The Wisdom Podcast

In this Wisdom Podcast episode host Daniel Aitken joins Douglas Duckworth as they discuss Douglas’s translation The Great Hūṃ. Douglas Duckworth is a professor of religion at Temple University in Philadelphia. He received his PhD in religious studies (Indo-Tibetan Buddhism) from the University of Virginia in 2005, and he previously taught at Kathmandu University. In this episode, Douglas shares his journey of becoming interested in the text during his studies in India and Nepal, and he shares the challenges and rewards of working on such a monumental text.  You’ll hear Daniel and Douglas discuss:  the text’s structure, its thematic elements, the profound philosophical implications of bodhicitta; the structure and significance of the Bodhicaryāvatāra; the ninth chapter’s unique challenges; and much more! Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. If you enjoy the show please consider giving us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Douglas Duckworth: The Great Hūṃ (#206) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Join Daniel Aitken and Ācārya Malcolm Smith as they discuss the roots of Dzogchen and the aural lineage in the Great Perfection tradition as described in Malcolm’s newest translation Yoga Of The Natural State, releasing in the winter of 2025 and available now for pre-order. In this episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, explore the historical transmission of Dzogchen teachings through the textual and aural lineages and the roles these play in preserving the authenticity and comprehensibility of the teachings. You won’t want to miss this illuminating conversation.  You’ll hear Daniel and Malcolm discuss:  the process of translating Longchenpa’s writings; differences between ‘awareness of awareness’ and the true nature of rigpa; key Dzogchen terms such as original purity (ka dag) and natural perfection (lhun grub); Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and his impact on spreading Dzogchen teachings to the West;  and much more!   Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. If you enjoy the show please consider giving us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Ācārya Malcolm Smith: The Dzogchen Aural Lineage (#205) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Christopher Ives, a professor and Zen practitioner. Chris is an author, translator, and avid outdoorsman. His writing focuses on ethics in Zen Buddhism and Buddhist approaches to nature and environmental issues. His previous publications with Wisdom include Zen on the Trail and Meditations on the Trail. Throughout the conversation, Chris and Daniel go in-depth exploring the themes in Chris’s newest release, Zen Ecology. They discuss how Zen’s principles of interconnectedness, non-dualism, and mindful living intersect with ecological concerns, and how Zen practice can inspire a sustainable lifestyle with reduced environmental impact.  You’ll also hear Daniel and Chris discuss:  Environmental roots and activism; Zen’s symbiotic relationship with nature; Buddhism’s role in structural change; much more! Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Zen Ecology with code WPODECO through March 31. Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. If you enjoy the show please consider giving us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Christopher Ives: Zen Ecology (#204) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Justin Kelley, Executive Director of the Tergar Institute and Schools, shares insights from his 20-year journey with Mingyur Rinpoche. He discusses integrating Buddhist wisdom into modern education, emphasizing its relevance for young students. Justin recounts transformative experiences from India that deepened his understanding of Dharma. The conversation also highlights innovative educational projects aimed at enhancing creativity and critical thinking, while addressing the importance of compassion and community support for those navigating personal struggles.

In this episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, host Daniel Aitken engages in a rich dialogue with Lama Alan Wallace. Lama Alan, a significant figure in the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, shares insights from his lifelong practice, teachings, and new Wisdom Publications release Dzokchen. The discussion delves deeply into the practices of shamatha, vipassana, and Dzokchen, contrasting these with other Buddhist traditions and highlighting their significance in achieving spiritual realization.  The conversation sheds light on the nuanced paths of approaching ultimate bodhichitta and the broader implications of modern and traditional Buddhist practices.   Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. And please give us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts if you enjoy our show—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Lama Alan Wallace: Dzokchen Dialogues (#202) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this insightful conversation, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Michael Tweed. Michael is a well-known editor of Tibetan Buddhist texts, particularly on Dzogchen and Mahamudra. Titles he has worked on include Blazing Splendor by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Brilliant Moon by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Clear Mirror by Dudjom Lingpa, and many more. During this episode, Michael shares his remarkable journey, starting at the very beginning with his interest in meditation and Buddhism while living in small-town Ontario. He highlights the profound impact these teachings had on his life, reflects on the importance of personal connection with teachers, shares humorous anecdotes, and much more. You’ll hear Michael discuss: his discovery of meditation and Buddhism through the pages of magazines and books; his formative experiences with meditation and yoga; a transformative encounter in 1992 with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche which lead to a period of learning and practice under Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche; and much more. Enjoyed this episode? Check out our Blazing Splendor Wisdom Podcast series.   Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. And please give us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts if you enjoy our show—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Michael Tweed: Lessons and Laughs (#201) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Join us in celebrating a major milestone—our 200th episode. Over the years, the Wisdom Podcast has become a gathering place for seekers, practitioners, and thought leaders in the Buddhist tradition, offering listeners wisdom and insight from some of the most remarkable teachers of our time. We continue this legacy of profound conversations with a truly special guest—Venerable Thubten Chodron—as we celebrate the release of Vajrayāna and the Culmination of the Path. This volume is the final volume in her series with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Library of Wisdom and Compassion, and we hope you’ll join us in commemorating the completion of this incredible series, representing a culmination of decades of collaboration and deep scholarship. In this episode, you’ll hear Daniel and Venerable Chodron discuss: the evolution of The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series; the importance of completing the series while H. H. the Dalai Lama is alive; the interconnectedness of traditions; the importance of understanding the what and why of your practice; and much more!  As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for you—our listeners, supporters, and everyone who has contributed to our GIVE2 campaign. Your generosity keeps these transformative teachings free and accessible for thousands around the world. Together, we can keep sharing the wisdom, mindfulness, and compassion that resonate across generations and traditions. Learn more about how you can support the Wisdom Podcast and all of the work that Wisdom does at wisdomexperience.org/supportwisdom. Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off any individual volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series with code WPODLWC20. Or, save 30% when you purchase the entire library at once and use the code WPODLWC30. Or, if you prefer the electronic version, you can use the code WPODLWC30E for 30% off the complete Library of Wisdom and Compassion series in ebook form. To add the entire library to your collection, just add the final volume, Vajrayana and the Culmination of the Path, to your cart and use the corresponding code. The other nine volumes in the series will be automatically added and the discount will be applied.     Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. And please give us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts if you enjoy our show—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Venerable Thubten Chodron: Vajrayāna and the Culmination of the Path (#200) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Venerable Losang Gendun. Venerable Gendun is a Tibetan Buddhist monk who was ordained in 2006. A dedicated teacher for over 15 years, Ven. Gendun has taught Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and meditation across Europe and the US, and was the resident teacher of FPMT’s Maitreya Institute in Amsterdam for six years. As a member of Mind & Life Europe, he integrates contemplative traditions with science to foster equality and compassion. In this episode, you’ll hear Daniel and Ven. Gendun discuss: his first experiences with Buddhism after meeting a Trappist monk; his time studying with esteemed teachers like H. H. the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche; the interplay between deep meditation practices and community engagement; his work with the Buddha Project; and much more!  Mentioned in this episode: The Buddha Project Shantideva Center in Brooklyn, NYC                 Duck/Rabbit Illusion Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons   Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. And please give us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts if you enjoy our show—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Venerable Losang Gendun: Bridging Traditions, Building Communities (#199) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Geshe YongDong Losar, a Tibetan Bön lama and spiritual teacher, shares insights from his work at Sherab Chamma Ling in Canada. He discusses his new course, 'Calm Breath, Calm Mind,' emphasizing the revitalizing power of yoga and meditation in our chaotic lives. The conversation highlights how ancient practices are being embraced in the West, contrasting modern distractions with the pursuit of inner peace. Geshe YongDong also explores breath control and energy balance, offering practical techniques for emotional well-being and personal growth.

In this, the fourth and final episode of our celebratory series, Wisdom Podcast host Daniel Aitken is joined by special guest Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche! Listen as Rinpoche guides you on a journey throughout his life, beginning with his early memories of his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the impact his father had on him and his own teaching, all the way to his father’s passing. This episode is also available as a special video podcast.  You’ll hear Rinpoche:  share memories from his childhood in Kathmandu and the Himalayas; discuss his initiation into meditation by his father to help manage his panic attacks;  his father’s teaching style and how it changed as he got older; Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s tukdam;   the influence that his father had on him, his own practice, and teachings; and; so much more.   Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. And please give us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts if you enjoy our show—it’s a great support to us and helps other people find the podcast. Thank you! The post Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche: Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s Legacy (#197) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.