The Platform Podcast

From the Foreword:”This very readable book is an honest account of the experiences shared by Jampa Kalden and his companions in this remote area of Tibet among extraordinary women whose lives are devoted to realisation of the fruits of Dharma practice right here and now! “- Jetsunma Tenzin PalmoAbout the Book:Calling the Lama from Afar is a journey into the world of the remarkable yoginis of Gebchak Gompa, a nunnery in a remote valley in the Eastern Tibetan region of Nangchen, known as the land of meditators. Situated at an altitude of over 14,000 feet, Gebchak is home to more than 300 nuns renowned for their practice and realisation and is the heart and hub of a group of more than 30 gompas under the care of Tsoknyi Rinpoche III. Bokar Rinpoche wrote that of the many practice centers for women, Gebchak Gompa is “the most renowned center” in Tibet. The Gebchak yoginis are particularly known for their accomplishment of the practice of tummo or inner fire meditation, which they demonstrate in an annual winter ceremony, using tummo to dry wet sheets wrapped around their bodies as they walk slowly around the gompa in temperatures far below freezing. At the heart of the book are interviews with Gebchak nuns, including some very accomplished elderly yoginis who speak openly about their lives and their meditative realization. Just as inspiring are the new generation of yoginis who maintain the Gebchak tradition of meditation, and attain realization even as young nuns. Those interviewed include nuns in their 30’s who have been authorized to give pointing out instruction on the nature of mind. Others talk about taking part in the annual tummo ceremony, and about their lives at Gebchak Gompa. The nuns also recount tales of the deaths of Gebchak yoginis – events marked by wondrous signs of attainment. These nuns’ stories are first-hand, contemporary accounts, not history or legend. This is a living tradition that did not end with the yoginis of old but continues to this day, despite the destruction of the gompa during what they call “the troubled times.” Many humorous episodes enliven the text, and the nuns’ story is enriched with historical accounts of early visitors to the region, side trips to other gompas and meetings with remarkable Nangchen lamas.About the Author: Formerly a medical practitioner specialising in public health, Jampa Kalden is a monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, ordained in New Zealand in 2001. Although initially ordained in the Gelugpa lineage he soon discovered an affinity for the practice lineages and jokes that he “went over to the dark side”, practicing and receiving teachings in the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages. While at Gebchak nunnery he met students of Tsoknyi Rinpoche who encouraged him to visit the town of Crestone in Colorado, which he did the following year. Since then he has divided his time mainly between Nepal and Crestone.https://www.amazon.com.au/Calling-Lama-Afar-Nangchens-Gebchak-ebook/dp/B0BYJYK99Vw: www.platformbooks.coinsta: @platformbooks.co

"Overflow is an important original work from a new inspired voice in the world of Buddhism. Vincent Thibault presents a well-written and masterfully organised approach to the development of sanity from the perspective of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Through his own studies and practice, he has created a work that is written in the language of our time to encourage us to take the enlightened principles and to make them our own. On the path, it is not easy to notice when we are fooling ourselves. The author makes a point of trying to acknowledge and remedy cultural, psychological and especially spiritual blindspots. Highly recommended.—Samuel Bercholz, Founder of Shambhala Publications and author of A Guided Tour of Hell."I am pleased to recommend Vincent Thibault’s Overflow: A Buddhist guide to recovering sanity in the age of information overload to anyone interested in how the timeless teachings of the Buddha can be applied effectively to modern life. In language easy to understand and assimilate, he gives us practical instructions on how to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, meditative insight, and other extraordinary qualities of the dharma that can provide us with unerring navigation through the turbulence and complexity so characteristic of life in the 21st century.—Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, Author of Our Pristine Mind: A Practical Guide to Unconditional Happiness.From the Forewordby Traleg KhandroOverflow is a thought provoking, insightful and empathetic book that articulates many of the challenges that accompany us on a day-to-day basis in the 21st Century; and provides essential Buddhist teachings and practices to assist in navigating these challenges in a way that can enrich and stabilize our lives. Thibault addresses many questions of our time. Within the world of “overload”, whether it be from information, crowds, or choices; can we find room to care for and connect fully with others and the world? With the bombardment of information, is it becoming harder to separate the trivial from the important? How can we live with integrity in a conflicted and contradictory world? While we so often look for the cause of our discontent outside ourselves, Thibault encourages the reader to look within. Drawing on the wisdom of many great Buddhist masters, Thibault shares essential aspects of Buddhist teachings and details many meditation practices to assist in enriching our inner journey through life. This book is a triumph in articulating the many challenges we face in our current world, and in marrying their management with the ancient Buddhist traditions.Caught in the flood of constant notifications and endless scrolling?Finding it hard to stay balanced in an age of distraction?Drawing on the wisdom of ancient Buddhist teachings, Thibault offers a clear and compelling roadmap for those seeking mental clarity in today’s hyperconnected world. With insights into the nuances of our digital age and practical advice rooted in mindfulness, this book is a refreshing take on how to regain peace and purpose amidst the noise.This is more than just a guide—it’s a companion on your journey to deeper awareness, offering a way to discern what truly matters from what doesn’t and live a life of integrity, calm, and spiritual abundance.Vincent Thibault is a Canadian writer who has published 15 books in French, including both fiction and nonfiction, with various publishing houses in Quebec. From novels to travel memoirs and philosophical essays, his work is surprisingly varied, but keeps exploring key themes—the meaning of kindness; the quest for clarity and wisdom in a hectic and noisy world; courage in the face of uncertainty; and the reconciliation of tradition and modernity.www.vincentthibault.comw: www.platformbooks.coinsta: @platformbooks.co

Episode #1—The book launch of Monumental: the Story of the Stupa with Ian Green OAM, Chairman of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, located in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. The book launch was held in November 2023 at the Great Stupa. Topics covered include: Ian's spiritual journey from high-powered advertising executive to devoted Tibetan Buddhist. How he came to undertake such a large project on such a massive scale as the Great Stupa and the Jade Buddha for Universal PeaceBuddhism in Australia and how Australia has deep rooted connections both historically and geographically with asia.  Interfaith Harmony and DialogueBuddhism and ScienceSecularism as a reality for Buddhists and other faithsDon't miss Ian's heartfelt readings of selected excerpts from his enlightening book, offering a glimpse into his profound journey and the wisdom he has gathered along the way.Embark on this inspirational adventure and discover the transformative power of faith, dedication, and interfaith understanding.If you like what you hear, you can pick up a copy of Monumental: The Story of the Stupa by Ian Green here: Amazon The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Platform PublicationsFollow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest book releases, news, and events: InstagramFacebookNewsletterManuscript submissions: Email: [email protected]. big thanks to Jack Palmer for assistance with audio production and mixing - https://www.jackpalmer.net/w: www.platformbooks.coinsta: @platformbooks.co