The Wisdom Podcast

David M. DiValerio, an associate professor of history and religious studies specializing in Tibetan Buddhism, joins to discuss his book, Mountain Dharma. He shares his journey into Tibetan retreat practices from initial monastery visits to extensive research on retreat manuals. Topics include the evolution of retreat boundaries, the distinction between individual and solitary retreats, and the historical significance of Tibetan asceticism. DiValerio also highlights how modern centers often overlook ancient texts in their practices.

In this episode of The Wisdom Podcast, previously recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa. Join the trio as they discuss Brendan and Pema’s new book, The Daily Buddhist. The conversation explores their approach of making dharma applicable to everyday life in the modern world and how they manage various challenges, such as balancing technology use and family time. Stressing the importance of persistence, self-compassion, and using mindfulness as a tool for personal growth and lasting happiness. In this episode, Brendan, Pema, and Daniel also discuss: The importance of teamwork in their personal and professional lives; how to integrate dharma into your daily life; using meditation to connect to your inner self; and much more!       Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @daily.buddhist Learn more about Pema and Brendan’s newsletter, and get your copy of The Daily Buddhist at thedailybuddhist.net   The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent. The post Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa: The Daily Buddhist (#220) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Dasho Karma Ura, the insightful President of the Centre for Bhutan Studies and an expert in Gross National Happiness, joins to share Bhutan's unique approach to well-being. He discusses how Buddhist ideals shape culture, language preservation amid globalization, and the importance of community for happiness. Karma highlights the significance of nature and craftsmanship in fostering emotional growth. Plus, he unveils his artistic journey inspired by Yeshe Tsogyal and emphasizes the cultivation of lasting happiness through life's challenges.

H. E. Khangser Rinpoche, a senior Gelug lama and vice-abbot of Gyuto Monastery, shares insights from his extensive experience in Buddhist teachings. He delves into the concept of Buddha-nature and the impact of modern distractions on spiritual practice. Rinpoche highlights selflessness as a remedy for anger, distinguishes between sutra and tantra methods, and emphasizes analytical meditation's importance. He also discusses how visualization practices can transform perception and alleviate suffering, providing a deep dive into the mechanics of the mind.

Lama Alan Wallace, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher and founder of the Center for Contemplative Research, shares his profound insights on the anthology Śamatha and Vipaśyanā. He reflects on his early teachings from Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey and the transformative power of bodhicitta meditation. The discussion explores the balance between Western scientific advancements and Eastern contemplative practices, the concept of irreversible transformation, and how ethics serve as the bedrock for genuine mindfulness. He also emphasizes the need for supportive communities to foster contemplative inquiry.

In this episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by special guest Anu Gupta. Anu is an award-winning author, educator, lawyer, scientist, and meditation teacher. He holds a JD from NYU Law, an MPhil in Development Studies from Cambridge, and a BA in International Relations and Islamic Studies from NYU. He is the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, a learning and development organization that supports individuals and organizations foster trust, safety, and belonging. He is a proud polyspiritual Hindu-Buddhist-Christian and a dedicated yoga and meditation practitioner. His bestselling book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them, features a foreword from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and offers tools to awaken humans to their interdependence and cultivate the wisdom and compassion needed to transcend bias, exclusion, and othering. His work has reached over 300 organizations, training more than 100,000 professionals and impacting 30 million lives. In this episode, Anu and Daniel discuss:   Anu’s bestselling book Breaking Bias; his early encounters with spirituality and his childhood in India;  his cultural and spiritual observations and his struggles with his own identity in America; mystical experiences, mental health, and his personal journey of self-discovery; the concept of race, bias, and human connection;  tools to help overcome bias in today’s world; and  so much more! Mentioned in this episode: BEMOREwithAnu.com Substack: @anuguptany   Note to our listeners: This episode contains the description of a mystical experience that some listeners may find upsetting. If you would prefer to avoid this part of the conversation, please skip from minutes 31:02 to 34:54. If you or someone you love are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. International listeners, please visit The International Association for Suicide Prevention to find crisis care in your region.   The post Anu Gupta: Breaking Bias (#216) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode of The Wisdom Podcast, join special guest Venerable Matthieu Ricard and host Daniel Aitken as they tackle the intersection of science and Buddhism. Venerable Ricard is a Buddhist monk, author, translator, and photographer. After completing his Ph.D. in cell genetics in 1972, he moved to the Himalayas, where he spent many years in the presence of Kangyur Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He has published numerous books, including The Monk and the Philosopher, Happiness, Altruism, and Notebooks of a Wandering Monk. He donates all proceeds from his books and activities to support humanitarian projects in India, Nepal, and Tibet through Karuna-Shechen, the non-profit organization he founded in 2000, which now benefits 500,000+ people every year. In this episode, Venerable Ricard and Daniel discuss: Venerable’s early influences and inspirations, and his introduction to Buddhism; his time with Kangyur Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche; the nature of consciousness; the importance of setting achievable goals, the role of consistency and discipline in achieving those goals, and how self-reflection can guide continuous improvement; and so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Mind and Life Institute Film: The Message of the Tibetans      The post Venerable Matthieu Ricard: Presence, Insight, and Compassion: A Guide to Happiness (#215) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features the return of special guest Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma Rinpoche. Experience this heartfelt discussion aiming to alleviate fears, delve into the nature of interdependence, the power of connecting with a teacher, and so much more. Join Khandro Rinpoche and host Daniel Aitken and reflect on how all experiences—joyful and painful alike—arise through the web of dependent origination. Learn how compassion, when grounded in reality, can open a path to happiness and escape suffering through wisdom. In this episode, Rinpoche and Daniel explore:   bodhichitta; dependent origination and emptiness; the importance of presence and the role teachers play in Dharma practice; so much more! Learn more about Khandro Rinpoche and her upcoming teachings at khandroling.org   The post Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma Rinpoche: Presence, Insight, and Compassion: A Guide to Happiness (#214) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode, join James B. Apple and host Daniel Aitken as they celebrate James’s newest release, Atiśa’s Stages Of The Path To Awakening. James is Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Calgary. His current research focuses on the critical analysis of Mahāyāna sūtras and topics within Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholasticism. He has published over fifty peer-reviewed articles in international academic journals as well as numerous books, including  Jewels Of The Middle Way, also by Wisdom Publications. In this episode, James and Daniel explore: the concept of clear light and the integration of meditative traditions in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism; the history of Atisa’s lamrims and the significance of the text, Stages Of The Path to Awakening; the historical context leading to the text’s near disappearance and later rediscovery; and so much more!   Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Atiśa’s Stages Of The Path To Awakening with code WPODATISA through September 30, 2025.   The post James Apple: Atiśa’s Stages Of The Path To Awakening (#213) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Mark Siderits, an expert in Asian and Western philosophy, dives deep into Buddhist thought. He explores the essential themes of emptiness and the distinctions between the Yogācāra and Madhyamaka schools. Listeners gain insight into reflexive awareness and how cognition shapes our understanding of self and reality. Mark also challenges traditional views on memory and experience, emphasizing the importance of perception in comprehending existence. His discussions invite all to reconsider their notions of self and enlightenment.