Aging in the Dharma (Link #790)

Speaker: Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. This is a rebroadcast of a talk given by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche to the local sangha on January 5, 2014 at Osel Ling in Crestone, Colorado. Rinpoche describes the wish for happiness that all beings share, that when stripped down to its very basic form, awakens our tender heart and increases our sensitivity as we move out of our bubble of self-absorption toward a sense of universal responsibility. From the perspective of Buddhist teachings, this is the meaning of true happiness.

Speaker: Tara Di Gesu. Tara draws our attention to Dzigar Kongtrul's teaching on "the saddened heart that recognizes the futility of seeking happiness in samsara." She explores how chyoshe, or ‘unconditioned sadness’ as described by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, holds profound potential. Chyoshe may arise when we notice that we have not followed through on our intentions. When we recognize this sense of being lost and allow ourselves to surrender to the genuine heart of sadness within us, it offers something precious. Rather than imparting a sense a failure, chyoshe reminds us to identify with our deepest intentions rather than with our obscurations. It can open us to genuine joy on the path and strengthen our determination to be free.

Speaker: Dungse Jampal Norbu. Dungse-la emphasizes the responsibilities and benefits of uplifting our internal world and cultivating "sweet" relationships with others and the world. He reflects on how this practice of setting a positive tone in our mind aligns with the Dharma because it involves letting go of grudges, heaviness, and ego-clinging. Anticipating the Year of the Fire Horse, Dungse-la concludes: "We are always foremost working with our internal world, and we have the power to set that world on fire in a positive or negative way."

Speaker: Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. This talk was originally given to an online, European audience on September 15, 2024 as part of a weekend program, "Compassion Without Limit". The first of three talks aired on the LINK in August 2025. This is the second talk from that program and it is split into two parts for rebroadcast on February 1 and 8, 2026. In this second part, Rinpoche explains how to get beyond habitual mind and emotions through examination of the sixth consciousness and attachment to the self.

Speaker: Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. This talk was originally given to an online, European audience on September 15, 2024 as part of a weekend program, "Compassion Without Limit". The first of three talks aired on the LINK in August 2025. This is the second talk from that program and it is split into two parts for rebroadcast on February 1 and 8, 2026. In this first part, Rinpoche begins by describing the origins of clinging to a sense of self and the attachments, emotions and karma that arise from that. He then decribes the path to nirvana and bliss.

Speaker: Alice Gormley. Alice discusses the importance of the four immeasurables practice in her life. She expresses deep gratitude for the ability to connect remotely, which has allowed her to maintain a connection to the Dharma and precious family members. She marvels at all of the modern methods that keep us connected, assuring the listener that it is possible to have meaningful conversation from afar.

Speaker: Nicholas Carter. "We are all moving towards death". With this fundamental recognition, Nick contemplates how the Dharma offers meaning, purpose, and direction in aging and death. He acknowledges the profound inspiration he has received from older women in his life who are aging with clarity and courage. Nick emphasizes how strength in Dharma practice brings contentment, allowing us to surrender to our lives and embrace aging. Furthermore, he points to mindfulness and vigilant introspection as essential practices that bring clarity of mind and the capacity to be present as we age in the Dharma.

Speaker: Katsutoshi Okabayashi. Oka-san uses "closing shop" as a metaphor for letting go, and "preparing to open" as a means of finding freedom through gratitude. Though sadness may arise from facing endings, openness dawns, which brings joy and natural cheerfulness. This is achieved by working with the mind daily, to continually let go with appreciation and welcome the future. Oka-san finds that the four immeasurables practice reveals how fragile and unsteady the mind is, particularly when pride arises. Pride's corresponding belief is that everything is achievable through personal will and effort. Relying on the help and support of others, one can step out of this self-centered state. When we recognize that our existence is the result of the care, guidance, and generosity of others, especially our parents, gratitude naturally arises.

Speaker: Dungse Jampal Norbu. Dungse-la emphasizes the importance of reflection as we enter into a new year. It is, "the time to take time" to bear witness to what has unfolded and to allow that experience to shape our aspirations for the future. As we enter 2026 and the Year of the Fire Horse, we are invited to renew our connection to the Dharma and recommit ourselves to the bodhisattva vow. The key is simply to show up with an open heart and an open mind to whatever arises, like the lotus opening in the middle of a swamp. From this space, he encourages us to set strong, bold aspirations to fulfill that vow in the year ahead.

Speaker: Sasha Dorje Meyerowitz. While gathering information for one of Rinpoche's books, ‘It's Up To You’, Sasha describes the profound impact that revisiting past teachings on ignorance had on him- "an openness to a new way of being". Sasha realized that ignorance and buddhanature are two sides of the same coin. The root cause of suffering is ignorance, and because it is universal, it is not personal. This dispels the urge to blame ourselves. Buddhanature is our true nature, obscured by ignorance. Ignorance stems from grasping to self and dissolving that attachment sets us on the path to freedom. Sasha offers a few practices that assist in moving away from ignorance toward the call of our true nature.