Tricycle Talks

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, and founder of TibetWrites, dedicated to amplifying contemporary Tibetan voices. He shares how writing has been a lifeline in exile, transforming pain into art. The discussion covers the importance of ordinary Tibetan stories, literature as a cultural bridge, and storytelling as a form of resistance against oppression. Sonam also reflects on the nuanced influences of Buddhism in Tibetan literature and reads poignant poems, exploring themes of exile and identity.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Lama John Makransky, a respected figure in Tibetan Buddhism and former professor, dives into the transformative power of compassion. He explains how our well-being and relationships depend on accessing our innate compassion. Topics include the balance of empathy and action, the cultivation of compassion as a skill rather than an inherent trait, and practical meditation techniques for self-awareness. Makransky also guides listeners through a meditation, helping them tap into their deeper qualities and recognize their shared humanity.

Benjamin Brose is Professor of Buddhist and Chinese Studies and chair of the department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Michigan. His new book, Buddhist Masters of Modern China: The Lives and Legacies of Eight Eminent Teachers, explores the histories and teachings of eight masters who brought about a Buddhist revival during the political turmoil of the 20th century. In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, sits down with Brose to discuss the persecution that Chinese Buddhists faced at the turn of the 20th century, the creativity and innovation with which many Buddhist monks and nuns responded to these challenges, the variety of approaches taken to revitalize the Buddhist tradition, and the remarkable life of the Chan master Laiguo.