Venerable Thubten Chodron is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun who’s been essential in reinstating the Bhikshuni ordination of women. She founded Sravasti Abbey, the Buddhist monastic community in Washington State. Chodron believed that it was important for Westerners to have a monastery so people who wanted to learn can live and train without worrying about the surrounding world. Chodron’s Web site shares audio and video downloads of her teachings. She is often referred to as a warm, humorous and a lucid teacher. Her ability to understand the modern world has allowed her to be influential, yet approachable.