Tricycle Talks

Over the course of the last hundred years, breathing mindfulness has become the most popular method of meditation around the world. Yet its history remains largely unrecorded. In her new book, Breathing Mindfulness: Discovering the Riches at the Heart of the Buddhist Path, scholar Sarah Shaw provides a historical survey of some of the methods of breathing mindfulness and how they developed.In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, sits down with Shaw to discuss how breathing mindfulness is linked to the seven factors of awakening, the central role of joy in meditation, why the tradition of samatha, or calm, meditation has been marginalized and suppressed, and what we can learn from thinking about traditions of breathing mindfulness as part of a vast ecosystem.

For the next few episodes of Life As It Is, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, and meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg will be talking about specific themes that have been coming up in their practice, with a particular focus on navigating our current social and political climate. In this episode, they discuss how to stay engaged without burning out—and how cultivating equanimity can provide a necessary balance between wisdom and compassion.Later in the episode, they’re joined by Daisy Hernández, a journalist and Tricycle contributing editor, to talk about how equanimity can be a support in times of uncertainty, how Buddhist practices have guided her work as a journalist, and what’s on her equanimity cultivation list.

Arthur Sze, a renowned poet and translator based in Santa Fe, dives deep into the significance of poetry as a means of exploring profound questions. He discusses the delicate balance of structure and spontaneity in artistic expression and reflects on the ecological implications of language and extinction. Sze explores non-human narratives, illuminating the urgency of environmental awareness. He emphasizes how poetry can awaken consciousness and connection to nature, demonstrating the intricate dance between sound, silence, and existence.

Emma Varvaloucas, executive director of the Progress Network and mindfulness expert for adolescents, shares her insights on classroom mindfulness in this engaging discussion. She explores how mindfulness can sometimes amplify negative feelings for students and emphasizes the need for mental health support alongside these programs. Varvaloucas also uncovers surprising findings from mindfulness trials in UK schools, revealing mixed impacts on student well-being, and critiques the reliance on non-specialist teachers for instruction.

Grief is often thought of as a psychological phenomenon. Yet loss also has a profound impact on our bodies, often affecting our cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. As a Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, Mary-Frances O’Connor specializes in studying the physiology of grief. In her new book, The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing, she draws from her clinical research and her personal experience to explore the toll that loss takes on our bodies—and what this can teach us about care, compassion, and interdependence.In this episode of Life As It Is, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, and meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg sit down with O’Connor to discuss the phenomenon of dying of a broken heart, how grieving can be thought of as a form of learning, how meditation can change how we show up for others, and the challenges of rediscovering a sense of purpose in the wake of loss.

Donald S. Lopez Jr. is the Arthur E. Link Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Michigan and a longtime Tricycle contributing editor. In his new book, Buddhism: A Journey through History, he lays out a comprehensive introduction to the history of Buddhism, tracing its development across continents and centuries.In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, sits down with Lopez to discuss the challenges in attempting to tell any single history of Buddhism, how translation has contributed to Buddhism’s survival as a tradition, the debates surrounding Buddhism’s decline in India, and the story of the Buddha’s nemesis and would-be assassin.

Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John is a senior teacher in the Triratna Buddhist Community, and their work focuses on how Buddhist teachings can support a sustainable path to recovery. In their new book, First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors, they lay out practical tools for uprooting harmful habits, building emotional resilience, and reconnecting with our bodies.In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, sits down with Mason-John to talk about how they first developed a practice of meditation after their experience in solitary confinement, how the Buddha’s teachings have supported their path to recovery, and how they’ve come to understand addiction from a Buddhist perspective.Please note that this episode includes mentions of sexual assault and suicidal ideation.

Kimberly Brown, a meditation teacher and author based in NYC, shares insights from her book 'Happy Relationships.' She discusses how mindfulness can resolve conflicts and emphasizes the importance of accepting imperfections in relationships. Brown highlights the transformative power of loving kindness and suggests that practicingself-kindness can deepen connections. Listeners are also guided through a meditation focusing on love and presence, helping to cultivate compassion and happiness in their relationships.

Jay L. Garfield, a scholar of Buddhist philosophy and professor at Smith College, shares compelling insights on the concept of no-self. He explores how our fixation on individuality fosters suffering and moral dilemmas. Garfield emphasizes the importance of interdependence and compassion in human connections. The conversation delves into Buddhist teachings on selflessness, advocating for the dismantling of ego to cultivate deeper relationships. He also discusses the philosophical arguments against nihilism, championing a view of reality rooted in interconnectedness.

Pico Iyer, a celebrated writer and contributing editor based in Japan, opens up about his transformative experiences at a Benedictine hermitage after a devastating wildfire. He delves into the power of silence in fostering deeper self-awareness and compassion. Discussing the intersection of monastic life and spirituality, Iyer reveals how stillness serves as a countercultural practice that cultivates inner peace. He reflects on finding hope amidst chaos and the quest for emotional clarity while balancing personal aspirations with family life.