Free Distribution Books

Since the Buddha’s time, his teachings have been freely offered. This tradition continues today through the following books authored, co-authored and edited by Venerable Chodron. They have been made possible by the generosity of many supporters.

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Copyright

© 1988-2022 by Thubten Chodron. All freely offered books are strictly for free distribution and are not to be sold.

Books in translation

Translations available for purchase can be found on either their corresponding English book page or on book genre pages.

Freely available translations can be found on many of the English book pages below. The following are free books in translation without an English equivalent:

Cover of 365 Gems of Wisdom

365 Gems of Wisdom

Reflections by Venerable Thubten Chodron and other Sravasti Abbey monastics to guide us in setting our daily motivation and direction.

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Book cover of Unlocking Your Potential

Unlocking Your Potential

Co-written with Calvin Malone, a civil detainee at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, WA. This book is suitable for inmates or anyone seeking wisdom and transformation. Free hard copies are available for incarcerated persons.

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Book cover of Refuge Resource Book

Refuge Resource Book

A collection of articles compiled by Venerable Thubten Chodron as a resource for preparing to take or renew one’s refuge and precepts.

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Book cover of Seven Tips for a Happy Life

Seven Tips for a Happy Life

Seven essential tips for cultivating happiness drawn from the Buddha’s teachings. Based on two talks for young people given in Singapore.

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Book cover of The Path to Happiness

The Path to Happiness

This book is a compilation of Dharma talks given at the Jade Buddha Temple in Houston, Texas on practical Buddhism in daily life, dealing with anxiety, and Buddhism in modern society.

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Cover of the Venerable Chodron's commentary on "The Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas"

Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas

Venerable Chodron provides commentary on “The Thirty-seven Practices of Bodhisattvas,” a poem by Tibetan master Gyelsay Togmay Zangpo.

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Book cover of Dealing with Life's Issues

Dealing with Life’s Issues

How to apply Buddhist teachings to the many difficulties and problems we face in life, from terrorist attacks to dealing with the loss of loved ones.

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Book cover of Transforming Our Daily Activities

Transforming Our Daily Activities

How to lead a more fulfilling life according to the Buddha’s teachings and transform your daily activities into acts of compassion and loving-kindness.

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Book cover of Working with Anger

Working with Anger

A short, freely distributed booklet, subsequently expanded into a full length book. This text starts us on the path to transforming anger into a peaceful, patient, kind mind and heart.

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Book cover of I Wonder Why

I Wonder Why

Answers to common questions about Buddhism in everyday English.

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