence, aging and death.

Review of Essential Spiritual Advice - Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 17

21 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron reviews the first three verses of "Essential Spiritual Advice" by the First Dalai Lama, Gendun Drubpa, in preparation for the continuation of her commentary on these verses.

Towards a Century of Compassion and Peace

20 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jampa shares the main points of two talks given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Environmental Summit at Maitripa College, Portland - one on "Universal Responsibility and the Inner Environment: The Nature of the Mind," and "Inspiration for the Global Environment." She highlights His Holiness' thoughts on how the last century was one of blood, and how integrating compassion into our daily lives and education systems can transform the coming century.

Universal Responsibility and the Environment

19 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jampa shares on the panel on "Universal Responsibility and the Global Environment" that took place at the Environmental Summit hosted by Maitripa College from May 9 to 11. She highlights comments by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. David Suzuki and Andrea Durbin on our responsibility to care for the environment for the benefit of future generations.

The True Meaning of Education

18 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron continues to share her response to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's comment that "A monastery should be a place of learning." She reflects on the true purpose and meaning of education, which should be to effect inner transformation and develop a good character.

The Sacredness of Education

17 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Geshe Phelgye, who teaches at Eastern Washington University, shares his views on academia and the sacredness of education, which should be about passing down positive values, rather than a business transaction.

Ven. Yeshe's Bhikshuni Ordination, pt. 2

16 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Yeshe continues to share her deep gratitude for all the support she received for her Bhikshuni ordination in Taiwan, from the Abbey, the lay supporters, and most importantly, from herself.

Ven. Yeshe's Bhikshuni Ordination, pt. 1

15 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Yeshe has just returned from a 2-month Bhikshuni ordination program at Miao Fa temple in Taiwan. She rejoices in the great kindness and generosity of all the laypeople who sponsored the program for 185 monastics, and shares on what her daily schedule has been like.

Spirituality and the Environment

14 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jampa shares on the speeches given at the inter-faith panel on spirituality and the environment, which took place on the first day of the Environmental Summit at Maitripa College, Portland from May 9-11.

The Mind and Rebirth at Maitripa College Graduation

13 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron gives a summary of the speeches given at Maitripa College's Graduation Ceremony, which were part of the recent teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Portland. The topics of the speeches covered the relationship between the mind, body and rebirth.

Love, Serve, and Remember - Mother's Day Service at the Gardenia Center

12 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron gives the Mother's Day Service at the Gardenia Center in Sandpoint, Idaho, and speaks about "Love, Serve, and Remember," a hymn that was sung at the service. She then goes on to share a moving story from "Finding Freedom: Writings From Death Row" by Jarvis Jay Masters, a death row inmate at San Quentin who found it in his heart to forgive his Mother despite having a difficult childhood.

Mastering Our Karma

11 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jigme continues to share from "When the Chocolate Runs Out" by Lama Yeshe, on how to apply meditation to digest our experiences with wisdom, so that we can master our karma.

The True Nature of Cheese

10 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi shares pointers from Ven. Chodron's teachings on how to take the ache out of attachment. She describes how to recognize and reflect on the object we are attached to, so that we can stop exaggerating its good qualities and clinging to it.

Reflections on the Bystander Effect

09 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye responds to a Bodhisattva's Breakfast Corner listener's request to comment on a video about the bystander effect made by the Heroic Imagination Project. She reflects on the obstacles that get in the way of our desire to help other members of the human family, and leaves us with thought-provoking questions on our prejudices and assumptions about others. The video can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4S1LL

When Death Comes

08 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Tarpa picks up from Ven. Samten's reflections on death and shares the poem "When Death Comes" by Mary Oliver. She highlights her favourite line from the poem and elaborates on how it helps her to get some feeling of the "mere I," and how it is different from the puffed-up conception of an inherently existent self.

The Tourist and the Buffalo

07 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Samten speaks on being in denial about death, in response to the teachings that Ven. Chodron has been giving on Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas. She compares her attitude towards life before meeting the Dharma to being like a tourist and a buffalo, and urges us to seize every moment to practice. Ven. Chodron's teachings on Aryadeva's 400 Stanzas can be found at http://blip.tv/sravastiabbey.

The Hand in the Cookie Jar

06 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jigme shares two stories told by Lama Yeshe and Ven. Chodron, on how skilled practitioners are able to quickly identify attachment when it arises, and do not hesitate to immediately apply antidotes to it, so as to eliminate the suffering that arises from this affliction.

The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener

04 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi shares a lyric from a Petula Clarke song that prompted her to reflect on the comparing mind fueled by anger and jealousy, and how contentment and rejoicing can counteract these afflictions.

Equanimity for Carpenter Ants

03 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye shares on a significant 10-year relationship she has had at the Abbey - with carpenter ants. She shares on her struggles with striving to protect the lives of these ants, even when they threaten the things she holds dear, and how this has helped her to develop fortitude and equanimity towards all sentient beings.

Working With Our Whacky Minds

01 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Tarpa shares on how to use the Dharma to work with our wacky minds, which cling to the fabrication of an inherently existent self. She highlights how grasping at relationships and objects to shore up our identity is a set up for failure, and points to the Dharma as the antidote to this unrealistic point of view.

Commitment and Compassion

01 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron speaks about the relationship between responsibility, compassion and mindfulness, and highlights how the simple act of considering what we can commit to, and following through with it, is a practice of compassion for others.

The Silver Lining - Reflections on the Boston Bombings, pt. 3

30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron shares on the positive developments that have emerged in American society after terrorist attacks, and urges us to foster unity not by banding against the perpetrators, but by forgiving them and releasing our fear and anger.

The Golden Rule - Reflections on the Boston Bombings, pt. 2

29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron shares inter-faith perspectives on turning away from hate towards kindness in the wake of the Boston bombings. She also highlights instances of bigotry that arose subsequent to the bombings, and prompts us to reflect on them.

Reflections on the Boston Bombings, pt. 1

26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron brings a Dharma perspective to reflect upon the recent tragedy at the Boston marathon, and expands our view to develop compassion not only for the ostensible victims, but also for the perpetrators and all beings affected by this event.

Rejoicing Over Teachings in Mexico

25 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron shares on her recent teaching tour in Mexico, which was well attended and broadcast in 15 different countries. She expresses her gratitude and joy at seeing so many people eager to learn the Dharma.

A Thousand Arms Building Chenrezig Hall

24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Tarpa gives an update on the building of Chenrezig Hall, and expresses her gratitude for the kindness of all those involved in this meritorious activity. Visit http://www.friendsofsravastiabbey.org for more information on the project and how you can contribute.

Embracing Suffering

23 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Samten continues to share on Lama Tsongkhapa's teachings on the perfection of patience, and challenges us to consider the benefits of suffering that can help us to take it onto the spiritual path.

I Love This Atom

22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Jigme reflects on how the mind of attachment and aversion goes to unrealistic extremes, using amusing examples from "When the Chocolate Runs Out" by Lama Yeshe. She highlights how when we are able to view a situation realistically, it brings us happiness and inner peace.

Wisdom Arisen from Hearing, Thinking, Meditating, and Speaking

21 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi shares some surprising statistics from a webinar on communication that she attended, and reflects on the implications it has on how we learn the Dharma.

The Vast Mind of Bodhicitta - Gifts from Our Spiritual Mentors pt. 4

20 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Semkye shares on how her recent pilgrimage to India transformed her understanding of the concept of "all sentient beings," and deepened her practice of cultivating the vast mind of Bodhicitta, the wish to become awakened for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The Nature of Love and Compassion

19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Tarpa shares from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's book, "How to Expand Love," on how love and compassion are not dependent upon our ignorance. She shares her experience of how the mental afflictions feel in the mind compared to love and compassion, and encourages us to investigate our own experiences as well.

The Robe on the Chopping Block

18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Samten shares Lama Tsongkhapa's words of wisdom on the perfection of patience. She offers suggestions how to work with the mind that says, "Yes, but" in order to justify our anger towards those who have harmed us, by recognizing that they are sentient beings overwhelmed by the force of their afflictions.

Small Calm, Big Change

17 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Jigme shares more wisdom from Lama Yeshe's book, "When the Chocolate Runs Out," on how it is the gradual practice of meditation that helps us to cultivate small experiences of calm, which create the causes for us to transform our minds and become free of misery and suffering.

It's the Little Things that Add Up

16 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chonyi investigates the cliche, "it's the little things that count," and discovers that this well-worn phrase is more profound and meaningful than it appears.

Uprgading the Technology of Ethical Conduct - Gifts From Our Spiritual Mentors pt. 3

15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Semkye continues to share on the gifts she has received since taking refuge with Venerable Chodron, in particular on how her understanding of the practice of ethical conduct and its benefits has deepened over the years.

Seeing Help as Harm

14 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Tarpa shares stories from the Graduated Stages of the Path to Awakening (Lam Rim Chen Mo) that have helped her to work with resistance to receiving useful feedback, especially from a spiritual mentor whose intention is to help us overcome our afflictions.

Gifts for Creatures Big and Small

13 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Samten shares on how giving fearlessness and protection to small creatures such as ants can be a way for both adults and children to practice the six perfections of generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyous effort, concentration and wisdom.

Wouldn't It Be Better If You Practice Dharma?

12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Gifts From Our Spiritual Mentors pt. 2

11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Semkye revisits a letter that she wrote to Venerable Chodron during the Winter Retreat, in which she shares her reflections on pearls of wisdom she has gained since taking refuge with a qualified spiritual mentor 14 years ago.

Giving Up the Car Keys

10 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chonyi reflects on how it is essential to meditate not only on death, but also on the constant deterioration and aging of ourselves and others. She highlights that only when we accept that cyclic existence is dissatisfactory in nature, will we begin to truly practice the Dharma.

Do You Have a PhD?

09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Tarpa speaks about the afflictions of pride and envy, and how they manifest in our thoughts in seemingly innocuous ways. She shares Dharma antidotes that she has found useful in working with these afflictions, which are unrealistic and only bring us suffering.

When Great Trees Fall - Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 18

08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron reflects upon death and impermanence in the context of working in the forest on the Sravasti Abbey grounds, and also in relation to the recent deaths of two public personalities, Margaret Thatcher, and Annette Funicello.

The Roadmap to Wisdom - Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 17

06 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron explains the phrase "dharmadatu wisdom" and how it refers to the union of serenity and insight that generates the wisdom realizing emptiness. She highlights that the Buddha's teachings provide us with a clear roadmap to realizing the true nature of reality, and encourages us to do our best to create the causes to attain these realizations.

Nirvana Is Not a Rock Band - Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 16

05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

After teaching on attachment and anger, Venerable Chodron goes on to teach about confusion, the third of the three poisons. She explains how the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths to help us eradicate confusion that causes suffering, and how practicing them will enable us to attain nirvana, the state of ultimate peace.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 15

04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron explains how the self-centered thought not only creates attachment to objects, but also generates anger when we are unable to get what we desire. She elaborates on how we often become attached to what an object represents to us, and exaggerate its importance because it relates to "ME," who is the centre of the universe.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 14

03 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron continues teaching on the self-centered mind, and how it becomes attached to external objects that we think are causes of happiness and pleasure. This results in us engaging in negative actions when we are separated from what we desire, which brings suffering instead of peace.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 13

02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron teaches on how keeping the mind absorbed in what is spiritually beneficial also involves being absorbed in compassion. She points out how our self-centredness often makes our love and compassion unstable, and emphasizes the importance of cultivating true love and compassion, which are focused on the well-being of others.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 12

01 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron continues to share her thoughts on how to cultivate a state of mind that is spiritually beneficial, especially when others cause harm to us. We can keep in mind that all beings only want happiness and to avoid suffering, while also developing a clear mind about our values and principles, so we are not easily swayed in an unhealthy manner by others' behavior.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 11

31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron teaches on what it means to have a state of mind that is spiritually beneficial, and reminds us not to get bogged down by guilt or frustration if we find ourselves caught up in a non-virtuous state of mind. Instead, we can observe our mental states with curiosity and investigate how they arise and whether they are beneficial or harmful, which prevents us from ever feeling bored!

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 10

30 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron teaches on ethical conduct and how it affects not only our spiritual practice, but others' faith as well. She emphasizes how slowing down and reflecting on how our actions will affect ourselves and others is a crucial step to creating peace in our lives.

Buddhists in Conflict

28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron responds to a listener who wrote in and expressed concern over the conflict between Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka. She highlights that not all Buddhists are Buddhas, and how difficult it can be to respond to a political situation halfway around the world with incomplete information.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 8

27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron continues teaching on how to avoid unpleasant and dishonest speech by listening to others with patience and mindfulness instead of jumping in with our opinions.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 7

26 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Continuing her commentary on the third verse of "Essential Spiritual Advice" by the First Dalai Lama, Venerable Chodron teaches on how we can avoid unpleasant and dishonest speech, especially through purification practices.

The Practice of Humility

25 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

On the last day of her visit to the Abbey, Venerable Tathaaloka teaches on the practice of humility. She shares on the meditation practice of developing the posture of a samana, a person inclined towards peace, which involves observing how having a "superiority complex," "inferiority complex" and "equality complex" affect our body and mind.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 6b

24 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron relates amusing anecdotes to highlight how we should be mindful of our body language while listening to the Dharma, so as to show respect for our spiritual teachers.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 6a

24 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron teaches on the mindfulness of the body in daily life. She highlights the need to be aware of how our mental states influence our body language, which affects how we interact with and are perceived by those around us.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 5

24 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron gives an introduction to the two truths - conventional truth and ultimate truth - and how it is necessary to realize that they are both mutually exclusive and complementary, in order to become fully awakened.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 4

23 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron teaches on the self-grasping ignorance and how it keeps us bound in cyclic existence, as part of her commentary on the 2nd verse of "Essential Spiritual Advice" by the First Dalai Lama. She explains how to identify and uproot self-grasping ignorance, so that we may become fully awakened for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Reflections on Spiritual Friendship

22 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Sravasti Abbey is very happy to welcome Venerable Tathaaloka as a guest for the weekend! Venerable Tathaaloka shares her reflections on her friendship with Ven. Chodron that began in 1996 when they met at a monastic conference, and on the importance of spiritual friendship in supporting our Dharma practice.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 3

21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Commenting on the second verse of "Essential Spiritual Advice" by the First Dalai Lama, Venerable Chodron explains the Buddhist worldview of samsara, rebirth and karma, and touches on the logical flaws of believing in a creator god and scientific materialism.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 2

20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron continues the commentary on the first verse of "Essential Spiritual Advice" by the First Dalai Lama. She explains how to have the right attitude when listening to the Dharma, and prompts us to investigate whose advice we listen to in our lives.

Essential Spiritual Advice Pt. 1

19 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

ftp://tchodron@thubtenchodron.org/home/tchodron/web/thubtenchodron.org/AudioLibrary/audio_BBCPodcast/mar_2013/3-19-13%20BBC%20Essential%20Spiritual%20Advice%20Pt%201.mp3

The True Meaning of Forgiveness

18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron clarifies how forgiveness really means letting go of our own anger, which enables us to go through life without holding on to resentment and grudges. She highlights how this is a necessary first step before we can cultivate compassion for others.

The Foundation for a Meaningful Life

17 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chodron speaks about how ethical conduct or morality is a choice that we make from our heart, and not a set of external standards imposed upon us. She explains how ethical conduct brings happiness to ourselves and others, thereby establishing the foundation for a meaningful life.

The Best Laid Plans

16 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jigme speaks about the importance of working with our mind and being flexible when our best laid plans go awry, especially in preparation for the time of death.

Working With A Judgmental Mind Pt 3

15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron shares a response from a BBCorner listener who worked with his judgmental mind in a difficult work situation, and managed to maintain good relationships with those involved. She also shares a response on practicing loving-kindness as an antidote to the critical mind.

Working With A Judgmental Mind Pt 2

14 Mar 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron responds to queries related to working with a judgmental mind, and highlights the importance of guarding the sense doors. She suggests skillful ways to bring transgressions to a community's attention, and how to work with the childish mind that says, "It's not fair!"

Bhikshuni Sojong in a Tibetan Monastery and Refuge in Prison

28 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron shares her joy participating in the first Bhikshuni Sojong in Ganden monastery and giving refuge over the phone to the inmate, Terrell.

21 Million Mantras Completed

27 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron rejoices in the world-wide community effort to recite 21 million Chenrezig mantras, meditate on compassion, and create merit. She welcomes everyone in the world to come to Chenrezig Hall after it's completed.

Who Is Going to Save Me?

26 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

What does it mean to ask Buddhas for blessings and inspiration?

Christmas Thoughts

25 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chonyi reflects on the meaning of Christmas, pointing out the Shantideva's Guide to a Bodhisattva's Way of Life captures the greatest longings of human beings, illuminates our potential, and lays out the steps to realize it.

Trip to India Pt. 4

23 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron continues her India travel log by sharing about traditional Buddhist monastic education and current issues regarding nuns.

Trip to India Pt. 3

22 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron talks about the history of the big Tibetan monasteries in exile and how they're doing now, including the monks being distracted by internet and cell phones. She also describes meeting with her elderly teacher Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche and saying goodbye.

The Smell of Reality

21 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi unpacks the quote by Zen Chef Edward Espe Brown: "If you have shit on your nose, no matter where you go, everything smells like shit."

Trip to India Pt. 2

20 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron expresses her feelings on seeing Geshe Sonam Rinchen, her teacher of over 30 years, for what is likely the last time. She also describes watching the difference between the way nuns and monks debate.

Trip to India Pt. 1

19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron describes her experience with Ven. Jampa Tseodron presenting their research on the possibility of Bhikshuni ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to the research committee convened by the Department of Religion and Culture.

More on the Sandy Hook Tragedy

18 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Mind Training Slogans Pt. 6

16 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa shares another mind training slogan that helps to bring a positive outlook into the difficult situations.

Sandy Hook Tragedy

15 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi tells the story of how His Holiness the Dalai Lama lifted the hearts of 24,000 people in the Toronto Coliseum, reminding us of the tremendous value of focusing our attention on human kindness in order to help others.

Joyous Effort Pt. 7

14 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi describes the laziness of discouragement in relation to the basis, the path, and the fruit. She then gives an account of its causes, especially the competitiveness prevalent in our culture. She offers antidotes to it, especially recalling our Buddha Nature.

Taming the Inner Jackal with the Dharma Pt. 3

12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye concludes this series with a talk on how a self-centered thought plays out in wars and international conflicts.

Mind Training Slogans Pt. 5

11 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa offers an insight on how the mind training slogans help her work with sickness.

Compassion

10 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Yeshe shares about compassion and empathy from H.H. Dalai Lama's "An Open Heart" and she suggests that we do three acts of kindness today to practice compassion.

Joyous Effort Pt. 5

9 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi discusses the laziness of procrastination and explains that the only way to develop the aspiration to practice Dharma is by reflecting on the four Noble Truths.

Lama Tsongkhapa Day

8 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Today we celebrate the day of Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Ven. Semkye shares some of the main points of his namthar (biography or liberation story) to inspire our practice.

Equanimity Experiments Pt. 10

7 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Tarpa continues sharing about equanimity.

Mind Training Slogans Pt. 4

6 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa discusses the mind training slogan "Don't put the horses load on the pony," and talks about our habit to shift responsibility for our problems onto others.

Joyous Effort Pt. 4

4 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi talks about the joyous effort of helping sentient beings .

Taming the Inner Jackal with Dharma Pt. 2

3 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye continues her exploration of how to tame the "jackal" mind with the Dharma. This talk bridges an understanding of Dharma with an understanding of Non-Violent Communication, which is a method for communicating compassionately that the Abbey community has been practicing. She talks about imagining the feelings and needs of those involved in conflicts in our contempory world.

Equanimity Experiments Pt. 9

1 Dec 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Tarpa explains that there are three different meanings of the word equanimity and talks about the equanimity related to developing concentration.

Joyous Effort Pt. 3

30 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Chonyi talks about the joyous effort of acting constructively and the joyous effort of benefiting beings.

On Fear Pt. 2

29 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Yeshe talks about her interaction with a self centered thought that has fear of not being right.

Mind Training Slogans Pt. 3

28 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa explained another mind training slogan.

Taming the Inner Jackal with Dharma Pt. 1

27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Semkye uses the concepts she learned from Non Violent Communication and applies them together with Dharma.

Equanimity Experiments Pt. 8

26 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Tarpa talks about a type of equanimity that is related to developing concentration or serenity.

Mind Training Slogans Pt. 2

23 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa continues the theme of Thanksgiving and talks about giving thanks using mind training slogans.

Thankfulness Cultivates Humility

22 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye shares her personal experience of turning around an unhappy critical mind to thankfulness and humility.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

21 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jigme talks about loving kindness or metta meditation that she uses as an effective tool for self criticism and equalizing her relationships with others.

Karma and Causality

20 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Venerable Tarpa explains that, among the different types of causality, karma is volitional, showing that our actions have an ethical dimension. To find Ven. Tarpa's more detailed teaching on this topic, please go to http://blip.tv/sravastiabbey/04-selected-lam-rim-topics-karma-11-8-12-6431873

Joyous Effort Pt. 2

19 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi continues the topic of joyous effort. In this episode, she talks about an armor-like joyous effort that protects the mind while growing and sustaining our capacity to practice virtue and benefit others.

Preparing for a Good Death: Applying the Five Powers

18 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Samten shares what she learned from Ven. Chodron teaching on the five powers that can help us practicing in daily life so that we are prepared when dying.

On Fear Pt. 1

17 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Yeshe talks about mind training practices for working with fear.

Mind Training Slogans Pt. 1

16 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa shares her favorite mind training slogans. She talks about self centered thought as an object of the practice.

18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering Pt 8

15 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye continues merging the theme of the monastic gathering with ideas learned from Ven. Chodron's retreat "Activism with Altruism". How to infuse the day with a good motivation, how to balance life, etc. in order to be productive.

Choose Joy

14 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Yeshe shares her mind training technique for transforming a bad mood into the joy of an open heart.

Equanimity Experiments Pt. 7

13 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Tarpa responds to a question about equanimity in the relationship to the four immeasurables.

Joyous Effort Pt. 1

12 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi talks about joyous effort. She explains why it is so important in daily life right now and essential for attaining Buddhahood.

Veteran's Day

11 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Samten contemplates the importance of remembering Veterans Day and shares a touching experience visiting concentration camp museums in Europe.

Refuge Pt. 4

10 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Zopa continues the topic of refuge. In this episode, she talks about reliance on the spiritual mentor, especially when doubt arises.

18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering Pt 7

9 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Ven. Semkye shares notes of Venerable Chodron's teaching that is relevant to the theme of the 18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering, how to maintain bodhi resolve during challenging times.

18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering Pt 6

8 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

Ven. Jigme continues sharing about Deer Park monastery where the 18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering took place this year. She talks about mindfulness practices she encountered there and their meaning.

Equanimity Experiments Pt 6

7 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

What do presidential election results have to do with equanimity? Tune in to find out.

Presidential Election and Lhabab Duchen

6 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

Ven. Chonyi talks about the significance of today's events: it is a presidential election day and also Lhabab Duchen, one of the four major Buddhist festivals.

Working with the Mind When Ill

5 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

Ven. Samten describes how she has been working with death and impermanence while she has been recently ill.

18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering Pt 5

3 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

Ven. Semkye continues on the theme of the conference, cultivating Bodhi resolve in our times, as she discusses how to address global concerns in our lives without falling into a state of personal distress. She shares wisdom that Ven. Chodron gave in a retreat in '07 about altruism and activism.

Refuge Pt. 3

2 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

In this episode, Zopa talks about refuge in Dharma.

Equanimity Experiments Pt. 5

1 Nov 2012 20:33:37 GMT

Ven. Tarpa continues exploring equanimity.

18th Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering Pt 4

31 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Jigme shares her reflections about the monastic gathering. She focuses on the presentation Bhikkhu Bodhi gave at the gathering, highlighting our present "challenging times" and his encouragement to become "spiritual activists."

Mantra Recitation

17 May 2012 20:33:37 GMT

Ven. Chodron invites people to help create the collective merit needed to successfully build Chenrezig Hall at the Abbey and explains how and why we recite Om Mani Padme Hum.

Ven Samten's Ordination in Taiwan Pt. 4

7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Samten continues to share her experience in Taiwan.

Not to Be Content with Learning, Reflection, and Meditation on Bodhicitta

5 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Semkye continues with some advice given by Geshe Dorje Damdul on how to practice bodhicitta in daily life.

Sharing the Dharma in Indonesia

3 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chonyi shares her travel plans in Indonesia and reflects on the vast network of connections worldwide to Sravasti Abbey.

Giving with Deep Thought

2 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Tarpa shares another verse from Nagarjuna, how giving with sincerity one can let go of regret or remorse.

Sharing the Dharma in Asia!

1 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Ven. Chodron speaks about her confidence in the community while she travels and teaches in Asia.

Samsara or Cyclic Existence

23 Apr 2012 17:18:51 GMT

Ven. Chodron explains the meaning of the term "Samsara," which is translated into English as "Cyclic Existence."

Pores of the Guru Pt. 2

11 Apr 2012 16:35:01 GMT

Ven. Chonyi continues to share her thoughts on how we accumulate merit in relation to our teachers and all beings.

Pores of the Guru Pt. 1

10 Apr 2012 14:13:45 GMT

Ven. Chonyi shares some thoughts about accumulating merit in relation to the Guru.

Lighten Up!

9 Apr 2012 13:45:39 GMT

Ven. Chonyi shares a commentary by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on the tendency of Western practitioners taking themselves and the dharma too seriously.

Always Be Optimistic

8 Apr 2012 14:06:36 GMT

Ven. Semkye continues with some advice given by Geshe Dorje Damdul on how to practice bodhicitta in daily life. Point five describes optimism.

No More Deviousness

7 Apr 2012 13:56:31 GMT

Ven. Tarpa explains how she uses the 3rd verse by Nagarjuna teaching on giving. These verses are used to help decrease our afflictions.

Health for the Mind

6 Apr 2012 14:20:58 GMT

Ven. Chodron shares a letter from a viewer in Ireland who shares how we spend a lot of time and effort on our physical health but little on our mental health.

No more Jealousy

5 Apr 2012 08:58:07 GMT

Ven. Tarpa explains how she uses the 2nd verse about jealousy by Nagarjuna. These verses are used to help decrease our afflictions.

How to Apply Dharma To Current Events Pt.3

4 Apr 2012 16:17:35 GMT

Ven. Chodron talks about how Rush Limbaugh teaches many Dharma lessons. How are we using our own speech?.

How To Apply Dharma To Current Events Pt. 2

3 Apr 2012 13:24:33 GMT

Ven. Chodron talks about how Rush Limbaugh teaches us many Dharma lessons.

How To Apply Dharma To Current Events

2 Apr 2012 18:41:44 GMT

Ven Chodron gives examples from current events and describes how to respond to disturbing events as well as joyous ones.

Karma and Dukkha & the Healthcare Law

1 Apr 2012 12:57:35 GMT

Ven. Chodron talks about how the healthcare law can be understood using the view of both karma and dukkha.

Seeing Others As My Supreme Teacher

31 Mar 2012 13:34:05 GMT

Zopa talks about the sixth of the eighth verses of thought transformation-"When someone I have benefited and in whom I have placed great trust hurts me very badly, I will practice seeing that person as my supreme teacher.

By Not Clinging

30 Mar 2012 13:28:28 GMT

Ven. Tarpa talked about the verse by Nagarjuna ,"By not clinging miserliness is overcome."

Little, Cute Baby Newt

29 Mar 2012 09:17:25 GMT

Ven. Semkye shares more advice on how to generate bodhicitta, focusing on beings that we have difficulty with and seeing them as our beloved child.

Paying Attention to the Needs of Others

27 Mar 2012 13:04:57 GMT

Ven. Jigme shares in more detail about one of the points of Non-Violent Communication; to ask ourselves when we're interacting with others whether we're as concerned with meeting the other person's needs as our own.

Seeds of Joy

26 Mar 2012 14:15:26 GMT

Ven. Chonyi rejoices in the people at the Abbey and investigates to understand the real causes of that joy.

Disbelieving the Object of This Misconception

25 Mar 2012 05:40:18 GMT

Ven. Tarpa shares a quote from Dharmakirti: "Without disbelieving the object of this misconception, it is impossible to abandon misconceiving it."

Advice on Generating Bodhicitta

24 Mar 2012 13:32:51 GMT

Ven. Semkye describes some advice given by Geshe Dorje Damdul on how to practice bodhicitta in daily life. She talks about overcoming anger by recognizing that we've created the causes for whatever happens to us, seeing other beings as kind, and doing the best we can to accept requests for help.

Challenge the Self-Centered Thought

23 Mar 2012 07:51:58 GMT

Zopa shares her awe for this verse from Geshe Langri Thangpa's Eight Verses of Thought Transformation: "When someone out of jealousy mistreats me with abuse, slander, and so on, I will practice accepting defeat and offering the victory to them."

Basic Points of Non-Violent Communication

22 Mar 2012 08:03:34 GMT

Ven. Jigme shares eight basic concepts of Non-Violent Communication and stresses the importance of practicing these over and over again to gain mastery.

Ask," What is This?" and Observe

21 Mar 2012 12:18:10 GMT

Zopa shares advice from a Zen Monastery to keep our mind in the present and observe clean clear.

No More Enemy Images

20 Mar 2012 15:34:00 GMT

Ven. Jigme shares the advice to transform enemy images into needs and talks about how that helps to cut through judgmental thinking.

Think "Such Are His Conditions" and Be At Ease

19 Mar 2012 15:33:37 GMT

Reading from Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Ven. Chonyi explains how to implement the antidotes to anger in our daily life.

Rejoicing Once Again

17 Mar 2012 15:14:35 GMT

Ven. Semkye shares her new mind state of rejoicing.

Reflections on Shantideva's Chapter 8

16 Mar 2012 15:14:39 GMT

Ven. Tarpa shares her thoughts on the eight chapter of Shantideva's "Engaging in the Bodhisattva's Deeds," which is about developing concentration.

Sravasti Abbey Fun Day

15 Mar 2012 15:11:10 GMT

After the Abbey residents came out of winter retreat, they took a day to have fun. Ven. Jigme describes what went on.

The Spirituality of Others - Criticism, Envy and Gossip

14 Mar 2012 15:10:50 GMT

Sharing an excerpt from a book by B. Alan Wallace, Ven. Chonyi speaks about the critical, envious, gossipy attitude that can arise towards our spiritual companions.

Rejoicing to Uplift Your Mind

12 Mar 2012 03:17:02 GMT

Ven. Semkye shares her joyous heart as the community fully comes out of retreat, and asks us to all find something in our lives to rejoice in.

It's Always a Time of Change

7 Mar 2012 04:27:00 GMT

As the Abbey community transitions from winter retreat into a retreat of teachings with Guy Newland, Ven. Chodron reminds us that change was happening over the whole three months. She also encourages everyone to keep the focus on the internal world even as we start to focus more on the external environment.

35 Vajrasattva - Keep On Going!

5 Mar 2012 04:24:57 GMT

Zopa encourages us to keep doing the Vajrasattva practice even though we may be finishing the retreat.

34 Vajrasattva_Purifying in Relation to Teachers & Parents

2 Mar 2012 10:52:56 GMT

Zopa finishes explaining the way to purify in relation to our teachers and talks about as being a kindness to them. Then, she speaks about recalling the kindness of our parents and purifying in relation to them.

33 Vajrasattva_Purifying in Relation to the Three Jewels & Teachers

1 Mar 2012 15:50:32 GMT

Zopa teaches about purifying harmful actions in relation to specific objects and explains why these are especially powerful and the types of actions we can easily do to them.

32 Vajrasattva_More on Dedication of Merit

27 Feb 2012 15:33:20 GMT

Completing the teaching on dedication, Ven. Chonyi talks about why we dedicate virtue and how to do it.

31 Vajrasattva_Rejoice and Dedicate

24 Feb 2012 04:23:58 GMT

Ven. Chonyi reminds us to rejoice in the merit we've created from our practice before we dedicate it and explains what merit is.

30 Vajrasattva_Power of Determination, part 3

22 Feb 2012 15:26:02 GMT

Ven. Semkye explains how Vajrasattva is a projection of our mind and is really the Buddha that we will become in the future. By dissolving him into us, we can bring that future Buddha into ourselves in the present.

29 Vajrasattva - Power of Determination, part 2

20 Feb 2012 11:10:28 GMT

Ven. Semkye continues to explain the power of determination or resolve, emphasizing how much it depends on the power of regret and recognizing the suffering results that come from our destructive actions.

28 Vajrasattva - Power of Determination, part 1

17 Feb 2012 11:08:52 GMT

Ven. Semkye begins explaining the power of determination and shares her insights on how ignorance and delusion lead to harm and why refuge comes again at the end of the Vajrasattva practice.

27 Vajrasattva - Purification of Mind, part 4

15 Feb 2012 18:06:02 GMT

Ven. Tarpa explains the last on the non-virtues of mind, wrong views.

26 Vajrasattva - Purification of Mind, part 3

13 Feb 2012 15:18:39 GMT

Continuing with the mental non-virtues, Ven. Tarpa explains maliciousness.

25 Vajrasattva - Purification of Mind, part 2

10 Feb 2012 17:54:54 GMT

Ven. Tarpa shares about the non-virtue of coveting, explaining it as full-blown attachment.