Tricycle Talks

Ralph Steele, founder of the Life Transition Meditation Center in Santa Fe and former Theravada monk, shares his incredible journey shaped by trauma and resilience. He recalls the impactful lessons from his grandmother, Sister Mary, and how martial arts and meditation helped him confront pain. Steele discusses his unique retreats designed for veterans with PTSD, adapting Buddhist teachings to provide support and healing. His insights on 'sitting in the fire' of suffering offer a profound perspective on facing life's challenges head-on.

Brother Phap Huu, abbot of Plum Village and coauthor of Calm in the Storm, shares insights on returning to ourselves and embracing the present moment. He discusses how to navigate distractions and the importance of cultivating calmness as an ongoing practice. The conversation explores letting go of old narratives, healing the inner child, and finding balance in striving. Brother Phap Huu also emphasizes self-love as acceptance and service, and guides listeners through a breath meditation to anchor them in the now.

Gil Fronsdal, a seasoned Dharma teacher from the Insight Meditation and Spirit Rock communities, introduces the concept of naturalistic Buddhism. He explains how this approach relies on personal experience rather than supernatural beliefs. The discussion dives into the importance of non-clinging, the difference between faith and direct knowing, and the cultivation of qualities through the Eightfold Path. Gil emphasizes the significance of creating supportive conditions for personal growth and the interconnectedness of inner wisdom and care for others.

In this conversation with Joseph Goldstein, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, listeners delve into the concept of non-clinging as a vital thread across Buddhist traditions. Goldstein discusses how non-clinging liberates us from attachment to self and emphasizes the balance between non-duality and ethical considerations. He shares insights on the interplay of dual and non-dual awareness, warns against becoming attached to emptiness, and offers practical exercises to enhance mindfulness. Discover how selflessness can reshape our understanding of self and reality.

Jess Serrante, a climate activist and longtime facilitator of the Work That Reconnects, shares insights into the life and legacy of Joanna Macy. They discuss the transformative power of gratitude, the importance of honoring our grief, and how anger can fuel meaningful action. Jess emphasizes the need to navigate pain as a sacred experience that connects us to love and resilience. The conversation culminates in a guided meditation, encouraging listeners to cultivate gratitude for the Earth and engage with decisive actions toward the Great Turning.

Arthur Sze, the newly-appointed U.S. Poet Laureate and esteemed translator from Santa Fe, dives deep into the world of poetry. He discusses his unique journey in honing his craft through translation rather than traditional MFA programs. Sze explores the tension of loss and renewal in translation, revealing how this process shapes poetry. The conversation also touches on the rich history of Chinese poetry and the importance of cultural exchange in today's world, alongside poignant readings from his latest collection.

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.