The Wisdom Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Lama Alan Wallace, a key figure in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West, shares his deep insights from decades of practice and teaching. He explores the intersection of mindfulness, Dzokchen, and Western psychology, emphasizing how these practices can cultivate emotional awareness. The conversation delves into achieving pure awareness and the essence of nirvana, highlighting the importance of compassion and wisdom. Lama Alan also reflects on the transformative power of silence during retreats, offering a captivating glimpse into the depths of spiritual realization.

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.

Join Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan Buddhist teacher, as he shares heartfelt memories from his childhood in the Himalayas, influenced by his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his spiritual path, including how his father's unique teaching style helped him manage panic attacks through meditation. Rinpoche delves into the spiritual significance of tukdam and reflects on his father's enduring legacy, all while highlighting the importance of adapting ancient teachings for modern seekers.

Welcome to the third episode of our celebratory Blazing Splendor Wisdom Podcast series! This episode was recorded earlier this year as a live Wisdom Dharma Chat where host Daniel Aitken was joined by special guest, Tsoknyi Rinpoche. During this episode, Rinpoche shares deep insights from his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s teachings, along with personal anecdotes in celebration of the release of the collector’s edition of Blazing Splendor. You’ll hear Daniel and Rinpoche discuss:  Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s dual role in Rinpoche’s life as parent and teacher; Rinpoche’s handshake method, and his unique style of teaching; the most valuable teaching and advice that Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche gave to Rinpoche; and  much more!  Mentioned in this episode: Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s course https://tsoknyirinpoche.org/fully-being/   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 Tsoknyi Rinpoche: Insights from My Father and Teacher, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (#196) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this second episode of our celebratory Blazing Splendor Wisdom Podcast Series host Daniel Aitken is joined by Erik Pema Kunsang. Enjoy hearing Erik share profound experiences with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche in “Timeless Teachings with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche,” including a story he’s never shared before.   During this episode, Daniel and Erik discuss: how Rinpoche led him to the realization of the mind’s true nature; Rinpoche’s unique teaching methods; his diverse skills and humility; the enduring influence Rinpoche has had on Erik and countless others; 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 Erik Pema Kunsang: Timeless Teachings with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (#195) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In the first episode of this celebratory series of episodes, Wisdom Podcast host Daniel Aitken is joined by Marcia Binder Schmidt, one of the editors of Blazing Splendor and a student of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. During this episode, she and Daniel discuss  how she began to practice Tibetan Buddhism; her impactful first meeting with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche; how the book Blazing Splendor came to be;  her involvement in preserving Rinpoche’s teachings through books; 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 Marcia Binder Schmidt: Meeting Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (#194) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, a distinguished teacher and meditation master in the Bön tradition of Tibet, dives deep into the fascinating realm of dream yoga. He shares personal stories of his journey and how this unique practice can transform waking life and enhance spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sleep, REM cycles for emotional processing, and maintaining awareness in both dreams and reality. Rinpoche offers actionable insights for improving dream engagement, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in harnessing the power of their subconscious.