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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
Transcript : Download Word document
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
Transcript : Download Word document
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.
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