White Tara Retreat
by Venerable Thubten Chodron©
Sravasti Abbey, Newport, Washington, USA
3 December 2010 - 5 March 2011

White Tara’s specialty is long life, which she bestows by helping to purify the negative karma that causes disease and untimely death.

During this retreat, Venerable Chodron continued her commentary on "The Establishment of Mindfulness," which she began in August 2010 at the Abbey. Audio and transcribed files from the retreat on this topic are posted on the "The Establishment of Mindfulness" page as they become available. Commentary on White Tara, including translations of the transcribed talks into Spanish, is posted below:

4 December 2010

Who is White Tara?
Venerable Chodron explains who White Tara is and what she represents.
• Audio [6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

4 December 2010

Introduction to the Retreat
Ven. Chodron explains how the purpose of the retreat is to work with the mind, to look how it works, and change habitual patterns. She explains why it is important to remain balanced during retreat. She also talks about working with the mind between sessions, bringing the Dharma to everything you do. She also gives suggestions for practice during sessions.
• Audio [41 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

5 December 2010

Taking Refuge
Ven. Chodron explains what it means and the purpose of taking refuge. She explains how this is done at the beginning of the White Tara sadhana.
• Audio [5 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

6 December 2010

Generating Bodhicitta
Ven. Chodron explains what Bodhicitta is. She also explains the benefits and purpose of generating Bodhicitta.
• Audio [5 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

8 December 2010

Bodhicitta Motivation
Ven. Chodron explains what Bodhicitta means. She talks about the benefit of developing Bodhicitta and the disadvantages of self-centeredness. Ven. Chodron also explains how blaming others gives away our power and taking responsibility allows us to change.
• Audio [5 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

10 December 2010

Life Force
Ven. Chodron answers questions on the White Tara sadhana. She answers questions about the definition of life force, how life force is scattered, and how is one to visualize the elements.
• Audio [7 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

13 December 2010

Motivation and Karma
In this talk Ven. Chodron discusses the importance of understanding karma and including it in the motivation to practice. She explains that proper motivation is not just for meditation sessions but for activities between sessions as well.
• Audio [7 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

15 December 2010

Motivation and Our Dignity
Ven. Chodron talks about how to relate to institutions and those in authority in a healthy way. She talks about maintaining an inner sense of dignity that does not depend on how others treat us.
• Audio [10 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish) : Espanol

17 December 2010

Questions on the White Tara Practice
Ven. Chodron answers three questions on mantra, the White Tara sadhana and the symbolism of White Tara's appearance.
• Audio [8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish): Espanol

20 December 2010

The Four Immeasurables
Ven. Chodron explains the prayer of the four immeasurables that is included in the White Tara sadhana.
• Audio [8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document
Transcript (Spanish): Espanol

21 December 2010

Question on Wrathful Activities
In response to questions, Ven. Chodron explains the meaning of wrathful activities mentioned in the White Tara sadhana. She also talks about the symbolism of the Lord of Death from the sadhana.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file

22 December 2010

The Four Immeasurables: Immeasurable Love
Venerable Chodron teaches on the first immeasurable, love. She explains what love is and how it is different from attachment. Ven. Chodron discusses what to meditate on to develop immeasurable love.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

23 December 2010

The Benefits of Reciting Verses
Venerable Chodron answers a question about the benefit of reciting mantra, prayers and verses. She talks about how recitations should be done with mindfulness. Ven. Chodron also talks about misconceptions of doing recitations.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file

24 December 2010

The Four Immeasurables: Immeasurable Compassion
Ven. Chodron discusses what compassion is and how it is linked to forgiveness. She explains that we have the option of holding on to anger or letting it go.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

27 December 2010

The Four Immeasurables: Immeasurable Joy and Equanimity
Ven. Chodron explains the benefits of developing joy and equanimity.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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29 December 2010

Untimely Death
Venerable Semkye talks about untimely death and how practicing the White Tara sadhana can purify negativities that can cause untimely death.
• Audio (8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

31 December 2010

Purification and Merit
Ven. Chonyi talks about looking at how we use our life to create the causes for our future experience and the importance of purification and creating virtue.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

3 January 2011

Visualization in Deity Practice
Venerable Jigme describes the process of visualization or working with the imagination to meditate on a Buddha figure.
• Audio (8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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5 January 2011

Explanation of the Sadhana - Visualization of White Tara
Ven. Chodron begins the explanation of the meditation with how to imagine White Tara's appearance and thinking about her qualities.
• Audio (17 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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7 January 2011

Explanation of the Sadhana - Visualization of White Tara Continued
Ven. Chodron continues the explanation of the meditation with imagining White Tara's appearance and how light radiates from Tara and returns.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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10 January 2011

Visualization of Light and Nectar
Ven. Chodron explains how to visualize and think about the light and nectar that flow from Tara into you as you do the meditation.
• Audio (4 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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12 January 2011

Purification
Ven. Chodron explains how to imagine the light and nectar from White Tara purifying your negativities and leaving your body clear and mind blissful.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

14 January 2011

The Meaning of the Tara Mantras
Ven. Chodron explains the meaning of the mantras in the White Tara sadhana.
• Audio (8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

18 January 2011

Mantra Recitation
Ven. Chodron explains how to recite the mantra when doing the practice alone, in a group or in retreat. She also talks about using the mala to count mantras.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

20 January 2011

Concentration - The Hindrance of Sense Desires
In this talk Ven. Chodron talks about how attachment to sense objects interferes with concentration while meditating. She describes ways to counteract such distractions to improve concentration.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

21 January 2011

Concentration - The Hindrance of Ill Will
Ven. Chodron explains how ill will arises and distracts while meditating. She explains how to recognize and counteract this hindrance.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

24 January 2011

Concentration - The Hindrance of Dullness and Drowsiness
Ven. Chodron explains how to prevent and deal with dullness and drowsiness that interfere with meditation. She describes gross and subtle dullness.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

26 January 2011

Concentration - The Hindrance of Restlessness and Regret
In this talk Ven. Chodron gives advice for dealing with restlessness and regret that interfere with meditation practice.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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28 January 2011

Concentration - The Hindrance of Doubt
Ven. Chodron explains how doubt in the teachings, the path, or our ability can distract and interfere with concentration.
• Audio (8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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31 January 2011

Concentration - The Fault of Laziness
Ven. Chodron explains how laziness interferes with concentration and how to counteract it.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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2 February 2011

Concentration - The Fault of Forgetting the Object of Meditation
Ven. Chodron explains forgetfulness, the second of the five faults which are hindrances to developing concentration. She also talks about how to counteract forgetfulness.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

4 February 2011

Concentration - The Faults of Excitement and Laxity, Not Applying the Antidote, and Over-application of the Antidote
Ven. Chodron explains the third, fourth and fifth faults and the counteractive measures to them.
• Audio (11 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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7 February 2011

Mantra to Steady the Mind & Purifying our Karma
Ven. Chodron continues to teach on the sadhana. She talks about focusing on the mantra. Ven. Chodron also explains how to think and feel that our negative karma and afflictions have been completely purified.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

9 February 2011

Transformation through Imagination
Ven. Chodron continues to explain what to do after reciting the mantra and visualizing the light stream into us. She explains how to imagine that the light and nectar that flows from Tara purifies disease and pain. Ven. Chodron also explains how being ill doesn't mean we need to be upset and anxious and build an identity around being ill.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

11 February 2011

Making the Determination to Benefit Others
Ven. Chodron continues the explanation on how to think and feel after the mantra part of the sadhana. Here she talks about making a firm determination to do what is important, benefiting others.
• Audio (8 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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14 February 2011

Making Our Life Meaningful Through Benefiting Others, Ourselves and the Environment
Ven. Chodron continues the explanation of the sadhana and how to think and feel after the mantra. Here she talks about what it means to benefit others, our self and the environment.
• Audio (10 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

16 February 2011

White Tara Dissolves Into Your Heart
Ven. Chodron explains how to visualize and think about White Tara dissolving into you at the end of the sadhana.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

18 February 2011

Lamrim Meditation and the White Tara Sadhana
Ven. Chodron talks about the importance of including analytical meditation as part of the sadhana. She explains how analytical meditation leads to understanding the Dharma.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

20 February 2011

Introduction to Two Week White Tara Retreat
At the start of a two week retreat, Ven. Chodron sets the motivation and explains the purpose of the retreat. She gives advice for practicing during the meditation sessions and between sessions. Ven. Chodron also gives instruction on the nine-point breathing meditation to settle the mind before meditation sessions.
• Audio (55 minutes] : Download mp3 file

21 February 2011

The Purpose of Dedication
Ven. Chodron explains that the purpose of dedicating merit is to steer it toward the way we want it to ripen. She explains why we should dedicate it toward the highest purpose, complete enlightenment.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

22 February 2011

Symbolism and Visualization
Ven. Chodron answers a question on creating one's own visualizations in the meditation. She explains how the visualizations get us in touch with spiritual qualities through symbolic means.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

23 February 2011

Dedication as Generosity
Ven. Chodron explains how to make dedicating merit an act of generosity.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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24 February 2011

Pacifying the Demon of Doubt
Ven. Chodron answers questions from retreatants: How are the Buddha's helping all beings especially if they are not Buddhist? Is this the only religion where one can become enlightened? How does one accept certain unknowable things?
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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25 February 2011

Dedication, Rejoicing and the Circle of Three
Ven. Chodron explains how merit is created in rejoicing in the virtues of ordinary and holy beings. She also explains how to dedicate with an awareness of the Circle of Three, an awareness of the dependent arising and emptiness of the person making the dedication, the object of dedication and the act of dedication.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

28 February 2011

Dedication and Karma
Ven. Chodron continues to teach on dedication and discusses different views on whether or not dedicating completely protects merit from being destroyed by anger.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
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1 March 2011

Q&A
Ven. Chodron answers two questions on the White Tara sadhana. She talks about how the four opponent powers of purification are integrated into the sadhana. She also answers a question on elaborating on the meaning and symbolization of the visualization.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file
Transcript : Download Word document

2 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Lion of Pride - part 1
Ven. Chodron begins the commentary on the eight dangers. The text was extracted from verses written by the First Dalai Lama after he completed a retreat on Tara. The verses point out obstacles that we can eradicate using the Dharma. In this talk Ven. Chodron explains the danger of conceit or arrogance.
• Audio (11 minutes] : Download mp3 file

3 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Lion of Pride - part 2
Ven. Chodron continues to explain the danger of pride. She explains that we can even become arrogant in the Dharma and how this can become a hindrance to learning. She explains the benefit of practicing humility.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

4 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Fire of Anger - part 1
Ven. Chodron talks about the danger of anger. She explains how inappropriate attention leads to anger.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file

7 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Fire of Anger - part 2
Ven. Chodron continues the commentary of the verse on anger and how it can lead to misconduct. She explains how one of the main causes of anger is not getting what you want.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

9 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Elephant of Ignorance - part 1
The verse compares ignorance of cause and effect to a wild elephant. She explains how intoxication with sense pleasures lead one to be unaware of the results of actions.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file

10 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Elephant of Ignorance - part 2
Ven. Chodron explains that by not having a correct understanding of cause and effect we don't think our actions have an ethical dimension.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

11 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Snake of Jealousy - part 1
Ven. Chodron explains how jealousy causes pain for our self and motivates us to harm others.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file

12 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Snake of Jealousy - part 2
Ven. Chodron explains the antidote to jealousy, rejoicing in the good fortune and excellence of others.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file

15 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Thieves of Wrong Views - part 1
Ven. Chodron discusses wrong views, how they steal our virtue.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file

15 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Thieves of Wrong Views - part 2
Ven. Chodron discusses types of wrong views and how they affect our actions and Dharma practice.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file

17 March 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Thieves of Wrong Views - part 3
Ven. Chodron talks about the importance of developing correct view. She also talks about the importance of a Buddhist world view in practice and daily life.
• Audio [8 minutes] : Download mp3 file

10 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Chains of Miserliness - part 1
Ven. Chodron talks about how miserliness binds us to cyclic existence without freedom. She suggests that we look at our situation realistically and gain some understanding cyclic existence.
•Audio [7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

12 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Chains of Miserliness - part 2
Ven. Chodron talks about the materialistic view that sees the afflictions as hard-wired into us versus the Buddhist view of the source of afflictions, ignorance.
•Audio (10 minutes) : Download mp3 file

13 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Chains of Miserliness - part 3
Ven. Chodron explains how miserliness is fear based, if we give there is a feeling of poverty afterward. She explains how we can be miserly with our time, our space as well as our material things.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file

14 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Flood of Attachment - part 1
Ven. Chodron talks about attachment in terms of cyclic existence. She explains how craving at the time of death propels us into the next rebirth.
• Audio (4 minutes) : Download mp3 file

15 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Flood of Attachment - part 2
Ven. Chodron explains how we can get attached to many things not just material things. We can get attached to comfort, friends, our body, praise and reputation. She suggests that we should do some examination of what we are attached to and what it makes us do.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

16 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Flood of Attachment - part 3
Ven. Chodron talks about being attached to how we see ourselves and how important it is to go to a new environment to give us more space to relate to things and people differently.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file

17 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Flood of Attachment - part 4
Ven. Chodron explains how we can be attached to our ideas and how it is a source of conflict. She explains how we get attached to our way of doing things and cling to it. She suggests that opening our mind to doing things differently can actually be enriching to us.
• Audio (5 minutes] : Download mp3 file

18 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Flood of Attachment - part 5
Ven. Chodron teaches about how, when we are caught in our attachments it is like a flood overtaking us. She explains how our determinations and precepts can help stop the flow of the afflictions.
• Audio (6 minutes] : Download mp3 file

20 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Carnivorous Demon of Doubt - part 1
Ven. Chodron how we don't recognize doubt as an affliction but think of it as a proper way of thinking. She explains how doubt can prevent practice and can torment us.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

21 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: The Carnivorous Demon of Doubt - part 2
Ven. Chodron explains how doubt can undermine our Dharma practice and study. It can even cause lack of confidence in our teacher and the teachings of the Buddha.
• Audio (7 minutes] : Download mp3 file

22 April 2011

The Eight Dangers: Conclusion
Ven. Chodron concludes the teachings on the eight dangers from the praise to Tara by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. She talks about the how these afflictions arise one after another in our mind and encourages us to humbly and persistently recognize them and remove them with antidotes.
• Audio (9 minutes] : Download mp3 file