Justin Kelley: Beyond Scholarship: The Meeting of Dharma and Education (#203)

Feb 14, 2025

Justin Kelley, Executive Director of the Tergar Institute and Schools, shares insights from his 20-year journey with Mingyur Rinpoche. He discusses integrating Buddhist wisdom into modern education, emphasizing its relevance for young students. Justin recounts transformative experiences from India that deepened his understanding of Dharma. The conversation also highlights innovative educational projects aimed at enhancing creativity and critical thinking, while addressing the importance of compassion and community support for those navigating personal struggles.

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ANECDOTE

Early Dharma Journey Anecdote

Justin Kelley started his Dharma journey post-college after experiencing sadness and depression working in land conservation.
His serendipitous encounter with monks painting a Zen pagoda in Massachusetts sparked his interest in Buddhism.

ANECDOTE

First India Arrival Experience

Justin landed in Bombay tired and overwhelmed, experiencing intense smells and seeing homelessness firsthand.
This initial experience deeply touched and imprinted on him, marking a karmic start to his deeper spiritual journey.

ANECDOTE

Tragedy at Root Institute Retreat

During a retreat at Root Institute, a fellow 23-year-old participant took her own life.
This tragedy overwhelmed some attendees but strengthened Justin's resolve to use Dharma teachings to navigate suffering.

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In this insightful episode of the Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken engages with Justin Kelley, Executive Director of Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools. Justin has practiced with Mingyur Rinpoche for nearly 20 years and earned his PhD in Religious Studies from Rice University, where he studied with Dr. Anne C. Klein. Passionate about making Buddhist wisdom relevant today—particularly in education—his research explores the intersection of Buddhism and learning theory, drawing on his hands-on experience with both the Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools project.

You’ll hear Daniel and Justin explore:

Justin’s spiritual journey post-college, his transformative experiences in India, and his academic pursuits that led to a PhD focusing on Longchen Rabjam’s Great Completeness tradition;
Justin’s involvement in Tergar Institute’s unique blend of scholarship, practice, and application;
the Tergar Schools project aimed at infusing Dharma principles into young children’s education;
methods to apply Buddhist teachings in modern contexts, fostering spiritual growth, practical wisdom; and
much more!

To learn more about Tergar Institute please visit http://www.tergarinstitute.org

To donate to the Tergar Schools project visit https://bit.ly/tergarschools-wisdom

Note to our listeners: This episode contains the mention of suicide. If you would prefer to avoid this part of the conversation please skip from 16:48 – 23:32.

If you or someone you love are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. International listeners, please visit The International Association for Suicide Prevention to find crisis care in your region.

Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. If you enjoy the show please consider giving us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you!

The post Justin Kelley: Beyond Scholarship: The Meeting of Dharma and Education (#203) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.