News Article

The Venerated Thubten Chodron, a western Buddhist nun, will visit Gonzaga University to discuss “Buddhist Wisdom on Violence and Reconciliation” from 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 30 at the GU Law School Barbieri Courtroom, 721 N. Cincinnati St. The talk, sponsored by the GU religious studies department, Unity House and Spokane Dharma Friends, is free and open to the public.

Chodron’s lecture will focus on the seeds of violence and forgiveness and how individuals can take responsibility for diminishing the former and nurturing the latter in themselves and in the world. Following the talk will be a chance for interfaith discussion.

Chodron, founder and Abbess of Sravasti Monastery in Newport, Wash., has studied and practiced Buddhism for more than 30 years under several Tibetan masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She has served as the resident teacher at the Amitabha Buddhist Center in Singapore and at the Dharma Friendship Foundation in Seattle, where she continues to serve as spiritual adviser. Additionally, she has been a co-organizer of the “Life as a Western Buddhist Nun” Conference.

Chodron is a prolific author and a few of her texts include “Blossoms of the Dharma: Living as a Buddhist Nun,” “Buddhism for Beginners,” and “Open Heart, Clear Mind.” In her work, she emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in daily life and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is known for her warm, humorous and lucid teachings.

For more information, contact John Sheveland, GU assistant professor of religious studies, at (509) 323-6784 or via e-mail. To learn more about Chodron, visit her Web site.