Podcasts about gelek rimpoche

In this extended conversation Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Mark Epstein M.D. discuss the history of scientific studies on the effects of meditation training since Buddhism’s migration to the West and encounter with materialists, psychotherapists and poets. Settling down after their annual Buddhism and Psychotherapy gathering, Bob Thurman and Mark Epstein reflect upon their twenty plus years teaching together, the on-going dialog between mental health care-givers and Buddhist Psychonauts, highlighting the teachers and teachings which impacted their work, writing and personal journeys. Candidly sharing details about his next book, Mark describes his academic career, the untold stories behind his groundbreaking writings, and shows how his lifelong combination of concentrated meditation practice with clinical psychological practice and study have earned him his eminent place on the front lines of the mindfulness revolution. This episode includes: an exploration of the influence of the historical Buddha, Freud, Ginsberg, John Cage, D.W. Winnicott, D.T. Suzuki, Tsongkhapa, 14th Dalai Lama, Yeshi Dhonden, Gelek Rimpoche, wives and close family have had upon Professor Thurman and Dr. Epstein, an introduction to Abhidharma, and the relationship between Buddhist Inner Sciences, Vajrayana, yoga and modern psycho-therapeutic practice. Recorded August 2020 this podcast includes a possible solution to the Zen koan of “one hand clapping”, also known as the un-stuck sound. Tibet House US Menla Conversations with Mark Epstein M.D. – Ep. 241 of the Bob Thurman Podcast photo by David Gabriel Fischer via Zen Diary.

According to Gelek Rimpoche, all basic Buddhist teachings are edicated to transforming negativities. Through learning, analyzing and the practice of meditation, we can clear our negative thoughts, ideas and habits—the obstacles to our spiritual development. In this lesson, Rimpoche explores our nature as human being and asks the fundamental question, “who are we?” We have a name, job, and family relations that seem to define us, but who is that “me” that gets insulted, and responds with anger? Right now, our negative emotions dominate. Rimpoche quotes Tsongkhapa who explains that Buddha nature is within us, but it needs to mature.

In embarking on the path to enlightenment, Buddha shared three tools for a happy life – be kind, do no harm and watch your mind. The mind determines whether our actions are positive or negative. Gelek Rimpoche explains why the intention, action and reactions following our deeds determine our happiness.

“Recognizing the illusion of seeing ourselves as solid, separate and permanent opens the opportunity for a more meaningful life,” says Gelek Rimpoche in this lesson. Nothing is solid or fixed, not our personality, not even negativities such as anger and obsession. Gelek Rimpoche shows how freedom and opportunity are the result of this understanding

It's hard not to be happy around the Dalai Lama even when times are difficult as they are now. Why? He is the embodiment of wisdom and compassion. So when we make a difference in our lives, we impact the people around us and ultimately the world. It may seem like an insurmountable task, but Gelek Rimpoche shows that thigh we have difficulties and problems, we also have tremendous capacities, some of which we are not even aware.

The decision to be joyful and happy takes initiative. We don't magically receive it; we are responsible for making changes ourselves. Nobody else can help us engage in compassionate acts for ourselves such as finding time to meditate in the morning, and engaging the mind in compassion and wisdom. If you want compassion for others, have compassion for yourself. Gelek Rimpoche guides us in taking those first steps.

When we hurt others or are hurt ourselves, blame--directed towards ourselves or others--wastes the biggest opportunity we have to correct, to compensate and to improve our minds. Gelek Rimpoche outlines the beginning of a method for short circuiting this damaging state of mind and transforming it into a pure one.

Solving the problems of our lives takes more than just patching our wounds. How do we really deal with our problems and develop a practice that will make a difference? Gelek Rimpoche gives the example of the historical Buddha as well as the inspiring dedication of the Tibetan people to preserve the teachings in the midst of tremendous hardship.

What is spirituality? There are so many different ideas, yet none of them are wrong. Is the purpose of spiritual practice to feel better, or is it to be better? In this talk, Gelek Rimpoche addresses the specific Buddhist goal of freeing ourselves from negative emotions and suffering and introduces the limitless potential of the human mind.

What is spirituality? There are so many different ideas, yet none of them are wrong. Is the purpose of spiritual practice to feel better, or is it to be better? In this talk, Gelek Rimpoche addresses the specific Buddhist goal of freeing ourselves from negative emotions and suffering and introduces the limitless potential of the human mind.

An AA for negative emotions is what Gelek Rimpoche proposes in this teaching. We are addicted, he asserts, to anger, obsession, jealousy and hatred, instead of being soaked in love and compassion.

Every thought, deed, intention, state of mind and action creates and affects karma, we may feel like an insignificant individual, but in reality we each carry a huge responsibility not only for creating our own suffering and happiness through karma, but contributing to the karma of our families and society. Gelek Rimpoche shows where our responsibility begins and the opportunity for contributing to positive change.

It's hard not to be happy around the Dalai Lama even when times are difficult as they are now. Why? He is the embodiment of wisdom and compassion. So when we make a difference in our lives, we impact the people around us and ultimately the world. It may seem like an insurmountable task, but Gelek Rimpoche shows that thigh we have difficulties and problems, we also have tremendous capacities, some of which we are not even aware.

“Recognizing the illusion of seeing ourselves as solid, separate and permanent opens the opportunity for a more meaningful life,” says Gelek Rimpoche in this lesson. Nothing is solid or fixed, not our personality, not even negativities such as anger and obsession. Gelek Rimpoche shows how freedom and opportunity are the result of this understanding

Solving the problems of our lives takes more than just patching our wounds. How do we really deal with our problems and develop a practice that will make a difference? Gelek Rimpoche gives the example of the historical Buddha as well as the inspiring dedication of the Tibetan people to preserve the teachings in the midst of tremendous hardship.

The decision to be joyful and happy takes initiative. We don't magically receive it; we are responsible for making changes ourselves. Nobody else can help us engage in compassionate acts for ourselves such as finding time to meditate in the morning, and engaging the mind in compassion and wisdom. If you want compassion for others, have compassion for yourself. Gelek Rimpoche guides us in taking those first steps.

When we hurt others or are hurt ourselves, blame--directed towards ourselves or others--wastes the biggest opportunity we have to correct, to compensate and to improve our minds. Gelek Rimpoche outlines the beginning of a method for short circuiting this damaging state of mind and transforming it into a pure one.

Every thought, deed, intention, state of mind and action creates and affects karma, we may feel like an insignificant individual, but in reality we each carry a huge responsibility not only for creating our own suffering and happiness through karma, but contributing to the karma of our families and society. Gelek Rimpoche shows where our responsibility begins and the opportunity for contributing to positive change.

In embarking on the path to enlightenment, Buddha shared three tools for a happy life – be kind, do no harm and watch your mind. The mind determines whether our actions are positive or negative. Gelek Rimpoche explains why the intention, action and reactions following our deeds determine our happiness.

An AA for negative emotions is what Gelek Rimpoche proposes in this teaching. We are addicted, he asserts, to anger, obsession, jealousy and hatred, instead of being soaked in love and compassion.

What is spirituality? There are so many different ideas, yet none of them are wrong. Is the purpose of spiritual practice to feel better, or is it to be better? In this talk, Gelek Rimpoche addresses the specific Buddhist goal of freeing ourselves from negative emotions and suffering and introduces the limitless potential of the human mind.

What is spirituality? There are so many different ideas, yet none of them are wrong. Is the purpose of spiritual practice to feel better, or is it to be better? In this talk, Gelek Rimpoche addresses the specific Buddhist goal of freeing ourselves from negative emotions and suffering and introduces the limitless potential of the human mind.

According to Gelek Rimpoche, all basic Buddhist teachings are edicated to transforming negativities. Through learning, analyzing and the practice of meditation, we can clear our negative thoughts, ideas and habits—the obstacles to our spiritual development. In this lesson, Rimpoche explores our nature as human being and asks the fundamental question, “who are we?” We have a name, job, and family relations that seem to define us, but who is that “me” that gets insulted, and responds with anger? Right now, our negative emotions dominate. Rimpoche quotes Tsongkhapa who explains that Buddha nature is within us, but it needs to mature.

Our culture is rapt by entertainment that distracts us from many truths—denial of the fragility of life and the certainty of death among them. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that while Impermanence as represented by illness, aging and death is a reality, one can also view impermanence as the freedom to change and the end of suffering.

Gelek Rimpoche discusses negative emotions such as pride, ignorance, anger, jealousy and greed which all arise from the same root: fear. He shows us how these fears effect us by destroying our peace of mind. He also explains how our peace of mind can be restored through the recognition of our precious life and with the help of White Tara, who protects and liberates us from all fears through the practice of wisdom.

Karma is a widely known term that is also widely misunderstood. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche discusses the four characteristics of Karma: it is definite; it multiplies easily; we do not meet with uncreated causes; and results will not occur without cause. However, we can also take charge of our own future by intentionally creating positive karmic causes through our practice of spiritual virtue and mitigating negative karmic causes by our practice of purification.

Have we lived before and will we have a new life after this one ends? As a kid in the monastery, Gelek Rimpoche had a hard time accepting reincarnation as fact, even though he had been identified as a “reincarnated lama” himself. In this lesson, he examines the anecdotal and spiritual evidence for the existence of past and future lives. Because mind and body are different, death ends the body and the mental events related to that life, but mind itself continues on its own path into the next life.

Depression arises from a lack of self-appreciation and an inability to move on from painful ruminations. Gelek Rimpoche gives a variety of suggestions to help free us from the paralysis of depression. Concentrated and analytical meditation can help re-train the mind toward a more objective and confident experience of emotional life. He gives his views on the value of whatever helps an individual (such as medication) to both ground a person and free energy bound in a depressive mind/body.

Though human mind is sometimes clouded temporarily by negative emotions like hatred, fear, and obsession, it is by nature clean and pure. Moreover, our wonderful human nature makes us capable of the ultimate achievement—becoming fully enlightened. In this session, Gelek Rimpoche reminds us that when we remember this capability, we are inspired to make the best use of our life and to engage enthusiastically in the gradual and steady development of the spiritual path.

We recite mantras and other prayers to protect the mind and to strengthen our connection to universal virtues like generosity, compassion and wisdom. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche introduces the basic mantras and prayers of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual practice and recounts how he learned about spirituality as a child in the monastery in pre-1959 Tibet.

Ego is a combination of ignorance, confusion and fear. It puts our true self to sleep and takes over our lives, distorting our perceptions and leading to negative emotions like anger, hatred and the wrong deeds that follow. When we recognize that the way we habitually perceive our self and others is mistaken, we begin to move toward wisdom. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche describes how—through hard spiritual effort—Buddha realized how to cut through this distorted sense of self. As a result, Buddha left us instructions so that we can do the same.

What is revolutionary about the spiritual path? It is the ability to challenge the habitual view of the importance of our own desires and develop a new way of being in the world—a way that foregrounds the happiness of others. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains how developing greater compassion is counter-intuitive from the ego's point of view, but it is the fuel that will enable us to cross the great ocean of suffering once and for all.

What is ethical behavior in the modern world? Are violence and racism ever justified? Is cloning ethical? In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explores the confusing territory of modern ethics and offers a simple rubric: Ethical behavior requires that we judge our own behavior rather than the behavior of others. If we wish to follow the ethical path laid out by Buddha, we must keep our vows and commitments and avoid actions that harm self and others.

The spiritual path is not concerned with temporary material gain or emotional happiness. Our goal is lasting satisfaction, which everyone is capable of achieving by attending to the life they are living right now with loving attention and understanding the basics of karma. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that negative mind states are always impermanent. Because they are impermanent, they can be overcome and eliminated. We must learn to identify with the pure and clear mind that is our true nature.

Anger is the real weapon of mass destruction and gives rise to terrorism, war and every other kind of destructive behavior. In everyday life, anger is an addiction—a fire that destroys our peace of mind, consumes our virtue and blinds us so that we cannot act rationally. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that recognizing that we are angry is the first step towards ending it. Once we become aware of anger, we can apply the antidote of patience and cultivate the engaged, clear mind of compassion for self and others.

Spiritual techniques are only helpful if you make use of them. The spiritual path is not instantaneous or simple. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that we must be diligent in our practice and frequently reflect on its methods and the nature of our own minds if we hope to overcome the effects of negative emotions. It is also important to check on the effects of your efforts by reviewing the three categories of goals: freeing oneself from suffering in this life; freeing oneself from future suffering; and helping others to do the same.

Death is definite. The way to have a peaceful and positive death rests in the way we live our lives. The time of death is uncertain. When it does come, we experience the dissolution of the four elements that make-up our physical body. While we are alive, we have many opportunities to contemplate death, the in between state, and re-birth. Gelek Rimpoche explains that when you know what to expect, you have less fear and regret.

Gelek Rimpoche outlines the remaining basic daily practices for a spiritual practitioner, focusing most intently on the four steps to purifying negative karma. Guilt is not one of them! Sincere regret is. Rejoicing in the good fortune of others helps to eliminate jealousy and increase our own fortune. Dedicating our efforts assures us that they will not be lost.

Everything can be used for the spiritual path. It is our motivation that creates the energy to change our minds and activities into beneficial practices. Gelek Rimpoche discusses the first two of seven ways to help oneself on the path. 1). Identifying and aligning one's self with spiritual teachers helps to create the inspiration to model ourselves in the same way. 2). Making offerings counteracts the impulses of greed and clinging, while developing the habit of generosity and a mind of abundance.

The four main principles of karma are: karma is definite, karma is fast-growing, one will experience the results of karma if one has created the cause, whether negative or positive, and one will not experience karmic results if one has not created the cause. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche discusses the principle that karma is fast growing. Here he states that karmic causes and effects move more quickly in contemporary times than in times past.

Understanding the concepts of karma paves the way for us to minimize our negativities and maximize our happiness. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that the prosperity we earn through our work is ours to enjoy. We do not receive any more than is karmically possible, and to reject it is to reject our own karma. On the other hand if we don't work, we become lazy, and laziness is one of the worst negativities we can develop.

Within the concept reincarnation, our karma does not end at our death, but continues into our future lives. Therefore, we must develop a clear awareness of our actions now. Gelek Rimpoche emphasizes in this lesson that even the tiniest karma, the effect of one seemingly small action, can create a strong result. Whether through our profession or during our casual activities, we are encouraged to think about what we do.

Gelek Rimpoche in this lesson takes questions and discusses spiritual practice, difficulties with one's practice and how to deal with everyday life.

Gelek Rimpoche continues taking questions with a focus on bringing our practice into our daily lives. The full idea of practice is to steep our lives, our minds and our habitual patterns in the positive energy of spiritual practice. When we soak our thoughts and attitudes in universal compassion and love, then every action that is not negative by nature becomes a part of the practice.

In this lesson Gelek Rimpoche explains that purification practices reduce our negativity, and mindful motivation can transform every activity into spiritual development. Rimpoche begins a discussion regarding the karma of prosperity and states that generosity is the cause for prosperity.

Understanding the karmic system is an essential element of Buddhist study and practice. Karma is the root of all happiness and joy, and also the root of all difficulties. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche discusses karma as the effects that are created by our actions and our speech.

In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche discusses the relationship between positive and negative karma, and how one effects the other. Our strongest ally is our own awareness. Rimpoche explains how mental attitudes such as anger and motivation influence karma, and advises us to develop awareness without the burdens of denial or blame.

In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche expands our understanding of karma and presents a path to develop positive karma. When we bring positive motivation, great compassion and the influence of wisdom into our awareness, then we bring the The Three Principles of the Path into our daily activities. Like a cloth made of cotton, Rimpoche says, every karma we create is then produced by the material of these principles.

Karma is deeply connected with the mind, so watching the mind and training the mind is extremely important in how karma is created. Gelek Rimpoche in this lesson says it is important to protect our mind. With every thought we act on, karma begins to function, and the result will be experienced. Positive karma is what gives us a positive life. Rimpoche also points out that karma depends on proper conditions to come to fruition.

Karma is deeply connected with the mind, so watching the mind and training the mind is extremely important in how karma is created. Gelek Rimpoche in this lesson says it is important to protect our mind. With every thought we act on, karma begins to function, and the result will be experienced. Positive karma is what gives us a positive life. Rimpoche also points out that karma depends on proper conditions to come to fruition.

In this lesson Gelek Rimpoche focuses on when we will experience a karmic result. He says that we will, without a doubt, experience the effects of our actions, positive or negative. We will not, however, experience a karmic result if we have not created the karmic cause.

If karma is definite, how can negative karma destroy positive karma, and how can positive karma purify negative karma? In this lesson Gelek Rimpoche explains that this manageable quality of karma comes about because karma is impermanent. It depends on conditions to come to fruition. Rimpoche calls it "dependent arising." This ability to purify negativity, and to strengthen our positive karma creates a path for us, and supports our growth toward awareness and personal responsibility.

The mind is the source of all development—material as well as spiritual. All of the achievements of modern science and technology, as well as all of our spiritual developments—such as wisdom and compassion—ultimately come from the mind. Understanding the mind is of crucial importance to the spiritual practitioner. This is first in a series of lessons in which Gelek Rimpoche describes the basis of Buddhist psychology, the Mind and the Mental Faculties, based upon an 18th century commentary by Kachen Yeshe Gyaltsen, the teacher of the 8th Dalai Lama, which brings together important and practical features of this vast and sophisticated traditional system of Buddhist psychology, philosophy of mind and cognitive theory.

According to the Buddha, the physical aspects of reality (forms, including our bodies) do not arise independently, but are dependent upon causes and conditions, and thereby impermanent. Of course we recognize that our bodies are not permanent, and will change, fall apart, and eventually dissolve. But Buddha says even mind is dependent upon causes and conditions and thus also is impermanent. If mind is impermanent, how does it carry on from life to life? What are the qualities of mind, and how does it function? In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche discusses the qualities of mind or the consciousness which perceives and knows, and introduces the concept of the“Mental Faculties”, which are the cognitive elements that allow the consciousness to discriminate, ascertain, and qualify the objects it cognizes.

Mind is not physical. While mind works in coordination with the physical body, mind itself has no form or shape. Mind functions to perceive reality. By nature it is clear and luminous, perceiving and reflecting reality like a mirror. But like a dirty rag rubbing oil over a mirror, our negativities can temporarily cloud and block the capacity of the mind to perceive reality purely. There are also multiple levels of mind. Underlying the gross mind—which we ordinarily see and which is easily affected by emotions—we have a subtler mind, and deeper still, an even subtler mind known as the primordial mind. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that through the process of meditation, it can become possible to unlock these various aspects of mind.

Mind comes only from mind. Consciousness did not simply spring up in this life out of nowhere because of a particular configuration of physical elements in one's brain and body. Rather, one's mind today is a continuation of one's mind from previous lives. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that while mind is not physical, it does interact with the physical in the form of subtle energy or life-force that the Tibetans call Lung. The mind rides upon the subtle energy like a rider rides upon a horse, it is the physical vehicle that carries the mind and allows it to function within the physical body. When the physical body becomes unserviceable at the time of death, the connections will be cut and the gross consciousness will dissolve. But the Primordial Mind will remain and will be carried to our next rebirth.

The mind perceives and is aware. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains how the mental faculties help the mind to discriminate, recognize, ascertain and understand. The mind has six primary consciousnesses, corresponding to the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) and the primary mental consciousness. The mental faculties are divided into fifty-one specific functions. The mental faculties have different functions and capacities which Rimpoche addresses over the course of this series.

Episode 10 Part 2 of the bodytonic radio interview with author, meditation expert, master yoga teacher and founder of the legendary NYC studio OM Yoga CYNDI LEE.  She is a regular contributor to numerous publications including Yoga Journal, Real Simple and Lion’s Roar.  On the second part of this in-depth conversation, Host Jennifer DeLuca and Cyndi discuss her legacy with master meditation teacher Gelek Rimpoche, her training as a Lay Chaplain and the fascinating story of her parents who were instrumental in creating the person she is today.   For more information about Cyndi Lee go to www.cyndilee.com  

Cyndi Lee is the first female Western yoga teacher to fully integrate yoga asana and Tibetan Buddhism in her practice and teaching. In 1998, she founded the OM yoga Center in NYC, which became a mecca for yogis worldwide. One of the most influential teachers in the U.S., Cyndi’s teaching work is now focussed on yoga and meditation, and the resiliency that arises when we practice these methods in a sustainable manner. Cyndi is a formally trained Lay Buddhist Chaplain under the guidance of Roshi Joan Halifax of Upaya Zen Center. Her root guru is the Tibetan master, Gelek Rimpoche. She has been teaching yoga for 40 years and meditation for nearly 30 years. Cyndi is also the author of five books and a leading voice in the yoga community.  To join the Mindful Strength newsletter click here, the Virtual Studio announcement comes out on Monday!  

Dr. Deborah Rozelle is a clinical psychologist who trains widely on psychological trauma and its rela­tion to contemplative practice. She is co-director of the Jewel Heart Buddhist Chaplaincy Program, co-editor of Mindfulness-Oriented Interventions for Trauma: Integrating Contemplative Practices, and was Senior Fellow for the Initiative for Transforming Trauma at Garrison Institute. She is a long-time Buddhist practitioner under the tutelage of the late Gelek Rimpoche. Dr. David Lewis is a student and independent researcher of western and eastern philosophical and psychological traditions. David is a retired computer scientist, mathematician and software development manager, and served on the faculty of Brown University, Cornell University and Ithaca College. He is a long-time Buddhist practitioner under the tutelage of the late Gelek Rimpoche. In this episode, Deborah and David begin by discussing their work with trauma and its relationship to contemplative practice. Our discussion examines mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), comparing these psychological treatments to the fundamental tenets and ultimate goals of the Buddhadharma. Deborah and David employ a unique analogical methodology to compare key aspects of the MBIs and the Buddhadharma teachings and practices, focusing on commonly used terms as suffering (dukkha), impermanence, and no-self. Our discussion takes aim many of the claims put forth by Jon Kabat-Zinn – the MBSR (and other MBIs) embody the essence of the Dharma. This discussion is based on their chapter, "Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Clinical Psychology, Buddhadharma, or Both? A Wisdom Perspective," which was published in the Handbook of Mindfulness: Culture, Context and Social Engagement (Springer, 2016).

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with my long time teacher, Cyndi Lee. Cyndi and I explore what brought her to yoga and creating OM Yoga Center. She and I also openly talk about the state of yoga in our county and the changes it has seen as well as the wide range of yoga teacher trainings. I truly enjoyed my time speaking with Cyndi, I hope you enjoy our conversation! Topics covered: *Cyndi’s path drew you to practicing yoga – not just asana- but also meditation *How Cyndi’s involvement of Tibetan Buddhism started to intergrate into your teaching *What shifted in you to move away from your dance career to committing to teaching yoga? *Cyndi’s path to opening OM *What inspired the style of OM yoga? *How OM yoga differs from other styles of vinyasa yoga *Why each class always include a short dharma talk/theme into your classes *The conscious choice to make a yoga studio that focused on community and how it was an internal part of OM’s   success *Cyndi’s philosophy into creating a professional teacher training program and her goals for your graduates *The boundaries and accreditation that yoga alliances has created for teacher training *The shift in the American approach to yoga in the time you have been teaching *Leaving the “yoga star” circuit and what inspired that move *How to study with Cyndi! About Cyndi Cyndi Lee is the first female Western yoga teacher to fully integrate yoga asana and Tibetan Buddhism in her practice and teaching. In 1998, she founded the OM yoga Center in NYC, which became a mecca for yogis worldwide. One of the most influential teachers in the U.S., Cyndi is known for her dynamic and contemplative classes, creative, safe and sane sequencing, smart and soulful teachings — all offered in a non-competitive environment of goodness. When she’s not on the mat and cushion, Cyndi writes. Her newest book is the The New York Times critically acclaimed May I Be Happy: A Memoir of Love, Yoga and Changing My Mind. Other books include Yoga Body, Buddha Mind and OM yoga: A Guide to Daily Practice. She writes regularly for Yoga Journal, Shambhala Sun, Yoga International and Tricycle Magazine. Her frequent TV appearances include the Dr. Oz Show; Live with Regis and Kathie Lee; Good Morning, America and she has a cameo in Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun video, which she choreographed in 1983. Cyndi holds an MFA in Dance from UC Irvine and is a long time student of Gelek Rimpoche. Find her at: cyndilee.com  and on Facebook! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miles Neale is a Buddhist psychotherapist in private practice, Assistant Director of the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and contributing expert on mindfulness meditation for the BBC World Service. Miles earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and has spent twenty years studying Buddhism under American Buddhist scholars Joe Loizzo and Robert Thurman as well as Tibetan masters Gelek Rimpoche and Lama Zopa. Dr. Neale’s approach to personal healing and transformation isinformed by contemplative neuroscience, an eclectic hybrid of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist psychology and meditative arts, depth psychotherapy, and the current neuroscience of trauma resilience.  

Gelek Rimpoche is our honored guest.  A reincarnated tulku, a lucid and unpretentious disperser of essential knowledge, Gelek is a treasured being we are so lucky to have in the U.S.  Because of the ruthless Chinese invasion, Gelek was forced to leave his beloved homeland in 1959.  Tibet’s tragedy became our great fortune.  Hear what he has to say about wiping out negative emotions and achieving equanimity.  His honest-to-the-bone words about his own basic humanity is a balm for all of us.  Rimpoche shares his own Allen Ginsberg stories with David, who was also a friend of the legendary poet/kind soul.  The Mindrollers are so pleased to present this famed and revered Rimpoche, a sacred yet approachable transformative being, there for all of us.  

Introducing the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśha Sūtra, Gelek Rimpoche and Professor Thurman discuss mistaken relationships with Buddhist gurus and books, particularly in the West. They offer guidance for identifying a good guru and for maintaining a healthy relationship with the guru. In monastic Buddhism, the abbot is not a big boss and obedience is not a big virtue for the Buddhist monk or mendicant. In the Mahayana tradition, the spiritual friend is a teacher emphasizing how you have to get out there and do your own bodhisattva deeds and become a Buddha. "In the Tantric and esoteric teachings, the guru figure, which in Tibetan is translated as the “Lama,” is brought back into play. In Tantra you're dealing with the unconscious; therefore you need someone upon whom to project different things to help you work out new relationships, like you do in psychotherapy. Also, there's the initiatory practice of seeing the guru as the living embodiment of the Buddha when the teachings are transmitted to you. The Tibetans have a proverb: “The best guru is one who lives at least three valleys away,” which means you receive the teaching and some initiatory consecration—and then you don't hang out with that person to see how ordinary they are!" Robert A.F. Thurman via www,tricycle.org. Professor Thurman also continues with a reading of a humorous anecdote about Śhāriputra from the Vimalakīrti Sūtra to illustrate some common misconceptions about meditation. Professor Thurman's translation of the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśha Sūtra can be found in his book The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti  online: www.read.84000.co. Meditation & Mistaken Guru Yoga with Gelek Rimpoche - Ep. 13 of the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from a retreat led by Gelek Rimpoche and Professor Thurman at the Omega Institute in 1987, called Tibetan Love and Compassion. To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert A.F. Thurman teachings + public events please consider becoming a Tibet House US member. To Learn about the benefits of Tibet House US Membership please visit: www.tibethouse.us. Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings from the 2016 + 2017 Annual Retreat at Menla in the THUS Member Archives.  Tibet House US Member Access starts at $2 a Month. The song ‘Dancing Ling' by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Supe