Sravasti Abbey - Audio

30 Grounds & Paths - Mahayana Path of Meditation

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:03:26 -0700

Ven. Chodron continues teaching on the paths and grounds by explaining the Mahayana Path of Meditation.

20 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Hindrances of Ill Will, Desire, and Doubt 3-10-12

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:18:41 -0700

Ven. Chodron teaches on the 25th auxiliary bodhisattva precept, which concerns abandoning the hindrances to meditative concentration. She explains the hindrances of 1) dullness and lethargy and 2) restlessness and regret.

29 Grounds & Paths - Mahayana Path of Seeing

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:46:58 -0700

Ven. Chodron resumes teaching on the paths and grounds by explaining the Mahayana Path of Seeing and starting to cover the Mahayana Path of Meditation.

19 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precept #25, Hindrances to Concentration

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:43:47 -0800

18 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts #22-24

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:54:26 -0800

Ven. Chodron explains the miracles that the Buddha displayed when he was repeatedly challenged to a competition of miraculous powers. She then continues teaching the Bodhisattva precepts, talking about laziness, attachment to joking and idly talking, and not seeking instruction in meditation.

28 Grounds & Paths - Review of Mahayana Grounds & Paths

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:53:26 -0700

The series of teachings on the grounds and paths resumes with Ven. Tarpa giving a review of what has been taught so far on the Mahayana grounds and paths. She explains the meanings of ground and path and describes what happens in a person's mind on each path.

09 Nagarjuna - More Reasonings Establishing Emptiness

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:00:46 -0700

Guy finishes the retreat by continuing to explain some of the reasons that we use to meditate on emptiness, the ultimate nature of all phenomena.

08 Nagarjuna - Reasonings for Emptiness & Buddha Nature & Nirvana

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:45:16 -0800

Using Jeffrey Hopkins' commentary on Precious Garland, Guy explains some of the reasonings that Nagarjuna put forth to establish that things are empty of intrinsic nature. He also responds to a question about the relationship between Buddha nature and nirvana, which inspires further engaging discussion.

07 Nagarjuna - Precious Garland

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:00:39 -0800

Guy teaches on the Precious Garland of Advice for the King, a seminal text by Nagarjuna. Guy explains its possible history and its organization, and then goes through the text, highlighting important and relevant verses.

06 Nagarjuna - The Two Truths

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:45:48 -0800

Guy explains the two truths (conventional truth and ultimate truth) in depth and how they relate to one another.

04 Nagarjuna - Discussion

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:45:47 -0800

Guy has a Q&A session with the retreat participants. The discussion covers topics such as how the Buddha is viewed in the different tenet schools, how nirvana is attained if it's unproduced, how to posit conventional truth, and there is a debate demonstration by Ven. Chodron and Guy.

03 Nagarjuna - More on the Middle Way

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:00:29 -0700

Guy gives an overview of the text "Friendly Letter" and reads some key verses. He then continues to go through the His Holiness the Dalai Lama's commentary on the Root Verses of the Middle Way and speaks about Nagarjuna's approach and what his unique qualities were. He explains what dependent arising means in the Prasangika Madhyamaka view.

02 Nagarjuna - The Dalai Lama's Commentary on the Middle Way

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:45:52 -0800

Guy goes through the portion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's book "The Middle Way: Faith Grounded in Reason" that explains chapter 18 of Nagarjuna's Root Stanzas on the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika). He talks about the two truths, how the self exists, why emptiness is a non-implicative negation, and more.

01 Nagarjuna - The Life of Nagarjuna

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:00:51 -0800

Guy Newland begins the course on Nagarjuna with a telling of his life story based on traditional sources and then gives an account of the probable facts of his life from the Western historical perspective.

17 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts #19-22

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:16:15 -0800

Explaining that we have to try to counteract anger and laziness, Ven. Chodron teaches on the misdeeds that obstruct the trainings in far-reaching fortitude and joyous effort.

16 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts #16-18

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:47:18 -0800

Ven. Chodron explains the bodhisattva precepts that involve helping others who are doing destructive actions, not responding to insults, anger, beating, and criticism with those same things, and helping to pacify the anger of someone who's angry with us.

15 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Opposing the Self-Centered Thought

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:08:15 -0800

Encouraging the Abbey residents and retreatants to oppose the self-centered thought, Ven. Chodron tells of some of the hardships she experienced throughout her training. A lively discussion occurs, touching on the topics of the impact our environment has on us, how to avoid extremes, and what it means when we talk about the energy of something.

14 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts #12-15

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:39:23 -0800

Ven. Chodron continues teaching on the Bodhisattva precepts, talking about the five types of wrong livelihood, being distracted by excitement, believing Mahayana practitioners don't try to attain liberation, and not doing anything to restore one's reputation when it's been damaged.

13 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Practice Advice & Auxiliary Precept #11

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:24 -0800

Ven. Chodron has the retreatants respond to a note asking for help to improve mental clarity, memory, concentration, and self-confidence. Then, she explains the 11th auxiliary bodhisattva precept, and talks about the type of person one would need to be in order to engage in a non-virtuous action without it causing harm. (*Note: The sound quality improves after the first couple of minutes.)

12 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts # 8-10

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:06:22 -0800

Ven. Chodron teaches the first three of the auxiliary bodhisattva precepts concerning far-reaching ethical conduct, which have to do with not forsaking those without ethical conduct, not breaking individual liberation precepts, and not strictly keeping to the individual liberation precepts when doing otherwise would be of greater benefit to beings.

11 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts #6-8

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:48 -0800

Finishing the auxiliary bodhisattva precepts concerning far-reaching generosity, Ven. Chodron explains the precepts to avoid not accepting gifts and not teaching the Dharma when sincerely requested.

10 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Precepts #4-5

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:04:50 -0800

Ven. Chodron finishes explaining the 4th auxiliary precept and then gives examples of situations where not following the 3rd and 4th precepts do not constitute a misdeed. Then a discussion arises about monastery conduct and situations where it's appropriate not to accept invitations as she explains the 5th auxiliary precept.

09 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Auxiliary Vows #2-4

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:29:54 -0800

As Ven. Chodron explains more of the auxiliary Bodhisattva precepts concerning the training in generosity, the community discusses the issue of being disrespected (due to prejudice) as well the issue of showing respect. Precepts #2-4 deal with not respecting one's seniors, following strong desire and dissatisfaction, and not answering questions which were sincerely asked.

08 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Vow #18 & Four Binding Factors

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:16:52 -0800

Ven. Chodron finishes with the root bodhisattva precepts and explains the four binding factors which need to be present for a complete transgression to occur. She then starts with the first of the secondary precepts.

07 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - The Four Reliances & Vows #15-17

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:14:09 -0800

Ven. Chodron talks about Dharma bliss and where the seed syllable meditation fits into our Dharma practice. She continues the explanation of the Bodhisattva precepts and also teaches on the four reliances.

06 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Mid-Retreat Pep Talk & Vows #12-14

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:46 -0800

To re-energize the 3-month retreatants, Ven. Chodron reminds us of the preciousness of the opportunity to do retreat. She then discusses the precepts concerning encouraging others to abandon the Mahayana, encouraging them to abandon individual liberation precepts, and holding or espousing the view that the Hearer and Solitary Realizer Vehicles don't really help.

05 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Vows #9-11

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:22:37 -0800

Ven. Chodron continues to explain the Bodhisattva precepts, teaching about the precepts which concern holding wrong views, demolishing people's habitats, and teaching emptiness to people who are unprepared.

04 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Vows #6-8

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:32:38 -0800

Ven. Chodron explains the Bodhisattva precepts concerning denying that the Buddha's teachings are truly so, causing monastics to disrobe, and committing the five heinous actions, particularly causing schism in the Sangha. She encourages us to think about the mind sets that the precepts are guarding against and to see how easily they can arise.

03 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Vows #4 & 5

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:08:47 -0800

Continuing the explanation of the bodhisattva vows, Ven. Chodron teaches about the vows regarding abandoning the Mahayana and stealing from the Three Jewels.

02 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Introduction & Vows #1-3

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:16:57 -0800

Turning to the Bodhisattva vows or ethical restraints, Ven. Chodron explains the origin of the vows and reason for practicing them, as well as the first three vows, using the commentary of Dagpo Rinpoche, which is based on Tsongkhapa's explanation.

01 Bodhisattva Ethical Restraints - Precepts of Aspiring Bodhicitta

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:12:08 -0800

An explanation of the precepts of aspiring bodhicitta, which ensure that it does not degenerate in this life or future lives.

03 Shantideva's Guide to a Bodhisattva's Way of Life - Q&A w/ Ven. Chodron

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:12:03 -0800

Ven. Chodron answers questions on topics such as karma and purification which came up from the teachings by Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche on the Bodhicaryavatara.

02 Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life - Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:23:39 -0800

Rinpoche continues to teach on purification from the Bodhicaryavatara.

01 Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life - Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:18:22 -0800

Continuing teachings on the Bodhicaryavatara for the third year, Rinpoche teaches on the second chapter, the section on confession.

27 Grounds & Paths - Divisions of Bodhisattva Grounds

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:10:56 -0800

Returning to the text on paths and grounds, Ven. Chodron reviews how the Bodhisattva grounds are divided by looking at the method side of the path, even though on all the grounds the emptiness perceived is exactly the same.

26 Grounds & Paths - Far-Reaching Meditative Stabilization & Wisdom

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:26:31 -0800

Using "Stages of Meditation," a commentary on Kamalashila's classic text by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ven. Tarpa explains the far-reaching practices of meditation and wisdom and talks about how the path is developed in one's practice.

25 Grounds & Paths - Far-Reaching Joyous Effort

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:20:43 -0800

The far-reaching practice of joyous effort is energetically explained by Ven. Samten, using the teachings of Geshe Sopa and other masters, as well as living examples of this practice.

24 Grounds & Paths - Far-Reaching Fortitude

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:04:34 -0800

Abbey resident Zopa explains the far-reaching practice of patience or fortitude. She talks about the types of patience and how to develop patience. Zopa also explains the Buddhist view of anger and using patience to work with it..

23 Grounds & Paths - Far-Reaching Ethical Conduct

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:03:59 -0800

Ven. Semkye continues the talks on the six far-reaching practices with a discussion of the far-reaching practice of ethics. She explains the three types of ethical conduct. Ven.Semkye also explains the 4 ways that ethical errors occur and their antidotes.

22 Grounds & Paths - Far-Reaching Generosity

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:04:23 -0800

In the first of the talks on the far-reaching practices, Ven. Tarpa discusses the far-reaching practice of generosity. She explains why generosity is the first of the six practices and the reasons for their order. Ven. Tarpa explains the importance of generosity on the path and contemplations to develop generosity.

21 Grounds & Paths - Bodhisattva Aryas' Grounds

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:02:22 -0700

Ven. Chodron begins the explanation of the Bodhisattva aryas' grounds. She explains the difference between the wisdom of the Bodhisattvas and the hearers. Ven. Chodron goes on to talk about the features of the successive grounds of the Bodhisattva arya. She also describes how on each new ground the Bodhisattva arya attains new cessations.

20 Grounds & Paths - Mahayana Path of Preparation

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:00:32 -0700

Ven. Chodron describes the Mahayana path of preparation. She explains the four divisions of the path of preparation - heat, peak, forbearance and supreme mundane qualities. Ven. Chodron explains how one progresses through the Mahayana path of preparation, wearing away at the conceptual appearance of emptiness and progressing toward direct perception of emptiness.

19 Grounds & Paths - Bodhicitta Review

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:59:34 -0700

Abbey resident Zopa gives a review of the advantages of Bodhicitta and developing Bodhicitta through the seven point cause and effect method.

18 Grounds & Paths - Mahayana Path of Accumulation

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:57:40 -0700

The Mahayana Path of Accumulation:
Ven. Chodron goes over the terminology used in the explanation of the Mahayana grounds and paths. She goes on to explain four levels of Bodhicitta of the Mahayana path. Ven. Chodron describes the three stages of the Mahayana path of accumulation - the small, middling and great paths of accumulation. She explains the sequence of the types Bodhicitta that are part of the path of accumulation from Maitreya's Ornament of Clear Realization.

17 Grounds & Paths - Nirvana and Asanga's Ten Points Revisited

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:55:55 -0700

Ven. Chodron completes the discussion of the quiz questions on the hearer's grounds and paths.:

How are nirvana with remainder and without remainder explained in the common approach? In which order do they occur and why?
Explain the 10 points by which Asanga explained the 3 characteristics and how does meditating on those points affect your mind?

16 Grounds & Paths - 7-Point Cause and Effect Bodhicitta Generation

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:54:22 -0700

In the first half of this talk Ven. Chodron discusses the answers to qiuz questions 7 and 8:

Make an outline of all the types of exalted wisdom of the Fundamental Vehicle path of seeing and describe what each is or does.
Make an outline of all the types of exalted wisdom of the Fundamental Vehicle path of meditation and describe what each is or does.
Ven. Chodron then continues the explanation of the 7 point cause and effect method of developing Bodhicitta.

15 Grounds & Paths - Demarcations of Hearer's Paths & Kindness of Mother Sentient Beings

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:52:40 -0700

Ven. Chodron goes over the answer to question number 6 from the quiz on the hearer's grounds and paths:

What is the demarcation of entering each of the five Fundamental Vehicle paths?
Ven. Chodron then starts the explanation of the 7 point cause and effect method of developing Bodhiciita. She discusses how to recognize all sentient beings as having been our mothers and seeing their kindness.

14 Grounds & Paths - Fundamental Vehicle Quiz & Developing Equanimity

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:51:18 -0700

In the first half of this talk Ven. Chodron discusses the answer to the quiz on the hearers grounds and paths.

What are the differences between the path of Fundamental Vehicle practitioners and those on the path of bodhisattvas?
Explain Nagarjuna’s verse: All [phenomena] are real, unreal Real and unreal, And not real or unreal This is what Buddha taught.
Why did the Buddha teach those four positions?
What is the relationship between the eight types of Fundamental Vehicle aryas and the five Fundamental Vehicle paths?
What is the relationship between the eight Fundamental Vehicle grounds and the five Fundamental Vehicle paths?

In the second half Ven, Chodron talks about developing equanimity and explains how it is the preliminary practice to developing Bodhicitta.

13 Grounds & Paths - Mahayana Path Overview & Advantages of Bodhicitta

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:49:09 -0700

Ven. Chodron gives an overview of the Mahayana paths and grounds and compares them to those of the fundamental vehicle. She also explains the two Buddha bodies, the form body and the truth body. Ven. Chodron goes on to explain the advantages of Bodhicitta.

12 Grounds & Paths - Hearers' Paths pt 3

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:47:59 -0700

Ven. Chodron goes through the text to summarize the section on the grounds and paths of the Fundamental Vehicle.

11 Grounds & Paths - Hearers' Paths Continued

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:47:28 -0700

Ven. Chodron begins the talk with an explanation of how to contemplate the kindness of others and it's benefits. She continues the commentary on the hearer's path. Ven. Chodron also explains nirvana with remainder and nirvana without remainder.

10 Grounds & Paths - 10 Points to Generate Renuncation, from Asanga

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:46:15 -0700

Ven. Chodron explains 10 points from Asanga's "Hearer's Grounds" (Shravakabhumi). She explains how meditating on these 10 points generates renunciation, the desire to free oneself from cyclic existence, wanting something better than the transient happiness of cyclic existence. The 10 points include 5 on impermanence, 3 on dukka, and 2 on selflessness. Ven. Chodron goes over each point in detail and explains how to make the meditation personal using our own experience.

09 Grounds & Paths - Hearers' Paths

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:44:29 -0700

Ven. Chodron continues the commentary on the grounds and paths of the hearer vehicle. In this talk she explains the paths of preparation, seeing, and meditation. Ven. Chodron describes the demarcation point for entering each path. She also explains what is developed on each path and what level of afflictions are being eliminated. Ven. Chodron explains why the first experience of direct realization on emptiness is a drastic break from all previous minds up to that point and how it is the only mind of sentient beings that is non-mistaken.

08 Grounds & Paths - How to Enter the Hearer's Path of Accumulation

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:13:22 -0700

Ven. Chodron continues the commentary on the grounds and paths of the hearer. She explains how the hearer enters the path of accumulation by developing renunciation, the determination to be liberated from rebirth in cyclic existence. Ven. Chodron explains what is meditated on to develop renunciation. She also explains the importance of making these meditations personal.

07 Grounds & Paths - Hearers' Grounds

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:10:52 -0700

Ven. Chodron begins the commentary on part one of the text on the fundamental vehicle grounds and paths. In this talk she explains the fundamental vehicle grounds from stream enterer to arhat. Ven. Chodron also explains what afflictions or fetters are abandoned in each of the grounds. She begins the explanation of the fundamental vehicle paths and explains the difference between an uninterrupted path and a liberated path.

06 Grounds & Paths - Explanation of the Middle Way View Using the Tetralemma

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:09:59 -0700

Venerable Chodron completes the commentary on the author's introduction. She explains Nagarjuna's verse cited in the introduction:
All phenomena are real, unreal,
Real and unreal,
And not real or unreal,
This is what Buddha taught.
Ven. Chodron explains how the Buddha taught according to the individual's understanding and did not start by teaching the ultimate view of reality.

05 Grounds & Paths - Homage and Author's Introduction

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:09:01 -0700

Ven. Chodron finishes explaining the homage and then begins the explanation of the author's introduction. She also explains why Dharma practice has to be more than intellectual understanding and knowing words and concepts. We need to practice to bring changes to our life and view.

04 Grounds & Paths - Paths, Grounds, and Vehicles

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:05:01 -0700

Ven. Chodron gives more background for the grounds and paths text. She explains the meaning of ground, path and vehicle. Ven. Chodron also explains the difference between the fundamental and universal vehicles. She then begins the actual text with commentary on the opening homage and the lineage of masters praised in the homage.

03 Grounds & Paths - Benefits of Studying Grounds & Paths

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:02:47 -0700

Ven. Chodron finishes explaining the three levels of spiritual practitioner. She explains the motivation and practices of the middle level and advanced level practitioners. Ven. Chodron then talks about the benefits of studying the grounds and paths.

02 Grounds & Paths - Overview of the 3 Principal Aspects of the Path

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:01:56 -0700

Ven. Tarpa gives an explanation of the three levels of spiritual practitioner and their main aspirations. She explains the different contemplations one needs to do to give rise to those aspirations, as well as the practices one does after cultivating them. Ven. Tarpa ties this in with the three principal aspects of the path.

01 Grounds & Paths - Introduction and Philosophical Context

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:45:58 -0700

Ven. Chodron gives a brief explanation of how to listen to the teachings. She explains that if we cut down our arrogance and increase our humility we will be more open and receptive to the Dharma. Ven. Chodron gives a short biography of the text's author and starts an explanation of the philosophical context in which this text is embedded, talking about the realms of samsara and the different types of person based on their spiritual capacity.