

Roshi Joan Halifax
Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. Founder and head teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center.
Top 10 podcasts with Roshi Joan Halifax
Ranked by the Snipd community

28 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 36min
Finding Hope in Dark Times (From the Archive)
Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, dives into the power of hope during challenging times, sharing how he maintains optimism while covering tragic global events. Roshi Joan Halifax, an ecologist and founder of the Upaya Zen Center, discusses the Buddhist concept of 'wise hope' and its role in fostering compassion and resilience. They explore personal stories of understanding amidst conflict and highlight how community and empathy can help us navigate despair, making a case for hope as a choice we can all embrace.

21 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
Roshi Joan Halifax - Enactive Compassion [From the Archive]
In a thought-provoking conversation, Roshi Joan Halifax, a Zen Buddhist teacher and pioneer in end-of-life care, delves into the exciting intersections of science and spirituality. She shares her experiences initiating dialogues between the Dalai Lama and scientists, highlighting compassion as an emergent, context-dependent process. Joan emphasizes the role of embodiment in health care, explores the triple benefits of compassion, and discusses training prosocial qualities. She also reflects on the importance of contemplative practices and indigenous wisdom in addressing climate change and preparing for death.

10 snips
Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 38min
Presenting: 'Uncertainty and Possibility - Meeting the Climate Future'
This podcast features Buddhist teacher Roshi Joan Halifax and writer/activist Rebecca Solnit discussing topics such as personal reflections on climate grief, rewriting the narrative of the Anthropocene, confronting loss and taking action, the blame game in the climate crisis, overcoming challenges and fighting for a future, shaping the future amidst feelings of doom, organizing and engaging with uncertainty, the true nature of people in disasters, the power of compassion, the power of storytelling, and the two exponential curves shaping the future of our climate.

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
The Sacred Work of Bridging Divides - Teachings from Roshi Joan Halifax and Tara Brach
Join esteemed Zen teacher Roshi Joan Halifax, known for her end-of-life care work, and Tara Brach, a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher, as they explore the vital essence of connection. They delve into bridging divides through self-reflection and the power of storytelling. With insights on empathy, they share transformative reconciliation stories, including a touching tale from Israel and Pakistan. The conversation encourages inner kindness and imagines a hopeful future while embracing gratitude and community support.

Jun 24, 2018 • 1h 24min
291: Roshi Joan Halifax
Roshi Joan Halifax, an abbot at the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, discusses the transformation of positive states into negative ones. Topics include wearing masks, the nature of God, the presence of Neem Corolla Baba, the state of the world, the impact of compassion and social justice, and connecting with family and friends.

Oct 26, 2020 • 1h 2min
Vitamin E: How To Cultivate Equanimity Amidst Political Chaos | Election Sanity Series | Roshi Joan Halifax
Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher and anthropologist known for her work in end-of-life care, shares her insights on cultivating equanimity amid political chaos. She discusses the importance of balance in navigating today's turbulent landscape and promotes respectful engagement with differing views. Joan emphasizes that equanimity, likened to 'vitamin E,' isn't easily achieved but is vital for personal well-being. Through personal anecdotes, she explores the interplay of emotional strength and openness, and encourages ongoing mindfulness practices for resilience.

May 21, 2020 • 55min
Ep. 342 - Radical Uncertainty and Wise Hope with Roshi Joan Halifax
Roshi Joan Halifax, a renowned Zen Buddhist teacher and abbot of Upaya Zen Center, shares her reflections on her playful bond with Ram Dass. She discusses how wise hope can emerge from today's radical uncertainties. Halifax delves into the importance of compassion in navigating challenges and affirms the beauty of relationships amid life's complexities. The conversation also touches on the interconnectedness fostered by spiritual practices and the legacy of Neem Karoli Baba, highlighting gratefulness as a guiding principle in difficult times.

May 20, 2020 • 1h 12min
Don't Let This Crisis Go To Waste | Roshi Joan Halifax
Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher and pioneer in end-of-life care, argues that while the pandemic isn't a boon, it is a pivotal moment for self-reflection. She shares her motto: 'strong back, soft front,' urging us to develop resilience and compassion amidst adversity. The conversation explores the transformative power of love, the need for empathy towards one another, and the importance of slowing down to reassess values. Her insights provoke thoughts on privilege, societal change, and the essential role of kindness in fostering community.

Apr 5, 2017 • 1h 5min
Ep. 109 - The Five Invitations with Frank Ostaseski, Roshi Joan Halifax and Raghu Markus
Frank Ostaseski, Roshi Joan Halifax, and Raghu Markus discuss Frank's book 'The Five Invitations' and explore how death can lead to transformation. They emphasize small acts of kindness, navigating the limbo state between losing one's identity and finding a deeper sense of self, and embracing both our Buddha nature and human quirks. The speakers express gratitude for each other and share profound experiences from the book.

Nov 25, 2016 • 46min
Ep. 05 – Roshi Joan Halifax - Sacred Catastrophe
Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher and abbess of Upaya Zen Center, shares her insights on the concept of 'blessed catastrophe' as a transformative journey through suffering. She discusses how these challenging experiences cultivate resilience and connect us to our Buddha nature. With personal anecdotes, she highlights the power of breath and intention for self-awareness. The conversation also delves into navigating life's uncertainties and the importance of altruism amidst personal insecurity, emphasizing growth through profound engagement with life's raw experiences.


