Podcasts about vajrayana buddhist

You're invited next September 20-26, 2026, to The Tender Harvest, a week-long retreat amidst the golden hues and organic bounty of the world-class Ballymaloe House in County Cork, Ireland. Each day will feature yoga, meditation, farm-to-table meals, and curated excursions—plus ample time for rest, self-nurturance, and imagination.The sound of flowing water soothes most nervous systems, but particularly those acclimatized to the desert, and particularly upon waking. I have struggled with sleep disturbances for most of my adult life, so it's rare for me to experience the weight and metabolic satisfaction of a good night's rest. But twice last month, I found myself receiving what we can call river medicine: first while visiting friends at their cabin in the Pecos Wilderness, and again east of Aspen, Colorado, while teaching at Beyul Retreat, a guest ranch along the Frying Pan River, a tributary of the Roaring Fork River.River medicine is like this: surrounded by tall, sappy pines, I found myself one early morning in the atmospheric valley between sleeping and waking, an integrative field of frequencies and forms. You know the place. Even now, I do not know for certain: did the river, by some charm of consciousness, stream into my dreamscape and stir me awake? Or was it the dream that pulsated forward into the matrix of a new day? What I can say is that I felt a bright, hydrous intelligence moving in ripples and waves through my body—clarifying and tonifying, calming neurons and glial cells in their watery beds, clearing layers of baked-in tension like grit loosened from a soaking pan. And for a time, I floated above the push of the day, appearing and disappearing and reappearing to myself.In the wake of hours that followed, to my delight, I noticed a quiet reverberation—an elemental answer quelling a wordless, needful thirst.Science offers a partial explanation for this. Water has a high dielectric constant, meaning it reduces the electrostatic attraction between charged particles, which helps substances like salt crystals separate and dissolve more easily. I would also propose that water's properties of solubility, absorption, and transmission apply to its natural ability to clean and balance the bioenergetic forces of being human.When a river twists and turns, it releases negative ions into the air. Microscopically, this process is dynamic—even violent. Molecules spill over rocks and tumble forward, rushing and colliding, breaking apart, and thereby transferring electrons and charging the surrounding air. But I find comfort in this science of fluid revitalization. New, more supportive structures can form when old ones give way, pointing to how, beyond turmoil and devastation, we too can hope for vital transformation.Years ago, I read a New York Times article called “Where Heaven and Earth Come Closer,” in which journalist Eric Weiner wrote about “thin places,” locations where the gap between the ordinary and extraordinary—or, better yet, transordinary—thins out.“Thin” seemed to me a strange choice to describe where the air thickens with meaning. But Celts and early Christians held that a small but distinct distance, like three feet, separates heaven and earth—and that distance dissolves in “places that beguile and inspire, sedate and stir, places where, for a few blissful moments [we] loosen [our] death grip on life, and can breathe again.”Many a thin place has been built by human hands. Early in my career, I worked for the United Nations Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, and developed the sensible habit of visiting the most treasured cathedrals, temples, and sanctuary sites wherever I found myself in the world. Jama Masjid in Delhi, Sacré-Cœur in Paris, Tirta Empul in Bali, Newgrange in Ireland, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem: each has a distinct energetic signature that lives in my memory, a resonance born of its purpose and the accumulation of countless prayers that infuse the surrounding air.But thin places are more often found than made. Mountains, canyons, coral palaces—they are organic monuments to mysticism and ready reminders of our humble size before nature. As Weiner writes, “Thin places relax us, yes, but they also transform us—or, more accurately, unmask us. In thin places, we become our more essential selves.”In this sense, thin places evoke qualities of alchemy and revelation. In traveling to Beyul Retreat, I recalled how the Vajrayana Buddhist term “beyul” refers to hidden valleys believed to be sanctuaries blessed by enlightened teachers, places where the land itself is animate. A beyul holds the wisdom that rivers, trees, and even rocks are not objects but mandalas — living altars, ineffable and intricate in their aliveness.Aptly named, Beyul Retreat is a place where the boundary between perception and imagination feels more permeable. The land electrifies with new growth as summer approaches: dandelion confetti bursts open in the meadows, aspen trees shimmy, and fresh sage scents the air. Each morning, as the river's murmur moves through the valley, calypso orchids bloom in the shade while the pointed ears of silver fox pups perk up from behind cool, wet stones.In the imaginal realm of childhood, there are many such beyuls, many thin places. There are fern groves and swallow lairs, stars nestled in apple cores and galaxies in lightning bugs, and lobe-handed sycamore leaves at the wild end of the yard.We tend to think of nature as speaking in symbols, but its directness transmits rather than approximates. “The world is not made of objects; it is a communion of subjects,” writes Stephen Harrod Buhner, author of Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm. “To enter the imaginal realm is to give permission to the ineffable within us, to allow the world to speak through our senses, our dreams, our longings.”To commune is to listen with our whole body, to notice the most basic and vital exchange of breath and circumstance that underpins our existence. To allow for a metamorphosis of our attention. And when we realize the subjectivity of the world, we can discover strange and wonderful ways of joining the conversation. Like us, the aspens drink water and eat light. They have instincts and work to protect their lives. And did you know that the dark spots resembling eyes on the smooth, pale bark are scars left behind when the tree sheds lower branches that receive less sunlight? Look how this porous watchfulness is directed in our direction, how the forest offers us its attention.Together, we are making sense of being human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Thank you for reading, sharing, ‘heart'ing, commenting, and subscribing to The Guest House. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Wisdom Seat podcast, we have a conversation exploring the dynamic tension between ancient Vajrayana Buddhist teachings and modern life. What does it mean to genuinely practice Vajrayana in the context of our digital, fast-paced, and often fragmented 21st-century world? How can we show up? How can we help?   The Progress Paradox book by Gregg Easterbrook    

We all want to be healthy for as long as possible and have a life filled with energy, vitality and health. We will explore the roots of Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Kalachakra medicine and how this system of healing can assist in bringing the great balance of elements within our internal universe, assisting practitioners on the path to enlightenment. The Tibetan medicinal system focuses on balancing our diet, behaviors, and emotions. Balancing the inner energy of our bodies and connecting that with the cycles of the external universe, we create harmony with between the internal and external universes.ABOUT DR NIDA CHENAGSTANGDr. Nida was born in a yurt in Amdo, in Eastern Tibet. Interested in the traditional healing science of his people, he began his early medical studies at the local Sorig hospital. Later he gained scholarship entry to Lhasa Tibetan Medical University, where he completed his medical education in 1996. Dr. Nida completed his practical training at the Sorig hospitals in Lhasa and Lhoka. Alongside his medical education, Dr. Nida received complete Vajrayana Buddhist training in the Longchen Nyingthing and Dudjom Tersar traditions and trained in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, spiritual counterpart to Sorig, with his teachers Khenchen Troru Tsenam and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyaltsen.Dr Nida is the Co-Founder and Medical Director of SKẎ, Sorig Khang International. He is also the Co-Founder of the International Ngak Mang Institute, established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong Ngakpa yogic culture within modern Tibetan society. Dr. Nida trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthok Nyingthig spiritual tradition in over 40 countries around the world.ABOUT KHENTRUL RINPOCHEKhentrul Rinpoché Jamphel Lodrö is the founder and spiritual director of Dzokden. Rinpoche is the author of Unveiling Your Sacred Truth, The Great Middle Way: Clarifying the Jonang View of Other-Emptiness, A Happier Life, and The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path.Rinpoche spent the first 20 years of his life herding yak and chanting mantras on the plateaus of Tibet. Inspired by the bodhisattvas, he left his family to study in a variety of monasteries under the guidance of over twenty-five masters in all the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Due to his non-sectarian approach, he earned himself the title of Rimé (unbiased) Master and was identified as the reincarnation of the famous Kalachakra Master Ngawang Chözin Gyatso. While at the core of his teachings is the recognition that there is great value in the diversity of all spiritual traditions found in this world; he focuses on the Jonang-Shambhala tradition. Kalachakra (wheel of time) teachings contain profound methods to harmonize our external environment with the inner world of body and mind, ultimately bringing about the golden age of peace and harmony (dzokden). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode features a conversation with Chandra Easton, also known as Lopön Yeshe Dawa Zangmo, a Dharma teacher, author, and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. Since 2001, she has taught Buddhism and Hatha Yoga. In 2015, she was awarded the title of Vajra Teacher, Dorje Lopön (Vajrāchārya), signifying a tantric master in Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, by Lama Tsultrim Allione and H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche. She regularly leads retreats and teaches Dharma both nationally and internationally. Chandra's new book, Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom, explores the 21 manifestations of Tārā in Tibetan Buddhism as she seeks to bring forth the voice of the empowered feminine in Buddhism. Our discussion touches on her personal journey through Buddhism, on the essence of the 21 Tārās as a gateway to look past our mental constructs of selfhood and discover our deeper nature, and the power of deity yoga. Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy master, Jane Lyon joins Her Drive to discuss her path to becoming an energy master and her expertise in various healing modalities, including Reiki, Akashic records, yoga, and meditation. Jane, a devout Vajrayana Buddhist, shares her insights into energy work and how it relates to quantum theory and healing. She explains the simplicity of Reiki, the depth of the Akashic records, and the personal significance of Buddhism in her life. Jane also discusses why she doesn't formally teach Buddhism, preferring to share its philosophies in a secular, accessible manner. The conversation touches on the importance of balance in the chakras and how energy work can facilitate manifesting desires. Jane emphasizes the need for somatic healing through touch and affection and reflects on her experiences with shibori. The episode offers a blend of personal narrative and practical advice for those interested in energy work and spiritual growth.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/87627480... http://janelyon.me http://her-drive.com

Tulku Orgyen P'huntsok Rinpoche is a Vajrayana Buddhist teacher originally from a place called Pemaköd in Tibet, known as the secret land of rainbows. His now lives and teaches in Santa Barbara, CA, and is one of Jaymee's root guru's within the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. This is an expansive discussion on the nature of emptiness, the fundamentals of Buddhism, how to generate selfless service and the secret recipe to having a healthy debate without aggression. TULKU WEB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.odiyanainstitute.org/tulku-orgyen-phuntsok LOVE IS THE AUTHOR PODCAST: produced, edited and hosted by Jaymee Carpenter.  INSTAGRAM: @loveistheauthor / @unconventionalgardener MANAGEMENT/INFO/BOOK SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SESSIONS w/ JAYMEE: lacee@loveistheauthor.com  CONTACT: jaymee@loveistheauthor.com

This is a conversation between Jaymee and his spiritual teacher, Vajrayana Buddhist master Lama Lhanang Rinpoche. Recorded in person in Jaymee and Lacee's bedroom in front of an audience of spiritual friends gathered for a blessing ceremony in their home on April 4, 2024. LAMA LHANANG ONLINE: www.buddhistsandiego.com LOVE IS THE AUTHOR PODCAST: produced, edited and hosted by Jaymee Carpenter. INSTAGRAM: @loveistheauthor / @unconventionalgardener BOOK SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SESSIONS w/ JAYMEE: lacee@loveistheauthor.com CONTACT: jaymee@loveistheauthor.com

Tara sits down with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, a Tibetan doctor, teacher, writer, nomad and lineage holder of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique Vajrayana Buddhist spiritual healing tradition of Tibetan medicine. Together, they explore the mystery of reincarnation, analytical meditation and the route to enlightenment and elevated consciousness through the practices of lucid dreaming and dark retreats.Follow Dr. Nida on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.nidachenagtsang/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/-----Work with Dr. Nida: https://www.drnida.com/Publication House: https://www.skypressbooks.com/Pure Land Farms: https://purelandfarms.com/Online Tibetan Medicine School: https://www.sowarigpainstitute.org/-----Follow Dr. Tara on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaraswartTwitter: https://twitter.com/TaraSwartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraswartTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drtaraswart

Embark on a profound journey into the heart of Buddhism and meditation with Scott Tusa, a seasoned meditation teacher and practitioner. In this enlightening episode, Tusa delves deep into the essence of cultivating a view for genuine happiness and the ever-evolving relevance of Buddhism in today's Western culture. Key Highlights: Adapting Buddhism: Tusa underscores Buddhism's adaptability, emphasizing its significance in modern contexts. Balancing Act: The delicate equilibrium between structure and openness in spiritual endeavors, and the pivotal role of humility in embracing Buddhist teachings. Service & Self: The importance of personal growth before guiding others on their spiritual paths. Psychedelics & Traditions: A look into the synergy between indigenous traditions, psychedelics, and Buddhism. Foundational Teachings: The significance of the gradual path and foundational teachings in deepening one's Buddhist understanding. Bodhisattva Challenges: Navigating the intricacies of the Bodhisattva path and its challenges. Meditation & Humility: The paramountcy of meditation, humility, and ethical conduct in spiritual practices. Radical Acceptance: Embracing oneself wholly, understanding suffering, and awakening through it in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition. Main Topics Explored: Accountability & Self-Realization The synergy of Buddhism and Psychedelics Cultivating conviction and perspective in meditation Integrating Dharma in everyday life Recognizing and addressing spiritual bypassing Transcending duality to embrace true reality Demystifying esoteric concepts Striking the right balance in spiritual relationships Distinguishing between ego-driven actions and genuine insights Embracing adversity as a teacher Understanding the true essence of a Bodhisattva Tune in for a transformative exploration of Buddhism, meditation, and the journey to self-awareness. Connect with Scott Tusa: Scott offers courses as well as mentoring in meditation. He has a new class starting soon on Buddhist Practices to Open the Heart Connect and learn more about his offerings at https://scotttusa.com/ For a deeper dive into the world of Breathwork for Integration and exclusive content from Jonathan Schecter, visit ⁠www.BlueMagicAlchemy⁠

Why are vajra, mala and bell called “practice supports” and what do they actually represent? Why is a Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner expected to always carry a vajra, mala and bell, at least symbolically? How can they be used in our daily, mundane lives to symbolically strengthen this bond? What are the guidelines for the use of a vajra, mala and bell?In this presentation, we try to answer these questions, and more, in our special coverage of the indispensable vajra, mala and bell.All three, together, represent, the most important veneration objects of Refuge in Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Together represent the Sacred Body, Speech and Mind of the Enlightened Buddha. Importantly, they also represent Method, Dharma, and Wisdom.The vajra and bell are virtually synonymous with advanced Vajra yana tantric practice — together with the ubiquitous mala. Advanced practitioners also always have a one-handed Dhamaru drum representing blissful activity and wisdom.A Tibetan practitioner is rarely separated from these powerful meditational and ritual symbols, just as the vajra, mala and bell should never be separated from each other. In Tibetan, the sanskrit term Vajra translates as Dorje. The Bell, in Sanskrit is called a Ghanta. Even non-Buddhists might recognize the symbolism of vajra and bell immediately, among the most widely recognized symbols used in Buddhism.Literally, each time we meditate with the vajra, mala and bell, we are engaging with a symbolic compendium of teachings of the Buddha: the Body, Speech and Mind of Buddha. We think of them in that order: Body, Speech and Mind of Buddha, or Compassion, Dharma and Wisdom, or Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.Support the show

GUEST BIO Julie Rogers is the Founder and Director of TLC Transitional Life Care, a Vajrayana Buddhist non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of individuals and their families during the end-of-life transition. This program is centered in the SF Bay Area and southern Oregon, and is available online and via Zoom. She is a writer, author, mother, educator, and administrator, and has been a caregiver and hospice volunteer, as well as a Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhist for almost 40 years.  Over twenty-five years ago, Julie was surrounded by a string of deaths. These were the deaths of her friends, many only in their thirties at the time. Years later, she experienced the death of her husband. The close succession of some of these deaths compelled her to ask why there wasn't much information available to address the needs of families and individuals dealing with death. With encouragement from her Buddhist teacher, Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, Julie Rogers later founded TLC Transitional Life Care in 2014. Years earlier, she had written a concise instructional manual about preparing for the moment that will eventually come for all of us – Instructions for the Transitional State, published by Vimala Treasures. To summarize, it aims to offer guidance through the dying process from a Buddhist perspective, but is intended for those of any persuasion. It also includes information about working with the secular aspects of documentation and paperwork, things that families are too often burdened with while in the process of grieving, but it's focus is on how to offer compassionate care to the person dying. A checklist showing how to properly care for those who are dying is provided, as well as supportive material about how to hold space during the transition of a loved one, or anyone. In other words, the manual is condensed with valuable information that we often overlook until it's too late. So, since death is an inevitable part of life that causes us to picture the worst of our fears to the point we bottle them up until the very last moment, is there not anything we can do to help prepare ourselves for when that time does come? Is there anything we can do better to help each other grieve and process loss rather than avoid it altogether?      We hope that conversations like this bring us closer to acceptance, and encourage us to feel less resistance when we do eventually transition out of our bodies and into whatever you believe is waiting to greet us in the afterlife.  In speaking with Julie, she helped impart in me an affirmation of a belief that we can never be grateful enough. And to show that gratitude by giving and giving truthfully in alignment with our beliefs.  I suggest listening to this episode with a loved one and encourage you to have conversations around the topic of death so that grief becomes less taboo, less of a thing to avoid in each other. And in doing so, we can help each other, in the words of the late Ram Dass, “walk each other home.” Please enjoy this conversation with Julie Rogers.  ESSENTIAL LINKS TLC Transitional Life Care Website TLC MANUAL Vajrayana Buddhism NOTES FROM THE SHOW SEG 1 inner work Tashi Choling Center Friends Passed of Cancer in their 30s in span of 2 years ORGYEN DORJE DEN Gaytrul Rinpoche Elizabeth Kubler Ross Instructions for the Transitional state Alternative Interment green burial Ed Bixby Green Burial Council Seth Vidal Catholicism and Buddhism Bodhicitta SEG 2 How do we allow space for others to grow, while spreading awareness and raising consciousness Meeting a Guru Mount Shasta https://www.npr.org/2015/06/07/412098380/a-mountain-of-many-legends-draws-spiritual-seekers-from-around-the-globe Phowa Natural Liberation – Book by Padmasambhava SEG 3 Ritual Burial Rosek and Ka Youth Centric Culture Ageism Different Forms of Self Care helping others through grief SEG 4 Managing Relationships David Meltzer Marriage as a path to spiritual work Differences between a meditator and someone that studies Buddhism with A guru Practicing with intent to serve others What is a dignified death?

Lucinda Herring returns to the podcast to continue our conversation. Lucinda has studied with David Spangler since the 1990's, received her Masters in Spiritual Direction from Lorian in 2009, and was ordained as a Lorian priest in 2011. She has an eclectic spiritual path – blending Anthroposophy, the Ceile De tradition, and thirty years as a Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner with her Incarnational Spirituality/Sidhe/Gaian focus and practices today.Lucinda considers herself a Gatekeeper, helping others navigate life's thresholds and passages in ways that build resiliency and co-creative connection with Gaia, nature and the subtle realms. She has focused on both ends of life, working with children and families as a festival maker, writer and storyteller, and also helping people reimagine what is possible at the threshold of death.Lucinda has been at the cutting edge of the green funeral movement for over twenty years now, as a death doula, home funeral guide and licensed green funeral director in the state of Washington. In 2019, she wrote Reimagining Death: Stories and Practical Wisdom for Home Funerals and Green Burials, published by North Atlantic Books, with a Forward by David Spangler. The book won the Nautilus Gold Award for 2019, and is available wherever books are sold. Or you can support Lucinda directly by purchasing the book at her website: www.lucindaherring.com.

Todays' guest is Lucinda Herring. Lucinda has studied with David Spangler since the 1990's, received her Masters in Spiritual Direction from Lorian in 2009, and was ordained as a Lorian priest in 2011. She has an eclectic spiritual path – blending Anthroposophy, the Ceile De tradition, and thirty years as a Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner with her Incarnational Spirituality/Sidhe/Gaian focus and practices today.  Lucinda considers herself a Gatekeeper, helping others navigate life's thresholds and passages in ways that build resiliency and co-creative connection with Gaia, nature and the subtle realms. She has focused on both ends of life, working with children and families as a festival maker, writer and storyteller, and also helping people reimagine what is possible at the threshold of death.Lucinda has been at the cutting edge of the green funeral movement for over twenty years now, as a death doula, home funeral guide and licensed green funeral director in the state of Washington. In 2019, she wrote Reimagining Death: Stories and Practical Wisdom for Home Funerals and Green Burials, published by North Atlantic Books, with a Forward by David Spangler. The book won the Nautilus Gold Award for 2019, and is available wherever books are sold. Or you can support Lucinda directly by purchasing the book at her website: www.lucindaherring.com.

Lopön Chandra Easton is a Westerner who grew up in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition.  She did nine years of preparatory (ngondro) practices and spent 5 - 10 years training to be a teacher.  She is a lineage holder under Lama Tsultrim  Allione, author of the book Feeding Your Demons.  She is currently on the Tara Mandala Board of Directors and the Tara Mandala Bay Area coordinating committee, through which she teaches and organizes events in the Bay Area.  To learn about Chandra and connect with her, head to chandraeaston.com.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/teachingmeditation)

Today's episode is our third in-a-row exploring the topic of leveraging archetypes for our spiritual unfoldment. In this talk, Doug Qapel Duncan discusses archetypes specific to the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition: tantric deities. He talks about the representations of body, speech and mind in the forms of Vajrapani, Chenrezi and Manjushri. He also introduces the 5 Buddha Families, and the 8 Bodhisattvas. Qapel explains how tantric deity practices transform our experience and help us move through negative patterns. The recording ends with a closer look at the Chenrezi practice, including an explanation of its symbology and mantra.  If you are interested in doing a deep dive into tantric deity work or learning how to get the most out of your work with sadhanas, the texts that describe these practices, Planet Dharma is about to run a weekend-long retreat called Practices for Power. There is still room for virtual participants, so check out planetdharma.com/sadhana to learn more about the home retreat.     

Opening with a question by Traditional Tibetan medicine pioneer, author and fellow popularizer of the Buddhist inner and outer sciences, Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, Professor Thurman explores the delicate translation of mind science terminology and details the Five Aggregates as taught by the historical Buddha. This podcast includes a recommendation of the work and teachings of Dr. Nida, personal reflections on translating and practicing Dzogchen and Vajrayana, and concludes with an in-depth explanation of the Five Aggregates. Dr. Nida Chenagtsang is a traditional Tibetan physician and lineage holder of the Yuthog Nyingthig, the unique Vajrayana Buddhist spiritual healing tradition of Tibetan Medicine. He has published several books and articles on Tibetan medicine, meditation, and yoga, and his extensive research and revival of ancient Tibetan healing methods has earned him great acclaim in both East and West. Founder and Medical Director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute: School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine; Co-Founder of the International Ngakmang Institute, established to preserve and maintain the Rebkong ngakpa non-monastic yogi/ini culture within modern Tibetan society; and Co-Founder of Pure Land Farms: Center for Tibetan Medicine, Meditation and Rejuvenation in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his work as a physician, he trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthog Nyingthig tradition in over forty countries around the world. Dzogchen's Great Perfection & The Five Aggregates - Episode 284 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded during Tibet House US | Menla's "The Great Connection: The Mahāsandhi Supreme Yoga of Dzogchen's Great Perfection" online course with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and Robert A.F. Thurman, available via www.thusmenla.org.

Sweeny vs Bard S03E10: Western Tantra? - with Thomas Hamelryck Can Tantra flourish in western society that is predominantly Christian and Moslem? What are the historical roots of Tantra? Is Tantra a religion? Is Tantra sexual technique or a spiritual practice? A wide ranging discussion on all things Tantra, from Vajrayana Buddhist tantra to neo Tantra. A boisterous conversation that Alexander says is the best one we have had yet. (And Thomas H assures us that he is pretty indifferent to the 80’s synth band Depeche Mode. You be the judge). Links: Parallax Magazine Alexander Bard's Books; The Futurica Trilogy (2012) Syntheism – Creating God in the Internet Age (2014) Digital Libido - Sex, power and violence in the network society Intro music: Beautiful Machines, By Andrew Sweeny --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andrew-sweeny/message

Monastic. Creative. Vajrayana Buddhist. Join the team as we get to know Tashi; one of the world's foremost contemporary Tibetan calligraphers, a world traveler, and an aesthetic alchemist. Get in your diamond vehicle and enjoy the ride. https://www.tashimannox.com ~~ Telegram: http://www.t.me/teamrabbithole Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamrabbithole/ LBRY: https://open.lbry.com/@TEAMrabbithole:9 Podcasts: https://anchor.fm/teamrabbithole Broadcast via https://www.okitalk.com Telegram: https://www.t.me/OKiTALKKanal Image: Bryan Lahr (http://WyzardOfOdd.com)

Paul LLoyd Robson is the initiator of the European Men’s movement and head of Maniphesto. He’s also an Orthodox Christian, and here he sits down with a Vajrayana Buddhist and a Zoroastrian. Besides an interest in Men’s group, one thing that the three of us have in common is that we have all converted to a religion. This is a discussion of the men’s movement and an apology for traditional religion. Links: Maniphesto The European Men’s Movement Parallax Magazine Support Parallax on Patreon Books by Alexander Bard The Futurica Trilogy, with Jan Söderqvist (2012) Syntheism – Creating God in the Internet Age with Jan Söderqvist (2014) Digital Libido - Sex, power and violence in the network society, with Jan Söderqvist (2018) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andrew-sweeny/message

Friends, we are thrilled to be able to share our recent interview with the incredible  Cynthia Jurs with you.    Before sharing her official bio, I want to tell you that I find Cynthia to be one of the most moving human beings I’ve met in a very long time. Her humility, her wisdom, her bone-deep dedication to healing the Earth and fostering awakening in herself and others is truly awe-inspiring. I adore her so much it’s almost painful! Carl and I have had the good fortune to learn and practice with her this past year and it’s been such a timely gift.    Cynthia is a Lama in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition and a Dharmacharya in the Order of Interbeing of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. In 1990 she made a life-changing pilgrimage to meet a 106-year-old hermit and meditation master living in a cave in Nepal, from whom she received the practice of the Earth Treasure Vases. She is the guiding teacher of the Gaia Mandala Sangha in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she teaches a unique blend of engaged buddhism and sacred activism in response to the call of the Earth. Cynthia’s nonprofit, Alliance for the Earth is dedicated to facilitating a global community committed to planetary healing and collective awakening through the Earth Treasure Vase Global Healing Project. She has partnered with indigenous elders and young activists around the world and for ten years has carried out a peace building program in Liberia, West Africa. Cynthia is currently at work on a book and film entitled, Summoned By The Earth.    In this conversation, Cynthia tells the story of meeting and asking a potent question of a 106-year old meditation master in a cave in Nepal and the life-changing consequences she’s still living out today, 30 years later. We explore the topic of sacred activism, subtle activism, and engaged Buddhism, and Cynthia’s incredible project of burying sacred Earth Treasure Vases, little clay vessels filled with prayers for healing the Earth, on every continent around the globe. Cynthia shares about where she’s drawn strength to continue to persevere in her dedication and her practice. We talk about collective awakening and Thich Nhat Hanh’s prediction that the future Buddha will not be a human being, but rather a sangha, a community of beings awakening together. We talk about so many juicy topics, from the practice of listening to the Earth to the distinction between belief and faith; from the potent teachings in the breath to experiencing Gaia in our own bodies and minds. Cynthia shares a passionate invitation to not close our eyes before suffering, but to stay awake and engaged with what is happening in our world. Cynthia also shares briefly about an incredible practice of Tara Gaia. We’ve been lucky enough to be at the first two transmissions of the practice. We close the conversation with a beautiful prayer Cynthia shares about taking refuge in the Earth as the embodiment of teacher, teachings and community. We hope you enjoy this wise and touching conversation as much as we did!!    Some links you’ll likely enjoy exploring:    Cynthia’s website: https://gaiamandala.net    The monthly newsletter: https://gaiamandala.net/contact-us/ which keeps people informed about all offerings including the full moon meditation.    Full Moon Full Moon Earth Treasure Vase Global Healing Meditation:   https://mailchi.mp/earthtreasurevase/full-moon-global-healing-meditation   The link to register for the Tara Gaia Teachings:   https://mailchi.mp/ff4def15a264/tara-gaia-online   

Podcast: This week we feature a pre-recorded conversation with Hokai Diego Sobol and Tibetan Buddhist teacher Ken McLeod. In this penetrating discussion, we explore the nature of Vajrayana Buddhist practice and its antecedents in the Tantric tradition, the primacy of the teacher-student relationship and the intimacy of spiritual transmission, as well as the body as the foundation for the awakening experience. Hokai Diego Sobol started practice and study of Buddhism in 1985. After 10 years of exploring Buddhist thought and practicing martial arts, while broadly learning from sources Eastern and Western, mainstream and fringe, Hokai became a practitioner and eventually instructor in the Shingon esoteric tradition of Japanese Vajrayana, under the private tutelage of Ajari Jomyo Tanaka. Hokai founded the Mandala Society of Croatia in 1999. Continuing to explore and cultivate his own Buddhist practice, Hokai maintains an ongoing conversation with a number of teachers and senior practitioners. Starting from 2012, he focuses on mentoring individuals to deepen their practice in the context of their lives – those who pray, learn to meditate; and those who meditate, learn to pray. Hokai's areas of special interest include mystical principles and esoteric practices in daily life, sacred apprenticeship, and deep semiotics. He is based in Rijeka, Croatia. After learning Tibetan, Ken McLeod translated for his principal teacher, Kalu Rinpoche, and helped to develop Rinpoche's centers in North America and Europe. In 1985, Kalu Rinpoche authorized Ken to teach and placed him in charge of his Los Angeles center. Faced with the challenges of teaching in a major metropolis, he began exploring different methods and formats for working with students. He moved away from both the teacher-center model and the minister-church model and developed a consultant-client model. Ken is the founder and director of UnfetteredMind.org. He is the author of Wake Up to Your Life: Discovering the Buddhist Path of Attention, The Great Path of Awakening, An Arrow to the Heart, Reflections on Silver River, and his most recent book, A Trackless Path. More information about Hokai Diego Sobol and Ken McLeod's work can be found at: Hokai Sobol's website: hokai.eu, Hokai Diego Sobol on Twitter: @hokaisobol, Ken McLeod's website: unfetteredmind.org., Ken McLeod on Twitter: @kenmcleod.

Description: Have you decided to be child free and faced a tonne of criticism and judgement? Tune in to this episode to regain your faith in the wisdom behind such a decision and if you are seeking a truer definition of LOVE. I had the honour to speak with an excellent Vajrayana Buddhist teacher and multidisciplinary artist Crystal Gandrud about her essay on being child free in the modern world.

Lama Yeshe Jinpa teaches about monasteries and retreats in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition during a Sunday morning public talk at Do Nga Dargey Temple in Sacramento, California.

Interview with Intuitive Counselor Carolyn Flyer and Meditation with Alternative Nostril Breathing. Carolyn does an intuitive session with me on the spot regarding my son! About Carolyn (from Carolyn at carolynflyer.com): I am an intuitive, counselor, coach and medium. I specialize in life transitions, whether it be around death and upheaval or career, relationship and our life’s purpose. I work one-on-one with clients in my office or by phone and video. Clients either work with me in an ongoing fashion or in individual intuitive sessions as needed. In addition, I lead several classes annually and one residential retreat where participants take a deeper dive into a particular area of need while learning new, powerful tools for integrating their insights into life. I received my Masters of Education in 1999 and worked with the underprivileged in the Philadelphia School District. My work has been featured in the Yoga Journal and am currently authoring a book on how to harness your intuitive skills. I receive ongoing intuitive training through the High Heart Healing School in Boulder Colorado. In 2015, my daughter, Delaney was born still. Her death was an event that changed every part of my life and work. Insights and practices I had previously used on my clients were now used on me. I developed an intimacy with loss and grief that connected me to my own gifts, and my clients, like never before. I have a Grief Intuitive Coaching Certification through Sue Frederick. I have more than 12 years of ongoing Vajrayana Buddhist practice. I also have an academic and professional background in education that supports my counseling skills.

Unwinding the mystery of the ancient traditions of Hatha and Vajrayana Yoga, Professor Thurman gives an engaging history and extends a personal invitation to practitioners of both communities to begin developing the esoteric teachings for future generations of sensitive beings. Robert A.F. Thurman opens this week’s episode with an introduction to Buddhist tantra, tantric Abhidharma and the philosophy common to Tsongkhapa, Nagarjuna, the practice lineages of Vajrayana, Shaivite and Hatha Yoga. Second half of this week’s episode is a special invitation to all Hatha yoga and Vajrayana Buddhist students, mediators and inner scientists to develop and participate in a teacher training with Robert Thurman at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa. Podcast concludes with a reading of Patti Smith’s poem “Oracle” by Gary Gach. Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions Photo by Ryan McGuire via www.mcguiremade.com. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions – Ep. 212 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded July 2019. 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.

Unwinding the mystery of the ancient traditions of Hatha and Vajrayana Yoga, Professor Thurman gives an engaging history and extends a personal invitation to practitioners of both communities to begin developing the esoteric teachings for future generations of sensitive beings. Robert A.F. Thurman opens this week’s episode with an introduction to Buddhist tantra, tantric Abhidharma and the philosophy common to Tsongkhapa, Nagarjuna, the practice lineages of Vajrayana, Shaivite and Hatha Yoga. Second half of this week’s episode is a special invitation to all Hatha yoga and Vajrayana Buddhist students, mediators and inner scientists to develop and participate in a teacher training with Robert Thurman at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa. Podcast concludes with a reading of Patti Smith’s poem “Oracle” by Gary Gach. Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions Photo by Ryan McGuire via www.mcguiremade.com. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the monthly support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. Hatha & Vajrayana Yoga : Developing Traditions – Ep. 212 of the Bob Thurman Podcast was recorded July 2019. 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. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”.

Description: Have you decided to be child free and faced a tonne of criticism and judgement? Tune in to this episode to regain your faith in the wisdom behind such a decision and if you are seeking a truer definition of LOVE. I had the honour to speak with an excellent Vajrayana Buddhist teacher and multidisciplinary artist Crystal Gandrud about her essay on being child free in the modern world.

In this extended recording from Menla’s “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity” Retreat in 2016, Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health. Introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo of Robert A.F. Thurman and Nena Thurman at Menla by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Third Session of the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman”  held at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

In this extended recording from Menla's "Tibetan Secrets of Longevity" Retreat in 2016, Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health. Introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives Photo by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang Tibetan Secrets of Longevity : Podcast Bonus RAFT Archives was recorded at the Third Session of the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Retreat with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman”  held at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Professor Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang in this two part podcast discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine’s origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it’s synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health as founded by Yuthok the Elder and carried on in Tibet, the Himalayas, and the Mongolias by Yuthok the Younger. Opening this week’s episode with a recommendation of “The Mirror of Light” by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Explaining the Buddha’s insight into the blissful nature of reality and it’s connection to selflessness Robert A.F. Thurman shows how the transcendent nature of enlightenment transforms the individual into a pulsar of encouraging energy to all those who encounter them. Second half of this week’s episode includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Podcast concludes with a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s poem The Sunflower Sutra by Gary Gach. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa – Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Tibetan Secrets of Lo

Professor Thurman and Dr. Nida Chenagtsang in this two part podcast discuss the history of Buddhist Medicine's origins in the teachings of the Buddha and elaborate how it found it's synthesis with other medical traditions in Sowa Rigpa or the Tibetan Science of Health as founded by Yuthok the Elder and carried on in Tibet and the Himalayas. Opening this week's episode with a recommendation of "The Mirror of Light" by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and introducing the Buddha as a physician of the body, mind and of wider society Robert Thurman gives a detailed history of the healing nature of the teachings and of the medicine tradition of Sowa Rigpa which they gave rise to. Explaining the Buddha's insight into the blissful nature of reality and it's connection to selflessness Robert A.F. Thurman shows how the transcendent nature of enlightenment transforms the individual into a pulsar of encouraging energy to all those who encounter them. Second half of this week's episode includes an exploration of the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice connected with Tibetan Medicine, short biographies of Yuthok the Elder and Younger, generosity as a vehicle for spiritual development, Buddhist mantras as form of psychotherapy and a guided meditation on selflessness. Podcast concludes with a reading of Allen Ginsberg's poem The Sunflower Sutra by Gary Gach. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa - Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash. Tibetan Medicine : Yuthok the Elder & Sowa Rigpa - Episode 199 the Bob Thurman Podcast is an excerpt from the “Tibetan Secrets of Longevity Third Session with Dr. Nida Chenagtsang & Robert A.F. Thurman” Video. Recorded at Menla’s Nalanda Conference Center in Phoenicia, New York, July 2017 the Annual Kalachakra Study + Practice Intensive Retreat. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community and Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York. To learn more about this year’s program with Robert A.F. Thurman and Dr. Nida at Menla please visit: www.menla.us Gary Gregory Gach is an author, translator, and editor living in San Francisco. A dynamic speaker and teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism his works include the anthology “What Book!? Buddha Poems from Beat to Hiphop” and the forthcoming “Pause Breathe Smile – Awakening Mindfulness When Meditation is Not Enough”. The song ‘Dancing Ling’ by Tenzin Choegyal from the album ‘Heart Sutra‘ (2004) by Ethno Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. To listen to more recordings from past Robert A.F. Thurman programs please consider becoming a Tibet House US Member.

Here, Reggie introduces his teacher, Chögyam Trungpa. He offers a short account of Trungpa’s journey from Tibet, to England, and then to North America, and discusses how he transmitted the Vajrayana Buddhist teachings to his Western students. This excerpt is from a talk given in When Lightning Strikes: The Living Teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, […]

In this podcast extra Professor Robert A.F. Thurman leads an extended Nine Fold Purification Breath Meditation from the Yuthok Nyingthig as taught by Dr Nida Chenagtsang. This practice, also known as “Expelling the Dead Air” begins with by sitting in the Vairocana Meditation posture and then visualizing moving energy with the breath through the Central, Left + Right Channels to clear blockages, decrease negativity and increase clarity. According to Tibetan Medicine, ultimate health can only be achieved when approached from the perspective of body, energy, and mind together. Yuthok Nyingthig is considered the most important practice for Tibetan medicine healing practitioners- helping one reveal the rainbow body that is each person’s natural state. This 9 Fold Breath Meditation was excerpted in the second half of  Episode #176 “Bias, Racism + Buddhism ” of the from the Bob Thurman Podcast. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. About The Yuthok Nyingthig The Yuthok Nyingthig (Tib. གཡུ་ཐོག་སྙིང་ཐིག་), the ‘Heart Essence of Yuthok’, composed by Yuthok the Younger, the great 12th Century Tibetan yogi-physician is a complete cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice, beginning with the preliminary practices (Tib. སྔོན་འགྲོ་ “ngöndro”) and progressing through the development and completion stage practices to the highest practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. It is characterized by its concise and simple methods which bring about both worldly benefits, including improved health and longevity, as well as the ultimate benefit of complete spiritual liberation. The Yuthok Nyingthig is the main spiritual practice of Tibetan physicians, and it contains many unique techniques to heighten the intuition and healing capacities of the doctor. These practices eliminate and prevent illness, lengthen the life span of the

In this podcast extra Professor Robert A.F. Thurman leads an extended Nine Fold Purification Breath Meditation from the Yuthok Nyingthig as taught by Dr Nida Chenagtsang. This practice, also known as "Expelling the Dead Air" begins with by sitting in the Vairocana Meditation posture and then visualizing moving energy with the breath through the Central, Left + Right Channels to clear blockages, decrease negativity and increase clarity. According to Tibetan Medicine, ultimate health can only be achieved when approached from the perspective of body, energy, and mind together. Yuthok Nyingthig is considered the most important practice for Tibetan medicine healing practitioners- helping one reveal the rainbow body that is each person’s natural state. This 9 Fold Breath Meditation was excerpted in the second half of  Episode #176 "Bias, Racism + Buddhism " of the from the Bob Thurman Podcast. This week’s episode’s of the Bob Thurman Podcast was thanks to Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, New York & brought to you in part through the support of the Tibet House US Membership Community. This podcast is apart of the Buddhist Inner Sciences 101 Podcast Series taken from the Bob Thurman & Tibet House US archives which are intended to provide an introduction to the yogic, meditative & theoretical practices of the tradition. These recordings are intended to be general overviews & one should be studying with a qualified teacher before attempting or engaging in the practices. About The Yuthok Nyingthig The Yuthok Nyingthig (Tib. གཡུ་ཐོག་སྙིང་ཐིག་), the ‘Heart Essence of Yuthok’, composed by Yuthok the Younger, the great 12th Century Tibetan yogi-physician is a complete cycle of Vajrayana Buddhist practice, beginning with the preliminary practices (Tib. སྔོན་འགྲོ་ “ngöndro”) and progressing through the development and completion stage practices to the highest practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. It is characterized by its concise and simple methods which bring about both worldly benefits, including improved health and longevity, as well as the ultimate benefit of complete spiritual liberation. The Yuthok Nyingthig is the main spiritual practice of Tibetan physicians, and it contains many unique techniques to heighten the intuition and healing capacities of the doctor. These practices eliminate and prevent illness, lengthen the life span of the practitioner and bring all levels of spiritual accomplishment. As the great master, Guru Rinpoche said, ‘of all activities, the first should be long life practice. If life is long, it can be virtuous, and the purpose of this life and the next can be achieved.” The Seven Meditation Postures of Vairocana 1. Sit Cross Legged, Ideally in full lotus position. 2. Sit with the Spine Straight with vertebrae balanced like a "stack of golden coins". 3. Clasp the hands in Vajra Fists (Thumb on Ring finger, back of fist pushed down inside each leg) 4. Press the tongue to the palate, just behind the teeth. 5. Lift the shoulders with straightened arms like folded eagle's wings 6. Tuck chin slightly in, like a swan's 7. Gaze should be at tip on nose or just beyond. Three Channels Right Channel (Roma) - Red in color, the right channel is solar energy, representing anger, and bile humor - the fire element and it's imbalances are symbolized as a snake. Central Channel (Uma) - Blue in color, the central channel is wind energy as well as the wind humor representing desire or attachment and it's imbalances symbolized are depicted as a rooster. Left Channel (Kyangma) - White in color, the left channel is lunar, representing ignorance or delusions, phlegm humor earth and water elements of the body and it's imbalances are symbolized as a pig. (From Tibetan Art of Dream Analysis by Dr. Nida) To listen to more archive recordings from from past Robert AF 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. Free Previews are available on the Tibet House US YouTube Channel + Full Archive Recordings 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 Super Lounge is used on the Bob Thurman Podcast with artist’s permission, all rights reserved. Bias, Racism + Buddhism – Ep. 173″ of the Bob Thurman Podcast is apart the Practicing Buddhism Series. To learn more about upcoming programs in the heart of the Catskills with Bob Thurman & Dr. Nida Chenagtsang please visit: www.menla.us.  

In this heartfelt conversation, Joseph Houseal, world-leading specialist of ancient dances, reveals more about his professional and spiritual journey. Recalling fond memories with his Noh Sensei and Vajrayana Buddhist masters, Joseph elucidates the aesthetic approach to religion in Buddhism, and moreover, demystifies what a guru means.

In the first part of a multi-part discussion with Buddhist teacher and scholar Hokai Sobol, we explore the invisible, and rarely discussed, forces that shape Western Buddhism. In particular what we call “culture” shapes our institutions and communities in ways that we rarely see with clarity. Hokai spends a good bit of this initial discussion exploring the traditional story that has been handed down to us. This story includes the various cultural assumptions surrounding the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, in the different countries and time periods in which they existed. These norms include the what it means to have a “healthy attitude” (or “right attitude” as it’s often formulated), what the proper teacher-student relationship is, and what hierarchy looks like in these cultures. This is part 1 of a multi-part series. Listen to part 2, Exchanging Dharma – The Consumer Mindset. Episode Links: Hokai Sobol ( www.hokai.info )