Sharon Salzberg, a renowned meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, shares heartfelt reflections on her beloved teacher, Dipa Ma, a gifted Bangladeshi meditation master. She recounts Dipa Ma's extraordinary compassion and fierce dedication to her students. The conversation delves into Dipa Ma's unique blend of concentration and insight, her extraordinary abilities, and how mindfulness can be woven into daily life. Sharon's personal anecdotes illuminate the nurturing impact Dipa Ma had on her understanding of teaching and Dharma.
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Dipa Ma's Background
Dipa Ma's real name was Nani Bala Barua, and she belonged to the Barua caste in Bangladesh.
She began meditating after experiencing deep grief and a heart condition, following her husband's and two children's death.
insights INSIGHT
Dipa Ma's Presence
Dipa Ma's presence was more impactful than words, offering a loving energy.
Unlike other teachers with pithy sayings, her impact stemmed from her being.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Dipa Ma's Humility
Dipa Ma lived humbly in Calcutta, sharing a one-room tenement with family.
Despite her modest circumstances, her room felt like "being bathed in light."
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This book tells the inspiring story of Dipa Ma, a woman who overcame personal struggles to become a celebrated Buddhist teacher. It explores her life, teachings, and legacy, highlighting her impact on prominent American Buddhists like Sharon Salzberg and Jack Kornfield. The book includes stories of her spiritual journey and her teachings on mindfulness and loving-kindness.
Emily Horn is joined by renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg to share reflections on her beloved teacher, Dipa Ma, a Bangladeshi meditation master, who was known for her extraordinary concentration, profound insight, and unwavering kindness. Sharon recounts her personal experiences with Dipa Ma, highlighting her maternal yet fierce presence, her ability to see deep potential in her students, and her unique approach to integrating mindfulness into daily life.
Episode Links:
🔗 Dharmaseed – A library of recorded Dharma talks, including talks from Dipa Ma, Sharon Salzberg, and many other teachers.
🔗 Insight Meditation Society (IMS) – The meditation center co-founded by Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, and Joseph Goldstein.
🔗 Spirit Rock Meditation Center – A meditation center in California, also associated with Jack Kornfield and the wider Insight tradition.
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