death

Teachings on death from a Buddhist perspective, including preparing for death, dying peacefully, and helping the dying.

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

Vajrasattva statue
Vajrasattva Winter Retreat 2005-06

Dealing with the craving for excitement

Working with the mind that always looks forward to something new and exciting, and looking…

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A pair of feet hanging in the air.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Suicide watch

Thinking that it will be the end of pain and suffering, a person in prison…

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Vajrasattva statue
Vajrasattva Winter Retreat 2005-06

Denial of death

How to get to the appropriate feeling towards death; examining who it is that's making…

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The first frost of snow falls on a Buddha statue in the garden amidst fall foliage.
37 Practices of Bodhisattvas

37 Practices: Verses 7-9

The relationship with our spiritual mentor is the most important one in our life. An…

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Vajrasattva statue
Vajrasattva Winter Retreat 2005-06

Discriminating wisdom

A discussion covering topics such as "bad friends," dealing with intense emotions, bad dreams, and…

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The first frost of snow falls on a Buddha statue in the garden amidst fall foliage.
37 Practices of Bodhisattvas

37 Practices: Verses 4-6

Verses describing the miseries of samsara, the importance of thinking about beginningless lives, giving up…

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Venerable Tarpa getting her head shaved by Venerable and other monastics.
Three Principal Aspects of the Path

Renunciation and bodhicitta

We can end our grasping at the illusory happiness of our lives and learn to…

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A hand holding a hand clock and a skeleton head in background.
Living a Meaningful Life

What is important at the time of death

A guided meditation on imagining our own death. How to practice in preparation for death…

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A person sitting on top of a moutain, meditating.
On Meditation

Changing

Accepting one's feelings of anger and pride leads to a greater understanding of oneself, and…

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Venerable Chodron leading retreatants in chanting.
Dealing with Grief

Dealing with grief

Exploring the causes of grief and how to work through the grieving process.

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