For episode 191 of the Metta Hour, Sharon speaks with scholar, researcher, and author, Alexander Gardner.

Content Warning – This interview includes conversation about suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide – whether or not you are in crisis – you can find free support & resources via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/metta

Alex is the Director and Chief Editor of the Treasury of Lives, a biographical Encyclopedia of Tibet, Inner Asia, and the Himalayas. Alex completed his Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies at the University of Michigan in 2007. His research focuses on the collaborative activities of three great nineteenth-century Tibetan Buddhist masters. In 2019, he released the book “The Life of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great” from Shambhala. In this conversation, Alex and Sharon speak about:

• How Alex was drawn to Eastern studies • The two-month retreat Sharon and Alex sat many years ago • The importance of Lineage • What inspired a book about Jamgon Kongtrul • How the great masters in Buddhism were regular people • The history of Bodh Gaya, India • The inspiration for Treasury of Lives•How technology interfaces with spiritual teachings • Alex’s exploration of sexuality in Buddhist Teachings • A chance meeting with a clown nose •

For more information about Alex’s work, you can visit treasuryoflives.org or get a copy of his book, The Life of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great, available in hardcover and beook formats.

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