Podcasts about Tibetan Buddhism

Lawrence Pintak has spent his life grounded in facts while fascinated by the ethereal. An award-winning former CBS News Middle East correspondent with a PhD in Islamic Studies, Pintak has been a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism for three decades and is an avid student of the perennial truths at the core of the world's religions. The author of seven books at the intersection of religion, media, and policy, his reporting and analysis on religion and international affairs has been published by The New York Times, Foreign Policy, the Washington Post, and many of the world's leading media organizations. He also wrote about Buddhism and Eastern traditions for Shambhala Sun/Lion's Roar, Buddhadharma, Beliefnet.com and others before 9/11 drew his focus back to the Middle East. Pintak's most recent nonfiction book, America & Islam, was a finalist for the 2020 Religion News Association award for Religion Reporting Excellence. Books: Lessons from the Mountaintop: Ten Modern Mystics and Their Extraordinary Lives America & Islam: Soundbites, Suicide Bombs and the Road to Donald Trump Website: pintak.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Interview recorded October 4, 2025

Pleasure is often viewed as a hindrance to the spiritual path, a hotbed of craving and attachment, but what if we told you that pleasure can actually be a positive part of the spiritual path, a portal to love and happiness?Episode 84: Pleasure and Buddhism: Food, Sex and Netflix on the Path to EnlightenmentSupport the show

Queens without a Kingdom worth Ruling: Buddhist Nuns and the Process of Change in Tibetan Monastic Communities is a fascinating study of nuns in the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling in Kathmandu. Written by Dr. Chandra Chiara Ehm, who was a member of this monastic community for nearly a decade, it offers a rare perspective on life in a nunnery. The book explores nuns' lives, their studies, and their and aspirations--we see how young girls and women become nuns, what a day in the life is like, and how their scholastic study is structured, as well as some of the obstacles that the nuns much navigate. It also explores how recent changes in technology, demographics, and secular education are continuing to transform monastic life. This book is a rich and extremely readable blend of ethnographic detail, historical and textual background, and incisive analysis. It would make an excellent contribution to any syllabus on Tibetan Buddhism, women in Buddhism, or Buddhism and modernity. The author, Chandra Chiara Ehm, is a postdoctoral researcher at the the Ecole Francaise d'Èxreme Orient (EFEO) and the Centre de Recherche sur les Civilisations de l'Asie Orientale (CRCAO). She received her PhD in a double degree program in Buddhist Studies at the LMU in Munich and in anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris . She employs multiple academic methods--notably both philology and qualitative ethnographic work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

Queens without a Kingdom worth Ruling: Buddhist Nuns and the Process of Change in Tibetan Monastic Communities is a fascinating study of nuns in the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling in Kathmandu. Written by Dr. Chandra Chiara Ehm, who was a member of this monastic community for nearly a decade, it offers a rare perspective on life in a nunnery. The book explores nuns' lives, their studies, and their and aspirations--we see how young girls and women become nuns, what a day in the life is like, and how their scholastic study is structured, as well as some of the obstacles that the nuns much navigate. It also explores how recent changes in technology, demographics, and secular education are continuing to transform monastic life. This book is a rich and extremely readable blend of ethnographic detail, historical and textual background, and incisive analysis. It would make an excellent contribution to any syllabus on Tibetan Buddhism, women in Buddhism, or Buddhism and modernity. The author, Chandra Chiara Ehm, is a postdoctoral researcher at the the Ecole Francaise d'Èxreme Orient (EFEO) and the Centre de Recherche sur les Civilisations de l'Asie Orientale (CRCAO). She received her PhD in a double degree program in Buddhist Studies at the LMU in Munich and in anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris . She employs multiple academic methods--notably both philology and qualitative ethnographic work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Queens without a Kingdom worth Ruling: Buddhist Nuns and the Process of Change in Tibetan Monastic Communities is a fascinating study of nuns in the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling in Kathmandu. Written by Dr. Chandra Chiara Ehm, who was a member of this monastic community for nearly a decade, it offers a rare perspective on life in a nunnery. The book explores nuns' lives, their studies, and their and aspirations--we see how young girls and women become nuns, what a day in the life is like, and how their scholastic study is structured, as well as some of the obstacles that the nuns much navigate. It also explores how recent changes in technology, demographics, and secular education are continuing to transform monastic life. This book is a rich and extremely readable blend of ethnographic detail, historical and textual background, and incisive analysis. It would make an excellent contribution to any syllabus on Tibetan Buddhism, women in Buddhism, or Buddhism and modernity. The author, Chandra Chiara Ehm, is a postdoctoral researcher at the the Ecole Francaise d'Èxreme Orient (EFEO) and the Centre de Recherche sur les Civilisations de l'Asie Orientale (CRCAO). She received her PhD in a double degree program in Buddhist Studies at the LMU in Munich and in anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris . She employs multiple academic methods--notably both philology and qualitative ethnographic work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

Queens without a Kingdom worth Ruling: Buddhist Nuns and the Process of Change in Tibetan Monastic Communities is a fascinating study of nuns in the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling in Kathmandu. Written by Dr. Chandra Chiara Ehm, who was a member of this monastic community for nearly a decade, it offers a rare perspective on life in a nunnery. The book explores nuns' lives, their studies, and their and aspirations--we see how young girls and women become nuns, what a day in the life is like, and how their scholastic study is structured, as well as some of the obstacles that the nuns much navigate. It also explores how recent changes in technology, demographics, and secular education are continuing to transform monastic life. This book is a rich and extremely readable blend of ethnographic detail, historical and textual background, and incisive analysis. It would make an excellent contribution to any syllabus on Tibetan Buddhism, women in Buddhism, or Buddhism and modernity. The author, Chandra Chiara Ehm, is a postdoctoral researcher at the the Ecole Francaise d'Èxreme Orient (EFEO) and the Centre de Recherche sur les Civilisations de l'Asie Orientale (CRCAO). She received her PhD in a double degree program in Buddhist Studies at the LMU in Munich and in anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris . She employs multiple academic methods--notably both philology and qualitative ethnographic work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

Queens without a Kingdom worth Ruling: Buddhist Nuns and the Process of Change in Tibetan Monastic Communities is a fascinating study of nuns in the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling in Kathmandu. Written by Dr. Chandra Chiara Ehm, who was a member of this monastic community for nearly a decade, it offers a rare perspective on life in a nunnery. The book explores nuns' lives, their studies, and their and aspirations--we see how young girls and women become nuns, what a day in the life is like, and how their scholastic study is structured, as well as some of the obstacles that the nuns much navigate. It also explores how recent changes in technology, demographics, and secular education are continuing to transform monastic life. This book is a rich and extremely readable blend of ethnographic detail, historical and textual background, and incisive analysis. It would make an excellent contribution to any syllabus on Tibetan Buddhism, women in Buddhism, or Buddhism and modernity. The author, Chandra Chiara Ehm, is a postdoctoral researcher at the the Ecole Francaise d'Èxreme Orient (EFEO) and the Centre de Recherche sur les Civilisations de l'Asie Orientale (CRCAO). She received her PhD in a double degree program in Buddhist Studies at the LMU in Munich and in anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris . She employs multiple academic methods--notably both philology and qualitative ethnographic work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

Today's episode features Ralph De La Rosa. Ralph was the author of three books, including Outshining Trauma: A New Vision of Radical Compassion (foreword by Richard Schwartz). He was a psychotherapist in private practice and a longtime meditation teacher known for his radically honest and humorous approach. His work was featured in GQ, CNN, NY Post, Tricycle, Mindful Magazine, and beyond.Perhaps most crucial is that Ralph walked the path of outshining trauma alongside the people he worked with. He was a survivor of PTSD, heroin addiction, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and liver failure. Walking through these matters with the help of profound therapists and mentors became an empowerment no school could have offered. It was simply part of his path to offer back what he had been shown.Ralph mentored personally with Richard Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy, known for its efficacy in healing trauma. He also completed an invite-only advanced teacher training with Jack Kornfield.He began practicing meditation in 1996 and trained in a spectrum of yogic and healing traditions, including devotional Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Ralph began teaching Buddhist-inspired meditation in 2008. He identified as a practitioner and teacher of human spirituality, offering a highly specialized hybrid of IFS and Buddhism to guide students on a direct path of conscious evolution and self-discovery.As a therapist, Ralph was a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University. He spent his earliest days working in NYC's clinical foster care system where he trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused therapy. He maintained a small roster of therapy clients for the love of witnessing transformation up close.Ralph was also an intersectional activist, musician, wannabe acrobat, and outdoor enthusiast, who made his home in Seattle, WA. His teachings and writings continue to inspire and support people navigating trauma and transformation.Some of the topics we covered in this episode include:A beginning guided meditationWhat drew Ralph to IFSOverlaps with ACT and IFSThe value of living with an open heartAnd Ralph guides me through some experiential IFS work—————————————————————————Outshining Trauma: https://a.co/d/cQ8kREn—————————————————————————Thank you all for checking out the episode! Here are some ways to help support Mentally Flexible:Sign up for PsychFlex through the Mentally Flexible link! PsychFlex.com/MentallyFlexibleYou can help cover some of the costs of running the podcast by donating a cup of coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/mentallyflexiblePlease subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It only takes 30 seconds and plays an important role in being able to get new guests.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truthCheck out my new album, Holding Space! https://open.spotify.com/album/0iOcjZQhmAhYtjjq3CTpwQ?si=nemiLnELTsGGExjfy8B6iw

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with meditation teacher and social entrepreneur Dr. Fleet Maull to explore how Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM) intersects with psychedelic therapy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-324/?ref=278  Fleet shares his journey from a 14-year federal prison sentence—where he founded the first prison hospice program and led daily meditation groups—to developing NSM, a radically embodied, neuroscience- and trauma-informed approach to practice. He explains how NSM trains five key brain networks, why embodiment quiets a noisy mind more reliably than “thinking about” the breath, and how pairing NSM with ketamine or psilocybin can help shift insights from state to trait. The conversation offers a grounded roadmap for practitioners and seekers who want deeper stability, safety, and integration in expanded-state work. Fleet Maull, PhD, CMT-P is an author, meditation teacher, mindset coach, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of personal and social transformation. He is the founder & CEO of Heart Mind Institute, which integrates Western science with contemplative wisdom across trauma healing, resilience, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and conscious entrepreneurship. While serving a 14-year federal sentence (1985–1999), he founded Prison Mindfulness Institute and National Prison Hospice Association, catalyzing national movements in contemplative rehabilitation and end-of-life care. A senior Dharma teacher in Tibetan Buddhism and a Zen Roshi, Dr. Maull developed Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM), a deeply embodied, trauma-informed practice for healing and awakening. *This October 14–19, 2025, Paul will also co-host Heart Mind Institute's free online Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats Summit, featuring 35+ global leaders including Paul Stamets, Deepak Chopra, and James Fadiman. Register free via the links below. Highlights Why embodiment beats “thinking about” the breath Prison as practice: hospice, service, and sobriety What is Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM)? DMN vs. task-positive network in practice Training five neural networks for resilience From state to trait: integration by design NSM with low-dose ketamine: retreat outcomes Rigidity, chaos, and the Goldilocks zone Episode Links FleetMaull.com: https://www.fleetmaull.com/ Heart Mind Institute: https://www.heartmind.co/ Microdosing & Psychedelic Retreats Summit (Free Registration):  https://thethirdwave.co/wp/?bwfan-link-trigger=9662151721791b9c6c99a7d8adb5929c  Episode Sponsors: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

In this week's show, Lian is joined by Nicholas Breeze Wood. Nicholas has practiced shamanism for over 40 years, combining it with the 'earthier' end of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as with 'medicine' teachings from Native North American peoples. He has worked with many gifted medicine people and shamans over the years, and is deeply apprenticed to his own spirit helpers, whose teachings never fail to awe and surprise him. Nick's shamanism is a fusion of traditional Himalayan and Mongolian forms, combined with teachings from his own spirits. He works especially deeply with ritual objects - such as bronze shaman's mirrors, phurba daggers and many other Mongolian and Tibetan shamanic and Buddhist ritual objects - for which he holds traditional teachings and, where required, traditional initiations. Despite being a ‘rather uneducated Buddhist,' he is an ordained Tibetan Buddhist lama, a type called a ngakpa, whose role is similar to a shaman's. Ngakpas are non-monastic, non-celebrate lamas who live in the community, specialising in ritual and magic for people within their community. Nick is the editor of Sacred Hoop Magazine - a leading international magazine about shamanism - which has been published since 1993. He is also a musician and artist.  He is the author of several books including, 'Walking with the Tiger,' 'Sacred Drums of Siberia,' 'A Little Book of Revealing,' 'Voices From The Earth,' 'The Book of the Shaman,' 'The Shaman Box,' and 'The Resplendent Other'.  He runs the large Facebook group 3Worlds Shamanism, has done a podcast called the 3Worlds shamanism podcast on and off since 2006 and also has a somewhat neglected YouTube channel, also called 3Worlds Shamanism. In this conversation, Lian and Nick trace the line between animism and shamanism. They explore how industrial life thinned our old ways, and what simple rites restore a living conversation with the more-than-human world. They look at what actually helps: a small daily offering that slows you down, a tree-side ceremony that teaches you to listen, and the humility of walking behind the sacred rather than in front. Listen if you have felt the pull back to nature and wondered whether it means animist, shamanist, or simply human… answering an innate way of seeing. We'd love to know what YOU think about this week's show. Let's carry on the conversation… please leave a comment wherever you are listening or in any of our other spaces to engage. What you'll learn from this episode: How a living-matter view changes our lives, and why calling it “animism” might clarify the pull you already feel Why simple offerings reshape your pace and attention, and how reciprocity steadies you when life gets noisy What happens when humility leads, and the subtle signs that tell you a deeper calling is knocking Resources and stuff spoken about: Visit Nick's websites: Sacred Hoop Magazine 3Worlds Podcast Buy Nick's books Join Nick on YouTube Join UNIO, the Academy of the Soul. This is for the old souls in this new world… Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth. Be Mythical Join our mailing list for soul stirring goodness: https://www.bemythical.com/moonly Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth: https://www.bemythical.com/unio Go Deeper: https://www.bemythical.com/godeeper Follow us: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Thank you for listening! There's a fresh episode released each week here and on most podcast platforms - and video too on YouTube. If you subscribe then you'll get each new episode delivered to your device every week automagically. (that way you'll never miss a show).

Text reading taken from:Treasures from Juniper Ridge (Padmasambhava's Advice #3) by Padmasambhava by Tulku Urgyen, Erik Pema Kunsang (Translator) , Marcia Binder Schmidt (Translator).Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche (Precious Guru), was an Indian Vajrayana Buddhist master from the 8th century who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet. He is considered the founder of the Nyingma school, the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and is revered as the "Second Buddha" by his followers. He is believed to have come to Tibet at the invitation of King Trisong Detsen to help establish the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Samye Monastery.

We've all heard the expression, “Ignorance is bliss,” but what if the truth was just the opposite? Professor Robert Thurman, the preeminent scholar and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy for the modern world, believes that “Wisdom is Bliss” and in fact, that's the name of his latest book. Professor Thurman is a very close friend of HH Dalai Lama and today he discusses deep ideas about mindfulness and presence and  leads us on a joyful exploration into the nature of reality through Buddha's threefold curriculum of “super-education.” He invites us to shift our attention of suffering to know we are part of the bigger flow of life. He asks us to manage our mind and thoughts through meditation, awareness,  and compassion. He believes by cultivating intuition, and coming from a perspective of neutrality, we can all attain a more peaceful state.  Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as Co-Founder and President of Tibet House US in service of HH Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. He is a leading worldwide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, passionate activist for the plight of the Tibetan people,  and skilled translator of Buddhist texts. Info: tibethouse.us.  

In this episode, I am once again joined by Lopon Yudron Wangmo, American teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and author of several books including, her most recent, “Clearing the Way to Awakening”. Lopon Yudron Wangmo shares stories of her discipleships under various spiritual gurus such as Lama Tharchin, recalls her memories of the California Vajrayāna scene, and remarks on the qualities she has observed in realised masters. Lopon Yudron Wangmo reflects on her ADHD struggles with concentration in meditation, offers a critique of śamatha practice, and shares her own relationship to the dialectic between effort and rest. Lopon Yudron Wangmo explains how Dzogchen works, shares her experiences in extended solo retreat, and warns about the possibility of psychological regression during Tibetan Buddhist 3-year retreat. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep325-my-spiritual-journey-lopon-yudron-wangmo-3 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - New audiobook of “Clearing the Way to Awakening” 06:34 - Text and oral cultures in Tibet 09:44 - Ngondro workbook 11:58 - Discipleship under various Tibetan Lamas 15:09 - Attraction to Vajrayāna 15:20 - Memories of Lama Tharchin 22:53 - 3 year retreat 25:28 - Solo retreats 26:09 - Longchen Nyingthig practice 27:00 - Desire for practice and further retreats 29:15 - Evidence of attainment 32:51 - The nature of mind and the 6 bardos 34:29 - Lama Tharchin's spaciousness 36:26 - Dzogchen vs Mindfulness 39:28 - Critique of śamatha meditation 41:43 - Effortful practice vs Dzogchen 45:01 - Rewards of a life of practice 46:18 - Uncontrived resting 48:05 - How Dzogchen works 54:21 - Practicing in old age 56:05 - Production-line teaching style 58:21 - Regression to childlike state in 3 year retreat 59:00 - Peak experiences and being good enough 01:00:22 - The California Vajrayāna scene 01:03:52 - Encouragement to practice Vajrayāna … Previous episode with Lopon Yudron Wangmo: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=yudron To find our more about Lopon Yudron Wangmo, visit: - https://www.yudronwangmo.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Tired of feeling tossed around by your thoughts and emotions? By embracing the impermanence of all things, including anxious thoughts, and accepting that suffering is a part of life, difficult emotions can be navigated with wisdom and grace. This is the freedom the study of Buddhist philosophy offers.To further understand how liberation from worry can become happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Brendan Barca, a mindfulness entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and longtime practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Brendan reveals the central tenets of Buddhism that teach us that suffering is an inherent part of life. He explains how we can find freedom from suffering through practices like meditation and mindfulness.This episode is proudly sponsored by:CBDistillery—Offers natural and convenient CBD gummies and other plant-powered remedies. Visit http://cbdistillery.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get 25% off your order.andNature's Sunshine—Offers modern herbal supplements backed by science and harvested from the earth. Visit https://www.naturessunshine.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get 20% off + free shipping on your 1st order. Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Tired of feeling tossed around by your thoughts and emotions? By embracing the impermanence of all things, including anxious thoughts, and accepting that suffering is a part of life, difficult emotions can be navigated with wisdom and grace. This is the freedom the study of Buddhist philosophy offers.To further understand how liberation from worry can become happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Brendan Barca, a mindfulness entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and longtime practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Brendan reveals the central tenets of Buddhism that teach us that suffering is an inherent part of life. He explains how we can find freedom from suffering through practices like meditation and mindfulness.This episode is proudly sponsored by:CBDistillery—Offers natural and convenient CBD gummies and other plant-powered remedies. Visit http://cbdistillery.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get 25% off your order.andNature's Sunshine—Offers modern herbal supplements backed by science and harvested from the earth. Visit https://www.naturessunshine.com/ and use promo code HHTR to get 20% off + free shipping on your 1st order. Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Actress-turned-documentarian Marta György-Kessler joins Best in Fest to share her fascinating transformation from the stages of Budapest to uncovering untold spiritual journeys through film. In this episode, Marta dives into the backstory of her award-winning documentary Hannah: Buddhism's Untold Journey, her deep connection to Buddhist icon Hannah Nydahl, and her current film chronicling the life of the 16th Karmapa—one of Tibetan Buddhism's most revered figures.Host Leslie Lippa explores Marta's unique path from the post-communist struggles of Hungary to discovering lost archival footage in basements, building a multi-continent documentary team, and navigating festival circuits and Netflix distribution. Marta also unpacks the challenges women face in the film industry, the emotional depth of true storytelling, and how Buddhist philosophy continues to shape her creative process.If you're a filmmaker, spiritual seeker, or documentary lover—this episode is a must-listen.

Join Geshe Sherab for a deeply reflective guided meditation on the emptiness of self—one of the core insights of Buddhist wisdom. Gently explore how the sense of “I” arises, appears, and ultimately dissolves under careful examination. This session invites you to rest in the awareness that the self, as it seems, is empty of inherent existence—opening the door to deeper freedom, compassion, and clarity. This guided journey is perfect for both beginners and experienced practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of emptiness.Episode #203: Emptiness of Self Guided Meditation with Geshe SherabFrom August 28 to 31, Scott Snibbe is leading an in-person meditation retreat at Vajrapani Institute. We'll explore antidotes to anxiety, fear, and loneliness—and cultivate the deeper causes of a happy mind; connected, loving relationships; and a better world. It all happens in the beautiful redwood forests of California, while enjoying delicious vegetarian meals and meeting thoughtful new friends.SIGN UP NOWSupport the show

In this episode of All Things Policy, Amit Kumar and Anushka Saxena discuss the scenarios to witness during the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama. Given the importance of the issue to the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the believers of Tibetan Buddhism, and Beijing, there is both a religious and geopolitical vantage point from which to assess India and China's responses and counter-responses.Do check out Anushka's latest Takshashila discussion document, which includes her framework on assessing the 15th Dalai Lama's legitimacy and birthplace, and implications for Indian policy. All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more on our research and other work here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://takshashila.org.in/research-areas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our public policy courses here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://school.takshashila.org.in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We've reached the last in our series of episodes this year on Buddhism's six perfections. The final perfection is described as emptiness, wisdom, or insight. These are all ways of naming the indescribable experience of discovering ourselves to be utterly interconnected with all of life, the universe, and everything.My guest for this profound, but sometimes difficult-to-grasp subject is Geshe Sherab. For those unfamiliar with the title Geshe, it refers to those who have completed a 20-year course of study in Tibetan Buddhism, becoming highly qualified teachers and scholars. The Dalai Lama himself is a geshe.In my conversation with Geshe Sherab, he shares how emptiness is not just a philosophical idea, but a practical antidote to anguish, craving, loneliness, and many of life's difficulties. He also shares personal stories—including the loneliness of leaving his culture to share Buddhism with contemporary Westerners like me, and many of you who listen to this podcast.I think you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Episode #202: What is Emptiness? with Geshe SherabFrom August 28 to 31, Scott Snibbe is leading an in-person meditation retreat at Vajrapani Institute. We'll explore antidotes to anxiety, fear, and loneliness—and cultivate the deeper causes of a happy mind; connected, loving relationships; and a better world. It all happens in the beautiful redwood forests of California, while enjoying delicious vegetarian meals and meeting thoughtful new friends.SIGN UP NOWSupport the show

Earle led the yoga philosophy department and taught meditation and yoga, while also studying Tibetan, Sanskrit, business, and a 7-year advanced program in Tibetan Buddhism. #energymedicine #spiritual #meditate About my Guest Earle BirneyEarle grew up an avid sports fan in Vancouver, Canada. With just 4 months left of study before obtaining a degree, he began to realize that a life of following “societal norms” — starting a career, buying a house, getting married, having kids — did not make sense or appeal to him. It felt confining rather than freeing. So instead, he took out a student loan, bought an around-the-world ticket, and went on his personal search for freedom. Fueled by liquid inspiration, Earle ironically ended up in Paremoremo, a maximum security prison in Auckland New Zealand where he remained as a guest for the next 22 months. This is where Earle met the practices of yoga, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy. Earle began studying the Asian Classics Institute program and shortly after returning to Canada, went to help him start the Diamond Mountain University and Retreat Center in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona. Earle led the yoga philosophy department and taught meditation and yoga, while also studying Tibetan, Sanskrit, business, and a 7-year advanced program in Tibetan Buddhism. This period of study concluded with a 3 year 3 month 3 day silent meditation retreat.Taking his 27 years of experience, Earle thrives on making the often complicated teachings practical and relatable. Earle uses his expertise in retreat and his capacity to guide people along the stages of meditation, to help them in their spiritual journey.Earle is the head of curriculum development and lead teacher at the Yoga Studies Institute (YSI). YSI reaches over 10,000 students annually, leading students in yoga programs and retreats, meditation teacher trainings, and philosophy workshops. Earle also teaches and leads meditation programs at the Three Jewels Outreach Center in NYC for many students, including beginning meditators, people training to become meditation teachers, and advanced practitioners looking to deepen their practice in retreat.What we Discussed: 00:10 Who is Earle Birney 01:00 His Journey to understand life05:35 4 months from finishing his Degree and quit07:40 The plan was to work and kep travelling08:18 How he got into selling Acid09:30 Getting a warning he should have listened to10:28 The Process of Getting Arrested11:40 His Court Experience14:20 His experience in Prison15:50 How did his Parents react to the situation17:00 After 5 month how was the prison experience18:55 The jobs in the Prison20:30 What was his Mindset when he know he was getting out22:45 Was there any treatment in Prison to help with drug use25:00 The Journey after Prison28:00 7 Years in a Buddist centre29:00 3 Years 3 Months & 3 Day silent retreat29:50 How did they cover costs30:45 Spending 3 years to go inwards for yourself31:45 The Structure of the Retreat33:19 How was his mind in the 1st few days35:25 After the Retreat what was the next part of his journey38:00 Fast for Hunger40:20 Give Dignity to the Homeless41:00 What Meditation do they Teach and his Practice43:30 When People say they can not Meditate46:00 Getting Tired in Meditation49:14 Walking on the beach worked for me Meditating50:48 The Free Resources on his WebsiteHow to Contact Earle Birneywww.yogastudiesinstitute.orghttps://www.instagram.com/samayogastudio/All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at ⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠

Clint and Wendy explored the appeal and daily routines of monastic life, particularly focusing on Tibetan Buddhism practices and meditation experiences. They discussed the nature of debate versus conversation, with Clint emphasizing the value of exploratory debates while Wendy preferred conversational approaches. The conversation concluded with a discussion about human curiosity and questioning, including references to the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.

You are invited to merge with this modern day priestess as she shares years of lived and embodied wisdom, weaving her initiations with the body, pleasure, and a supple yet fierce feminine power. Her intelligence, curiosity, and intuition make her an exquisite holder of the most tender places, guiding clients into sacred sexuality, the reclamation of true pleasure, and the remembrance of sovereignty.In this episode of This Cosmic Life, what unfolds is more than a conversation. It is a deep coded transmission of sacred expression, a current of devotion that awakens unexpected blossoming.My Guest Nickie Jean is a modern day priestess and creator of Askanda Natha Mystery School located in the Los Angeles area. She specializes in holding space for healing through ceremonies ranging from reiki, to tantra, and sacred medicines such as kambo. She also offers priestess apprenticeships to allow others to come and learn the temple arts, and to assist them in feeling comfortable and confident to share their gifts with the community. Through temple initiations and Mystery School teachings she provides an outlet to help re awaken ancient traditions integrated into modern society. One of her passion is helping to shed shame around sacred sexuality and help people understand the power that lies within our sexual essence, and helping other women to feel safe to be embodied in the divine feminine power of sensuality done in an honorable manner. Through kundalini energetics and quantum bodywork she teaches others unique ways to awaken the endocrine alchemy that the ancients used to revere. Among her many Mystery School offerings she also provides womb healing, yoni mapping, and kundalini awakening done through your own spiritual experience, not relying on another to access and rise this sacred life force. Her greatest joy is learning new wisdoms and sharing it with others. Website: www.ebetantra.comInsta: www.instagram.com/nickiejeanI'm Tara Samadhi, and it is my joy to welcome you into This Cosmic Life. I walk a path as a mystic, a spiritual friend, an oracle, and a lover of the sacred. My own journey has been shaped by deep devotion and radical healing, and along the way I have gathered wisdom from Umbandaime, Sacred Medicines, Tibetan Buddhism, Esoteric Hindu Traditions, Non Dual Shaiva Tantra, sound alchemy, and the ancient mystery schools.This podcast is a space where we weave those threads together, not as concepts but as living practices that open our hearts and awaken the Shakti within us. Through mantra, through sound, and through soul filled conversation, we remember that we are divine beings having a human experience.Here, nothing is outside of the sacred. We come together to explore the pathless path, the wild and mysterious unfolding of transformation, devotion, and awakening. My prayer is that this space becomes a sanctuary where you feel seen, inspired, and invited to walk deeper into the truth of who you are.Website: https://tarasamadhi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarasamadhi/

Send us a textIn this episode of Third Eye Roll, Justine and Scarlett dive into the mystery and mythology of Kundalini—that coiled serpent of hidden life force at the base of the spine. They unpack definitions from the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā to modern teachings on Kundalini Awakening Process, exploring how this energy moves through the body, why purification matters, and why “gentle and sustainable” cultivation is wiser than flashy, chaotic awakenings.Along the way, they link Kundalini to Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra and the upcoming eclipse cycle, weaving in cosmic timing, Ayurvedic seasonal cleansing, and the imagery of spiritual fire. The conversation spirals through fashion, music, and film—from Disney serpents and Joseph's rainbow coat to Tool's bass lines and Apocalypse Now. A mythic mic drop reframes the Sword in the Stone legend as a metaphor for Kundalini's effortless flash of awakening, crowned by sovereign energy.The hosts emphasize that Kundalini doesn't make you “enlightened” or “nice”—it amplifies whatever is present. That's why traditions across cultures—from Tibetan Buddhism to Arthurian legend—stress preparation, ethics, and safe containers. The takeaway: Kundalini is real, powerful, and not to be rushed. Instead, it's an invitation to align with rhythm, ritual, and community as this serpent energy slowly uncoils.Support the show

Jai Guru Deva. We wanted to let you know that the full schedule and registration details for Thom's upcoming Mexico tour are now online. The program includes free group meditations and knowledge sessions, opportunities to learn Vedic Meditation and receive an advanced technique directly from Thom, refresher sessions for existing meditators, a live Satsang session, and a five-day four-night rounding retreat.This is also your opportunity to book a life-changing private one-on-one consultation with Thom while he's in Mexico City. The tour runs from September 17 to 29, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/mexico. That's thomknoles.com/mexico.Though Buddhism has spread far and wide and has taken on many different ‘flavors,' its origins are from the heartland of the North Indian subcontinent, ensuring an inescapable link to the Vedic worldview.In this episode, Thom explores the birth story of Buddhism, and the similarities and differences between the Buddhist and Vedic worldviews. It's a fascinating insight, including an explanation of how the two worldviews have diverged, with the interpretation of a single sentence from Buddha's teachings having a profound impact on Buddhist philosophy today. Episode Highlights[00:45] An Umbrella Body of Knowledge[05:00] Spending Time With the Dalai Lama[07:27] Buddha - The Shakya Muni[10:07] Searching for the Truth[12:43] The Middle Way[14:26] Searching for a Guru[18:01] Buddhism is Not One Thing[20:50] The No-thingness[23:29] Sap in Expressed Form[25:15] The Unmanifest Field of Pure Potentiality[27:02] The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism[29:10] The Many Faces of Buddhism[30:31] Buddha Didn't Teach That[32:36] The Source of All Suffering[35:03] Everything is One[37:12] What Buddha Was Actually TeachingUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

In this episode I am joined by Myriam Szabo, also known as Ngakma Yumma Mudra: dancer, producer, model, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and founder of the international Danza Duende Network. Ngakma Yumma Mudra describes the path of the body, what it means to practice the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta through movement, and how to contact the blissful nature of mind with dance. Ngakma Yumma Mudra reveals how she guides students to transform habitual tendencies into new expressions, how to read others, and why it is so easy to become stuck in the 6 realms. Ngakma Yumma Mudra also discusses dance as art, how to infuse technique with goodness, and reflects on what it takes to be a true artist. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep322-dharma-of-dance-ngakma-yumma-mudra Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Path of the body 02:28 - Dancing without choreography 04:40 - Mindfulness of the body and the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta 07:25 - Empathy and reading others 13:11 - Art, technique, and the Path of the artist 16:15 - The Man Who Cried 20:53 - Structure and flow 22:27 - Working with students through dance 23:32 - Infuse technique with goodness 24:08 - Transforming habitual tendencies 26:06 - Bridging students' technique into art 30:56 - First thought, best thought 35:49 - Blissful nature of mind 37:22 - Expressing bodhicitta 40:55 - Opening a fan of possibilities 42:09 - Getting stuck in the 6 realms 49:32 - All true Buddhist masters are unique 51:17 - Cleansing technique 53:47 - Attracting mostly women 56:06 - Trajectory as a teacher 01:00:29 - Whirling 01:03:36 - Attracting students 01:06:53 - Sequel plans … To find our more about Ngakma Yumma Mudra visit: - https://www.danzaduende.org/yumma-bio-en.htm For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Join Tami Simon and Andrew Holecek for the second half of their exploration of reincarnation. Here, they delve deeper into Tibetan Buddhist perspectives on death, rebirth, and the power of "dark retreat" practice, revealing practical guidance for navigating everyday life. What happens after we die? And what do habits have to do with the process? In this episode of Insights at the Edge, host Tami Simon welcomes Andrew Holecek, scholar, author, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and non-dual wisdom traditions. Together, they dive into the mysteries of reincarnation and the "gap between lives." Drawing from Tibetan teachings on the bardos, dream yoga, and the art of dying, Andrew shares practical insights on how these ancient teachings are not just about what happens after death, but also about navigating the transitions and challenges we face here and now.  Join them to explore:  How our beliefs about death deeply inform how we live The nature of awareness and the influence of habits How cultivating lucidity transforms both our dreams and our waking lives, and more Note: These interviews originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.

Join Tami Simon and Andrew Holecek for the second half of their exploration of reincarnation. Here, they delve deeper into Tibetan Buddhist perspectives on death, rebirth, and the power of "dark retreat" practice, revealing practical guidance for navigating everyday life. What happens after we die? And what do habits have to do with the process? In this episode of Insights at the Edge, host Tami Simon welcomes Andrew Holecek, scholar, author, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and non-dual wisdom traditions. Together, they dive into the mysteries of reincarnation and the "gap between lives." Drawing from Tibetan teachings on the bardos, dream yoga, and the art of dying, Andrew shares practical insights on how these ancient teachings are not just about what happens after death, but also about navigating the transitions and challenges we face here and now.  Join them to explore:  How our beliefs about death deeply inform how we live The nature of awareness and the influence of habits How cultivating lucidity transforms both our dreams and our waking lives, and more Note: These interviews originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.

Today, we'll talk about the Potala Palace, a 1,300-year-old architectural and cultural marvel that has served as the spiritual and political heart of Tibetan Buddhism, housing sacred relics, murals, and scriptures that embody the region's rich heritage and enduring legacy.

Join novelist Paula Saunders as she discusses her moving autobiographical novel Starting from Here, just out from Penguin Random House. A stand-alone sequel to The Distance Home, the novel follows 15-year old René through the challenges of adolescence within the pressure cooker of cultural and socioeconomic stressors. Saunders draws from her own experiences as a ballet dancer. A long-time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, she shares how a Catholic nun introduced her to the work of Thich Nhat Hanh. Paula describes how writing has helped her integrate the past, and instilled in her a more compassionate relationship to her younger self and her family of origin.Paula grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. She is a graduate of the Syracuse University creative writing program and was awarded a postgraduate Albert Schweitzer Fellowship at SUNY Albany, under Schweitzer chair Toni Morrison. Her first book, The Distance Home, was longlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and named one of the best books of the year by Real Simple. She lives in California with her husband. They have two grown daughters.Learn more about her work at paulasaundersbooks.com. Support the showHost: Tess CallahanSubstack: Writers at the WellInterview Podcast: Writers at the WellMeditations on Insight TimerMeditations on YouTubeTess's novels: https://tesscallahan.com/Music (unless otherwise noted above): Christopher Lloyd ClarkAudio Editing: Eric Fischer By tapping "like" and "follow" you help others find the show. Thank you for listening!DISCLAIMER: Meditation is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical healthcare or therapy. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to this recording. Use the material provided at your own risk. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while listening. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

It's a pleasure to share a conversation with Ani Lodro Palmo, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist nun and Director of the Vajra Vidya Monastery in Crestone, Colorado; and a spiritual teacher and author with more than three decades of monastic experience. Ani has devoted her life to spiritual practice and shares her understanding of the Dharma as an author of the books, All That Appears & Exists: The Buddha's Teachings to Awaken the Heart and Turn Suffering Into Joy and her most recent, The End of Suffering: Finding Love, Self-Compassion, and Awakening in a Chaotic World. As a recognized teacher of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation, Ani Lodro's insights are deeply rooted in the unbroken lineage of Buddhist wisdom, through the Karma Kagyu lineage of The Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Although Ani has decades of monastic experience within Tibetan Buddhism, she teaches how the frustrations and dissatisfaction of our everyday lives can be understood and transcended through wisdom and compassion. She writes and speaks in an accessible way, with the gentle encouragement of a friend that is helpful to both new seekers and seasoned practitioners alike. Her teachings are available through retreats, online sessions, and publications. In the conversation we talked about a wide range things, including: How we tend to misunderstanding what suffering is. Gurus and reincarnation as a part of Tibetan Buddhism, but not a necessary part. The Four Noble Truths as a path to awakening. Taking the mystique from karma, as Ani writes: "transforming [it] from an enigmatic doctrine into a practical guide for conscious existence…. rooted in intention and behavior." Her teaching of the "7 Simple Truths to End Suffering": (1) Thoughts are nothing, they are no things; (2) Labels and thoughts create our reality; (3) When we look for our thoughts, they aren't there; (4) Your beliefs are not truth; (5) Dropping attachments is the fastest way to end suffering; (6)You can't focus on helping others and be miserable at the same time; (7) You don't need your mind (as much as you think). ... And much more. I know you will enjoy Ani Lodro's easy and relatable style of teaching and be inspired by what she has to say.   Learn more about Ani Lodro Palmo: https://www.anilodroretreats.com/   Vajra Vidya Monsastery: https://vajravidya.com/   Buy her books The End of Suffering:  The End of Suffering All That Appears & Exists: All That Appears & Exists Journey Into Peace: Timeless Tales of Zen Buddhism: Journey Into Peace   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@anilodroretreats     Become a patron to support this podcast and get special member benefits, including a membership community, a virtual sangha, and a subscription to my Everyday Buddhism Substack:https://www.patreon.com/EverydayBuddhism     Check out my Substack for ongoing chapter releases of my new serial book, Living Life As It Is and the podcast, Words From My Teachers: https://wendyshinyohaylett.substack.com/   If this podcast has helped you understand Buddhism or help in your everyday life, consider making a one-time donation here: https://donorbox.org/podcast-donations   Support the podcast through the affiliate link to buy the book, Everyday Buddhism: Real-Life Buddhist Teachings & Practices for Real Change: Buy the book, Everyday Buddhism   Support the podcast and show your support through the purchase of Everyday Buddhism merch: https://www.zazzle.com/store/everyday_buddhism   NOTE: Free shipping on ALL (unlimited) items (Everyday Buddhism merch or gifts from other stores) if you join Zazzle Plus for $19.95/year: https://www.zazzle.com/zazzleplus

In this episode I am once again joined by John Myrdhin Reynolds, also known as Lama Vajranatha: writer, teacher, translator, and scholar/practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.  John shares his own decades of contact with the Bon religion, reveals its doctrines and practices, and gives a detailed history of its transmission in the West. John traces the automythos of Bon, compares it to historical evidence and Buddhist accounts, and addresses the common critique that Bon is merely plagiarised Buddhism. John also addresses misconceptions about the history of religion in Tibet, explains how to successfully practice multiple religious lineages, and reveals various means of attaining siddhi power through ritual and meditation. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep321-tibetan-bon-lama-vajranatha Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - Bon vs Buddhism 01:35 - First contact with Bon and subsequent involvement 06:17 - Namkhai Norbu's nationalism and promotion of Bon 06:44 - 2 authentic Dzogchen lineages 07:45 - Bon Dzogchen 09:10 - Later transmission period and folk religion syncretism 12:03 - Old Bon vs New Bon 13:06 - Bon's automythos 14:11 - Snellgrove's “9 Ways of Bon” 16:37 - Bonpo refugee community in India 18:08 - Reprinting of Bonpo texts in exile 19:31 - Gene Smith's text preservation work 22:25 - Election of Lungtok Tenpai Nyima as the 33rd Menri Trizin 24:35 - Dalai Lama's recognition of Bon as the fifth Tibetan school 26:39 - Bon scriptures 28:38 - Are gter ma authentic? 32:17 - Personal contact post-1959 and T Lobsang Rampa 33:27 - Academic work on Bon 34:44 - Geshe Tenzin Wangyal comes to the West 40:03 - Lopon's interest in translations and USA activities 43:46 - New Age sponsorship of Bon 45:31 - Further USA activities 48:02 - Search for a Bon HQ in Europe + gtum mo studies 51:20 - Guinness sponsor a Bonpo HQ in Europe, blocked by aristocrats over Sogyal scandal 56:11 - Tenzin Wangyal's USA activities and influx of Bon teachers 58:48 - Geshe Wangyal, Jeffrey Hopkins, and Robert Thurman 59:32 - Jeffrey Hopkin's influence on Buddhist Studies 01:02:38 - Popularity of podcasts 01:04:11 - Samten Karmay 01:05:27 - Bon vs Buddhism & the question of plagiarism 01:07:34 - Bonpo one-upmanship? 01:12:44 - How to practice different lineages simultaneously 01:18:50 - Namkhai Norbu's independent status 01:21:16 - Supernatural powers of Bonpo lamas and other spiritual beings 01:24:53 - Chatral Rinpoche's siddhi powers and the possibility of miracles 01:27:24 - How to attain siddhi powers 01:30:32 - Tibetan vs gter ma in the rest of the world 01:33:06 - Accidental gter ma 01:35:39 - Misconceptions about the history of religion in Tibet 01:37:32 - Animal sacrifice and gtor ma 01:41:40 - Lithuanian's unusual religious heritage 01:45:44 - Spiritual relations in India and Tibet … Previous episodes with John Myrdhin Reynolds: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=vajranatha To find our more about John Myrdhin Reynolds visit: - https://vajranatha.com/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Welcome Back! We have recently partnered with Psych Congress to bring our audience access to some of their leading speakers and educators, and today's episode is with Dr. Charles Raison, a psychiatrist. This is the second part of our discussion, and we're going to be looking at novel treatments like psychedelics and their impact on consciousness as well as whole-body hyperthermia and practices from Tibetan Buddhism. Dr. Raison co-authored the 2017 book The New Mind-Body Science of Depression with the late Dr. Vladimir Maletic, who sadly passed away in December 2024. Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/New-Mind-Body-Science-Depression/dp/0393706664Psych Congress Discount Code: PSYCHROUNDSConference Website: https://www.hmpglobalevents.com/psych-congressIn Memoriam of Dr. Maletic: https://www.hmpglobalevents.com/faculty/Psych-Congress/620Raison Lab: https://raisonresearch.psychiatry.wisc.edu/Sources:- ⁠https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35370864/- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27172277/

What happens after we die? And what do habits have to do with the process? In this episode of Insights at the Edge, host Tami Simon welcomes Andrew Holecek, scholar, author, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and non-dual wisdom traditions. Together, they dive into the mysteries of reincarnation and the "gap between lives." Drawing from Tibetan teachings on the bardos, dream yoga, and the art of dying, Andrew shares practical insights on how these ancient teachings are not just about what happens after death, but also about navigating the transitions and challenges we face here and now.  Join them to explore:  How our beliefs about death deeply inform how we live The nature of awareness and the influence of habits How cultivating lucidity transforms both our dreams and our waking lives Whether you're curious about what happens after we die or seeking wisdom to live more fully, this episode offers insights for inner explorers of all beliefs and backgrounds. Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.  

What happens after we die? And what do habits have to do with the process? In this episode of Insights at the Edge, host Tami Simon welcomes Andrew Holecek, scholar, author, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism and non-dual wisdom traditions. Together, they dive into the mysteries of reincarnation and the "gap between lives." Drawing from Tibetan teachings on the bardos, dream yoga, and the art of dying, Andrew shares practical insights on how these ancient teachings are not just about what happens after death, but also about navigating the transitions and challenges we face here and now.  Join them to explore:  How our beliefs about death deeply inform how we live The nature of awareness and the influence of habits How cultivating lucidity transforms both our dreams and our waking lives Whether you're curious about what happens after we die or seeking wisdom to live more fully, this episode offers insights for inner explorers of all beliefs and backgrounds. Note: This interview originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.  

In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Ben Joffe, anthropologist, occultist, and scholar practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Dr Joffe leads a deep dive into the topic of divination, explores its underlying mechanisms and practical methods, and compares different cultural understandings of the practice. Dr Joffe details his understanding of the tarot as a scholar and reader, shares his advice for those who wish to learn the system, and reveals how to use tarot for information gathering, sorcery, and magickal workings. Dr Joffe also reflects on his own journey as a tarot reader, addresses criticisms that tarot and other psychic methods are exploitative, and considers the uneasy relationship between divination and licensed counselling. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep320-divination-tarot-dr-ben-joffe Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - What is divination? 06:08 - Synchronicity and randomness 09:37 - Dependent origination 14:34 - Ben's extensive study of divination 22:13 - Mechanistic vs intuitive 29:17 - Scrying and establishing parameters 34:56 - Childhood divination 39:59 - What should divination mean for the client? 41:50 - Addiction to divination 43:50 - Cold reading and choosing a question 48:45 - Ben's recounts his own history as a diviner 01:20:43 - Structure of the tarot 01:27:16 - How to read tarot 01:48:38 - Tarot reading mistakes 01:53:46 - Tibetan butter lamp divination 01:57:11 - Collaboration vs cold reading 02:02:10 - Studying the history of tarot 02:06:58 - 6 reasons to engage with tarot 02:09:22 - Critique of modern, inclusive decks 02:12:43 - Bad omens and gatekeeping 02:20:17 - Is tarot exploitative pseudo-counselling? 02:47:23 - Why not just become a counsellor? 02:54:19 - Is tarot over-psychologised? 02:55:25 - Ben reflects on his recurring clients 03:01:11 - The power of the right question 03:07:39 - Shaman and tarot reader as therapy-adjacent 03:13:18 - Does clairvoyance actually have value? 03:16:16 - Caution about taking life advice from Buddhist lamas 03:21:44 - Wild West of Tiktok diviners 03:22:49 - Anti-divination laws 03:29:14 - Tibetan and Buddhist divination 
… Previous episodes with Dr Ben Joffe: - https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=joffe To find out more about Dr Ben Joffe, visit: - https://perfumedskull.com/ - http://www.skypressbooks.com/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

Venerable Lama Konchok Sonam is the Spiritual Director of the Drikung Meditation Center. Born in Lhasa, Tibet, Lama Sonam began his Buddhist training when young within the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. At the age of 18, Lama Sonam took full ordination and became a monk (Gelong). Lama Sonam then went on to complete a retreat on Ngondro (Common and Extraordinary Preliminaries) and the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra under H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and Gelong Yeshe. Lama Sonam received teachings and blessings from more than twenty-five great masters, including Nyedak Rinpoche, his beloved main teacher, and the Most Venerable Pachung Rinpoche, the renown scholar and retreat master at Drikung Thil monastery. Lama Sonam served as disciplinarian at Jang Chub Ling monastery, in Dehra Dun, India. This difficult position required an extremely vast knowledge of the Dharma, and inspirational deep inner qualities. Lama Sonam has also served as the personal attendant to H.H. Chungtsang Rinpoche, H.E. Drubwang Rinpoche, Tongkar Tulku, and H.E. Thritsab Rinpoche, and tutored American tulku Thadag Rinpoche (Jack Churchward).   On June 9, 2003, Lama Sonam arrived in Boston to be the Resident Lama at the Drikung Meditation Center. Lama Sonam has shown himself to be expert in both the theoretical and practical aspects of training the mind through meditation and Vajrayana methods for awakening our Buddha Nature. In the fall of 2005, Lama Sonam started the Jowo Rinpoche Statue Project to benefit the Boston area, the United States, and the world. Lama Sonam began to realize his vision of bringing the blessings of Buddhism, from Buddha Shakyamuni and countless other enlightened masters from the East- India, Nepal, and Tibet, to the United States by creating a pilgrimage site. Arriving in May of 2008, the centerpiece of the pilgrimage site is an eight foot tall gilded, jewel-encrusted bronze, the U.S. Jowo Rinpoche Statue. The magnificent U.S. Jowo Rinpoche statue is a replica and spiritual emanation of the most revered Jowo Rinpoche statue that was made at the time of the historical Buddha and brought to Lhasa, Tibet in 641 AD.

A step-by-step guide to reclaiming the soul• Shares four maps for spiritual rebirth based on Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, and the precession of the equinoxes• Traces the author's journey of rebirth, covering his transformation through a spiritual crisis and the creation of a more meaningful life• Provides visualization practices based on ancient Tibetan wisdom to support you on the path of self-realizationExploring wisdom from mystical traditions and perennial philosophy on "dying before you die," Buddhist psychotherapist Miles Neale shares his own hero's journey of rebirth, providing a detailed roadmap for the pilgrimage through dissolution, into the great mystery, and back again to the world. He shares his transformation through a spiritual crisis and, ultimately, his creation of a more meaningful life. He provides four intersecting maps to help guide readers through the experiential process of metaphoric death, reclaiming the soul, and sharing one's genius with others. These four maps—the cosmological map, psychological map, alchemical map, and mythopoetic map—draw on the mythological stages of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung's process of individuation, the Tibetan Buddhist alchemy of conscious rebirth, and the astrological phenomenon of the precession of the equinoxes, offering a detailed philosophical underpinning for the soul's journey to immortality. He also provides in-depth visualization practices based on ancient Tibetan wisdom to support you on the path of self-realization.Integrating Tibetan Buddhism with psychology, trauma healing, neuroscience, and mythology, along with profound personal experience, Neale provides a step-by-step manual for spiritual rebirth, revealing how to reframe life's unrelenting challenges and transitions as opportunities for psychological growth.Dr. Miles Neale, PsyD is a psychotherapist in private practice, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of the Gradual Path for inner and outer journeys, author of Gradual Awakening, and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy.His forthcoming book, Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Pilgrimage of the Soul Through Death and Rebirth (Inner Traditions, 2025), integrates Joseph Campbell's mythology, Carl Jung's psychology, Tibetan Buddhist alchemy, and the precession of the equinoxes.Over the past twenty-five years, Miles has fused Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. He earned a Masters in meditation research from New York University, a Doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and trained in long-term mentor-student relationships with preeminent American Buddhist scholars Professor Robert Thurman, PhD, and Dr. Joseph Loizzo, MD, PhD as well as Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa.Miles has taught psychology and meditation at the integrative medical clinics of Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell Universities, designed and led the Contemplative Studies Immersion certificate program based on the Tibetan gradual path (lam rim), offers courses and workshops internationally including at the Tibet House, US, and has initiated fundraising campaigns for nunneries in the Himalayan region.Miles curates and leads life-changing pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and lives with his wife and two kids in Bali, Indonesia.www.milesneale.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.

The idea of past lives may not make sense, and isn't scientifically verifiable. But still, the question of what we might have been before our conception is one worth asking. Where did I come from?Episode 57: Where Did I Come From?From August 28 to 31, Scott Snibbe is leading an in-person meditation retreat at Vajrapani Institute. We'll explore antidotes to anxiety, fear, and loneliness—and cultivate the deeper causes of a happy mind; connected, loving relationships; and a better world. It all happens in the beautiful redwood forests of California, while enjoying delicious vegetarian meals and meeting thoughtful new friends.SIGN UP NOWSupport the show

In this episode I am joined by Ray Russell, founder of Tartarus Press and, as R.B. Russell, the author of the newly published T. Lobsang Rampa And Other Characters of Questionable Faith, the first definitive biography of T Lobsang Rampa. Ray shares the life story of Rampa, born Cyril Henry Hoskin in 1910, who claimed to have been possessed by the consciousness of a Tibetan Lama. Rampa's books were best sellers in the mid 20th century and, though debunked by specialists at the time, are credited for bringing awareness to Tibetan Buddhism and serving as the initial inspiration for the careers of several notable Tibetologists. Ray reveals the truth of Rampa's origins, his various assumed identities, his ascent to international fame, the consequences of his exposure by the press, and the surprising reasons for his ongoing popularity. Ray also reflects on the mystery of faith, the psychological payoffs from belief in hoaxes and conspiracy theories, and what motivates some authors to represent fiction as fact. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/p319-mystery-of-t-lobsang-rampa-rb-russell Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'.
 … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - A look at the book 02:32 - Childhood exposure to world religions 04:31 - The New Age and the question of faith 07:04 - Denying scientific facts 08:04 - Mystical experiences 09:22 - Alan Moore and belief in magick 10:16 - Meaning and comfort from myths and religions 10:56 - Crowley 11:22 - Incredulity and fascination 13:04 - Suspension of disbelief and religious conversion 14:27 - Nutrients of meaning and comfort 15:39 - Facing death 17:26 - Does everyone have faith in something? 19:01 - Secular religion? 19:55 - Encountering T Lobsang Rampa 21:04 - Discovering Rampa's fraud 22:19 - Third Eye (1956) 23:13 - Possessed by the consciousness of a Tibetan Lama 24:42 - Erich von Däniken's clever approach 26:47 - Becoming first Dr KuanSuo and then T Lobsang Rampa 31:09 - Never coming out of character 34:28 - Inspiration for converts and scholars of Tibet Buddhism 36:00 - The Dalai Lama's thanks to Rampa 36:45 - Liar, delusional, or the Son of God? 38:06 - Reactions among the inner circle 40:38 - Transmigration revealed too late 42:22 - Independent vs institutionally validated miracles 44:44 - Rampa's theosophical ideas 46:52 - Mistakes in the Third Eye 47:53 - Nostalgia for childhood 49:24 - Which miracles to believe? 50:11 - Tibetologists on Rampa 52:34 - Carlos Castaneda 54:04 - Raynor Winn's “The Salt Path” controversy 55:45 - Anger at Rampa 57:35 - Crop circles 59:29 - Tartarus Press and Arthur Machen 01:01:30 - Why “Tartarus" 01:03:09 - The Great God Pan and other Machen writing … Buy Ray's book here: - http://tartaruspress.com/russell-rampa.html For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Rinpoche"? Perhaps a respected monk quietly reading sutras—but that's just a stereotype. Balog Rinpoche breaks the mold. A true multi-hyphenate, he founded a band that blends the Songs of Milarepa — a form of national intangible cultural heritage—with contemporary, secular music. He's also a Thangka painter and fluent in Tibetan, Mandarin, and English. He is also a living Buddha—a recognized reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism. What sets the modern-day living Buddha apart? How is Buddhism being preserved in China's Xizang Autonomous Region? How can ancient wisdom help us find balance in today's fast-paced world?

In this week's show, Lian is joined by Nicholas Breeze Wood. Nicholas has practiced shamanism for over 40 years, combining it with the 'earthier' end of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as with 'medicine' teachings from Native North American peoples. He has worked with many gifted medicine people and shamans over the years, and is deeply apprenticed to his own spirit helpers, whose teachings never fail to awe and surprise him. Nick's shamanism is a fusion of traditional Himalayan and Mongolian forms, combined with teachings from his own spirits. He works especially deeply with ritual objects - such as bronze shaman's mirrors, phurba daggers and many other Mongolian and Tibetan shamanic and Buddhist ritual objects - for which he holds traditional teachings and, where required, traditional initiations. Despite being a ‘rather uneducated Buddhist,' he is an ordained Tibetan Buddhist lama, a type called a ngakpa, whose role is similar to a shaman's. Ngakpas are non-monastic, non-celebrate lamas who live in the community, specialising in ritual and magic for people within their community. Nick is the editor of Sacred Hoop Magazine - a leading international magazine about shamanism - which has been published since 1993. He is also a musician and artist. He is the author of several books including, 'Walking with the Tiger,' 'Sacred Drums of Siberia,' 'A Little Book of Revealing,' 'Voices From The Earth,' 'The Book of the Shaman,' 'The Shaman Box,' and 'The Resplendent Other'. He runs the large Facebook group 3Worlds Shamanism, has done a podcast called the 3Worlds shamanism podcast on and off since 2006 and also has a somewhat neglected YouTube channel, also called 3Worlds Shamanism. In this episode, Lian and Nicholas explore what it means to walk the path of shamanism in the modern West. Together, they trace the winding threads of Nicholas' life… from the windswept fields of his Midlands childhood to the birth of Sacred Hoop magazine, through encounters with medicine wheel teachings, Mongolian and Himalayan shamans, and the long shadow of Castaneda. What unfolds is not a how-to or a prescription… but a living braid of animism, discipline, and devotion. Nicholas reflects on the unexpected gift of dyslexia and how neurodivergence shaped his initiatory path, as a different kind of perception… one that enabled a direct, embodied relationship with the unseen. He and Lian explore the tension between psychotherapeutic frameworks and authentic shamanic practice, and the danger of mistaking surface form for deep structure. What makes a shaman, he says, is not sensitivity or interest, but being chosen by the spirits themselves. Woven through the conversation is the question of lineage. What does it mean to carry teachings from other lands onto this one? How do we honour both the transmission and the soil we stand upon? From the cosmology of the medicine wheel to the pitfalls of cultural appropriation, from core shamanism to the necessity of cosmological bone… this episode offers a rare encounter with an elder who has walked the shamanic path for many decades. We'd love to know what YOU think about this week's show. Let's carry on the conversation… please leave a comment wherever you are listening or in any of our other spaces to engage. What you'll learn from this episode: Why the word “shaman” is often misused… and how understanding deep structure versus surface form can clarify what is truly sacred. How neurodivergence can shape perception in ways that become part of our gift, especially when navigating the unseen or the unknown. What it might mean to birth a Western lineage… one rooted not in imitation, but in integration, initiation, and real relationship with land and spirit. Resources and stuff spoken about: Visit Nick's websites: Sacred Hoop Magazine 3Worlds Podcast Buy Nick's books Join Nick on YouTube Join UNIO, the Academy of the Soul. This is for the old souls in this new world… Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth. Be Mythical Join our mailing list for soul stirring goodness: https://www.bemythical.com/moonly Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth: https://www.bemythical.com/unio Go Deeper: https://www.bemythical.com/godeeper Follow us: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Thank you for listening! There's a fresh episode released each week here and on most podcast platforms - and video too on YouTube. If you subscribe then you'll get each new episode delivered to your device every week automagically. (that way you'll never miss a show).

If you love the esoteric aspects of spirituality, this is the episode for you! Psychotherapist and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, Miles Neale, joins me to chat about his new book - Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Soul's Pilgrimage through Death and Rebirth.I loved this book from the moment I laid eyes on it. It is a manual for spiritual rebirth, a step-by-step guide to reclaiming the soul. Revealing how to reframe life's challenges and transitions as opportunities for inner growth. His book integrates Tibetan Buddhism with psychology, trauma healing, neuroscience, and mythology, along with profound personal experience. We talk about:​How the elixir of immortal life is the secret of both Eastern and Western esoteric traditions. And what does return with the elixir mean?​Exploring themes of the collective unconscious, archetypes, The heroes journey, and the search for wholeness.​Miles shares the four maps for spiritual rebirth based on Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, and the precession of the equinoxes.​We also talk about Jungian esotericism (The Red Book)​And we talk about how the symbolism of deity, Vajra Yogini is an archetype.And so much more. I hope you enjoy this episode. Please write a review, share the episode and follow me on IG at The Conscious Diva. Thank you so much for listening. About Miles:Miles Neale, Psy.D., is a psychotherapist, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and founder of the Gradual Path, where he leads pilgrimages of spiritual transformation around the world. He trained intensively with Buddhist scholars Robert Thurman and Joseph Loizzo as well as Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa and has taught meditation and integrative healing at Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell university hospitals. The author of Gradual Awakening and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy, he lives in Bali, Indonesia.His documentary, The Missing Peace, with film maker Matthew Friddel can be found on YouTube. Links: https://www.milesneale.comhttps://www.gradualpath.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@milesnealeIf you liked this episode, please write a review and follow me on Instagram. Thank you so much for listening.Thank you to new sponsors. This Episode is brought to you by: ​ The Sattva Collection - 10% off with code TheConsciousDiva​ Birds & Beans Organic Coffee - 10% off with DIVA2025The Conscious Diva Podcast wouldn't be possible without your support! A massive THANK YOU for listening. If you'd like to further support my podcast, you can:​ SUBSCRIBE in your favorite podcast player or YouTube.​ FOLLOW me @The_Conscious_Diva on Instagram. ​ BOOK a session with Tatyanna.​ SIGN-UP to receive emails at www.tatyannawright.com

Raj Kumar Singh is a PhD researcher in Anthropology at the University of Delhi, currently studying the relationship between religion and economy in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala. He has published several articles and book chapters on Hindu nationalism, Tibetan Buddhism, and the relationship between Communism, Buddhism, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Visit Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/2025-carpenter-cohorts-summer  

On today's episode I had the pleasure to speak with buddhist  teacher and long term retreatant Paula ChichesterPaula became interested in the Tibetan Buddhism in the 1970's when she met Lama Thubten Yeshe. She embarked on a 40 year journey of study spending nearly a decade in solitary retreats.Paula now helps run braeview hermitage in the shetland islands in Scotland as a retreat space. Paula also teaches and shares her experiences from her time in long retreats. To find our more about Paula and her work you can visit:https://braveview.org/paula-chichester/Thank you to all the listeners who are supporting the show and if you are not already then please consider supporting the show with a monthly donation and don't to forget to like and subscribe. You can visit us on Youtube or at our website somaticprimer.com. Or at our online learning platform on Patreon.As always thank you for listening and enjoy the episode.Support the show

Host Michael Taft continues his conversation with with Andrew Holecek about the transformative practice of Dark Retreat; the reasons behind the recent surge of interest in darkness practices; its relationship to the feminine principle and as an antidote to runaway patriarchy; the three “tracks” or “schools” of dark retreat in Tibetan Vajrayana: Kalachakra, Nyingma, and Bön; the power of darkness for working with fear, fear of death, projections; fear as a sign that you're close to the truth, and hints for integration post darkness.Andrew Holecek is an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner in Tibetan Buddhism and other nondual wisdom traditions. He is the Resident Contemplative Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, and a research consultant for the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University. His work involves studies on dream yoga and the practice of dark retreat. Dr. Holecek is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the author of nine books, and a concert pianist. He has completed the Tibetan Buddhist three-year retreat and is a frequent subject in scientific studies on meditation and lucid dreaming. His work integrates ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary perspectives, aiming to help individuals navigate spiritual challenges and end-of-life experiences. He is currently writing two books on dark retreat. Holecek holds degrees in classical music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery.Andrew Holecek's websiteYou can support the creation of future episodes of this podcast by contributing through Patreon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EVEN MORE about this episode!What if stress could be your doorway to enlightenment? Join us for an inspiring conversation with mindfulness pioneer Laurence Bibas, as she reveals how meditation can do more than just relax you—it can awaken your inner light. After a life-shifting loss, Laurence turned to mindfulness and Tibetan Buddhism, discovering a path to profound self-connection, joy, and spiritual empowerment.Together, we explore how tuning into the body's subtle signals can unlock emotional healing and lasting transformation. Learn how simple shifts in awareness, like using an “activation phrase,” can rewire your inner dialogue and break free from the pressures of perfection and self-judgment.If you're ready to move beyond coping and step into clarity, presence, and purpose—this episode is your gateway. Don't miss this soul-stirring journey into the power of mindfulness to heal, elevate, and liberate.Guest Biography:Laurence Bibas is a pioneer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in France, with over 25 years of experience in Tibetan meditation and other wisdom traditions. A passionate speaker and author of Manuel de Mindfulness and Ne s'attendre à rien, être prêt à tout, she shares an authentic and joyful path to self-awareness. Her latest book, The Great Return to Self, invites readers to reconnect with the deep beauty of their innate nature.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - Exploring Enlightenment and Joyful Scouting(0:15:10) - Discovering Mindfulness and Inner Peace(0:34:33) - Uncovering Inner Wisdom and Spiritual Growth(0:49:31) - Body Wisdom and Healing Meditation➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!

Earle Birney grew up in Vancouver, Canada surrounded by a supportive community network. After leaving University, Earle spent two years in New Zealand's prestigious Paremoremo Institute where he started studying yoga and meditation. He went on to co-create Diamond Mountain University in southern Arizona where he completed a program in Tibetan Buddhism, concluding with a three-year silent meditation retreat starting in 2011. Now the head of curriculum development and lead teacher with the Yoga Studies Institute (YSI), Earle is reaching thousands of students a year with yoga programs and retreats, meditation teacher trainings, and philosophy workshops. His aim is finding integrity between theory and action; he enjoys guiding people in their personal practices while making these esoteric teachings practical and culturally relevant.Yoga Studies Institute - Become lightLojong: Developing a Good Heart September 2025 - Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas

In this episode of The Mystic Millionaire Podcast, I sit down with Olive Evans, a gifted somatic energy practitioner, embodiment guide, and intuitive healer, for a rich and heart-opening conversation. Olive shares her journey from childhood yoga practice to becoming a powerful mentor for women ready to reclaim their energy and live in deep alignment. With over two decades of training in transpersonal psychology, Reiki, Hatha Yoga, and Tibetan Buddhism, her wisdom is both grounded and expansive. We explore how feminine embodiment, presence, and intuitive awareness can transmute burnout into purpose and power. Olive's story is a reminder that the real glow-up happens when we return to the truth of who we are. You'll walk away with soulful, practical tools to integrate embodiment into your daily life. If you're ready to lead with grace, intuition, and energy that ripples outward, this one's for you.Follow Olive Evans here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ol_e___aBook your connection call with Olive and get clear on your desires here: https://oleayoga.as.me/schedule/f9022ccf/appointment/72423658/calendar/10836465Use code "MYSTIC" to save 20% when you purchase a session package with Olive!Get exclusive access to powerful behind-the-scenes riffs I only share with my inner circle. SUBSCRIBE to unlock it now and go deeper with me here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/818893/subscribeJoin the Mastering Your Mindset Facebook Group, and surround yourself with individuals who are on their journey to success. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MasteringYourMindsetwithDanielleThe Success Society is your gateway to an elevated life—an empowering community for driven individuals who are ready to align with abundance, success, and purpose. Join us for less than a cup of coffee per month! https://empress.danielleamos.co/the-success-society/Want to start working with me? Book a complimentary strategy call with The Success Society Team. We're here to support you. https://danielleamos.as.me/strategycallYou can catch the video version of this episode on my YouTube channel. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@thedanielleamosOne conversation with me can change your life. Access my free gift, Success Mindset Workshop, here: https://successmindsetworkshop.danielleamos.co/If you love this episode, please share it on Instagram, tag me, and send me a DM @TheDanielleAmos; I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Support the show

In a conversation on cultivating compassion, authors and professors John Maransky and Paul Condon explore how to activate our natural capacity to care for all beings.This time on Mindrolling, John, Paul, and Raghu discuss:Paul and John's spiritual and personal journeys, and how they came together to write How Compassion WorksSeeing the humanity in all beings and opening our hearts even to our perceived enemiesLooking to the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism in order to cultivate compassionDropping into the grounded depth of our awareness so that we can meet that same quality in othersBecoming aware of our reactive minds as the first step on the path of compassionAdding in psychological and scientific perspectives to the practice of compassionOur natural capacity to care and how it takes less effort than hate/conflictEmbodying ideals of kindness and seeing others in a less superficial wayPracticing honest self-reflection to assess and grow our capacity for compassionThe domino effect of love and kindness– how seeing compassion in action inspires othersReunifying with our inner beings and loving nature through mindfulness The symbiotic relationship of love and wisdomRecommendations From This Episode: Learn more about Sustainable Compassion via audio guided meditations, videos, retreats, writings, and more!Order your copy of John and Paul's newly released book, How Compassion Works, HEREAbout John Makransky, Ph.D.John Makransky, PhD, is Associate Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, senior advisor for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's Centre of Buddhist Studies in Nepal and developer of the Sustainable Compassion Training model for accessing innate capacities of compassion and awareness. John's academic writings have focused on connections between practices of wisdom, compassion and devotion in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, on adapting Buddhist practices for contemporary minds, and on interfaith learning. In 2000, John was ordained as a Lama, a meditation teacher of innate compassion and wisdom, within the Nyingma Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. As a meditation teacher, John is known for guiding participants in their discovery of underlying powers of love and wisdom. Since 2000, John has taught meditations of innate compassion and wisdom, adapted from Tibetan Buddhism, for modern Buddhists, those in other spiritual traditions, and for people in caring roles and professions.“In order to really be the kind of person that can make a beneficial difference in our world, we have to learn how to drop down below the superficial reactive level of consciousness we all tend to live on together into more of the depth of our being, the ground of our experience.” – John MaranskyAbout Paul Condon, Ph.D.Paul Condon is an associate professor of psychology at Southern Oregon University, a visiting lecturer for the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, and a fellow of the Mind & Life Institute. His research examines the ways that psychological science can inform the adaptation of meditation practices in dialogue with contemplative traditions, with an emphasis on compassion training. His research and writing also examine the constructed nature of emotion and concepts, attachment theory, and the impact of meditation on compassion and prosocial behavior. Paul also teaches meditation practices adapted from the Tibetan Nyingma tradition. He has studied and collaborated with John Makransky to develop and teach Sustainable Compassion Training. His practice and teaching have also been informed by study with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Lama Willa Baker, and the Courage of Care Coalition. "Care is a natural capacity and being in a caring relationship with another being is more natural and less effortful than being in an antagonist or conflict-based connection.” – Paul CondonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cambridge anthropologist David Sneath is in Mongolia to find out how Buddhism continues to make a comeback after years of persecution under Communism. David tells the story of how a young Mongolian boy has recently been recognised as the new reincarnation in a lineage of major Buddhist leaders, once known in the country as ‘Holy Emperor'. The 10-year-old boy will, when formally enthroned, be considered the 10th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu in a lineage stretching back centuries. The Jebtsundamba Khutughtu (widely known to Mongolians as the “Bogd') is a leader of the Gelugpa School within the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and the young boy was officially recognised by the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan religious leader. David meets the boy's mother, religious leaders and leading cultural figures to find out what is in store for the young Bogd. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from Heart and Soul, exploring personal approaches to spirituality from around the world.