Tricycle Talks

Ada Limón, the 24th Poet Laureate of the U.S. and author of 'Startlement: New and Selected Poems,' explores the transformative power of poetry. She discusses 'startlement' as a pathway to spiritual awe and how poetry helps dissolve selfhood, revealing our interconnectedness. Limón shares her journey with loving-kindness meditation and highlights the beauty of human goodness. In readings from her latest collection, she emphasizes curiosity over nostalgia and the importance of language in capturing emotion, inviting listeners into a reflective experience.

In this intriguing conversation, Donald S. Lopez Jr., a distinguished professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, explores the life of the Buddha through both mythological and historical lenses. He discusses the challenges of narrating the Buddha's journey, emphasizing the mystical elements that define his existence. The dialogue also touches on the Buddha's pivotal encounters with mortality, his battle with Mara during enlightenment, and the ongoing debate about his historical presence versus the value of his teachings. These reflections invite listeners to reconsider the legacy of Buddhism.

Ann Tashi Slater, a Tokyo-based writer and contributing editor for Tricycle, dives deep into Tibetan Buddhist concepts of bardo and impermanence. She shares her transformative journey through illness, linking it to the teachings on transitional states. Slater discusses how paying attention can shape our reality and the lessons from the Tibetan Book of the Dead that foster acceptance of life’s fleeting nature. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the beauty of embracing change and the importance of connection and growth amid life's uncertainties.

In this conversation, Stephen Batchelor, a writer and Tricycle contributing editor from southwest France, shares insights from his book on navigating ethical living through uncertainty. He explores how the teachings of the Buddha and Socrates can inspire creativity and empathy in challenging times. Batchelor discusses the 'cartography of care' in Buddhist ethics and connects individual actions to societal development. He promotes a balance of certainty and uncertainty in decision-making, urging listeners to reflect on their ethical choices amidst modern dilemmas.

Living with a serious illness can be an isolating experience, and it can often provoke feelings of anger, anxiety, and fear. As a former oncology nurse, a mindfulness teacher, a clinical researcher, and a retreat facilitator for people living with serious illness, Susan Bauer-Wu has dedicated much of her life to developing practices to help people with serious illness live fully in the face of these challenges. In her book, Leaves Falling Gently: Living Fully with Serious Illness through Mindfulness, Compassion, and Connectedness, she lays out accessible meditations for people living with illness and their caregivers. In this episode of Life As It Is, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, and meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg sit down with Bauer-Wu to discuss what it means to live fully with serious illness, methods for finding spaciousness in the midst of constriction, how to adapt mindfulness practices in the context of pain, and how the quality of each moment can determine the quality of our lives. Plus, Bauer-Wu leads a guided meditation.

Bhuchung D. Sonam is an exiled Tibetan writer, poet, translator, and publisher currently based in Dharamshala. His press, TibetWrites, has published more than fifty books by contemporary Tibetan writers. In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, sits down with Sonam to discuss how writing has helped him navigate life in exile, the importance of centering the stories of ordinary Tibetans, why he views writing as a form of resistance, and how literature can serve as a bridge across cultures. Plus, Sonam reads a few of his poems.

Marie Howe, the poet in residence at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and a recipient of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for her collection, discusses the profound role of not knowing in poetry. She shares how writing acts as a form of prayer, helping us confront life's difficulties and embrace uncertainty. Howe reflects on her personal journey through loss, spirituality, and the transformative nature of acceptance. With insights influenced by Christian mystic Meister Eckhart, her anecdotes illuminate the deep connections between poetry, nature, and the divine.

Thupten Jinpa, a Tibetan Buddhist scholar and former monk, shares wisdom from his forty years as the Dalai Lama's English translator. He explores the vital connection between compassion and courage, emphasizing that true empathy requires embracing our vulnerabilities. Jinpa reflects on his journey from refugee to translator, revealing the complexities of conveying compassion across cultures. He also discusses societal resistance to compassion and the importance of incorporating it into our lives for personal and collective well-being, guiding listeners through a meditation on self-compassion.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Ruhl, a celebrated playwright, poet, and professor, shares insights from her new essay collection, reflecting on the profound lessons learned from teachers throughout her life. She discusses the significance of authentic listening, the challenges of technology on real connections, and the transformative value of art in addressing grief. Ruhl also highlights the invaluable lessons from non-traditional teachers and the impact of loving relationships, underscoring her belief in lifelong learning and the beauty of spontaneity in human interactions.

Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, Zen priest, and hospice chaplain, shares his unique journey blending spirituality and creativity. He delves into the transformative power of liturgy and music, discussing how rituals shape his artistic and chaplaincy practices. Cantu-Ledesma reveals how music serves as a personal offering and reflects on the significance of authenticity in both art and spiritual support. His insights into collaborative processes and communal spaces for emotional expression highlight the profound connections between grief, creativity, and devotion.