The Wisdom Podcast

This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features special guest Eva Natanya. This episode is part of a two-part series discussing the themes in Śamatha and Vipaśyanā. You can listen to Part 1 with Lama Alan Wallace, Lama Alan Wallace: Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: Part 1 (#217). In this episode, join host Daniel Aitken and Eva as they go behind the scenes and discuss the process of bringing Śamatha and Vipaśyanā to publication. Eva shares her deep engagement in solitary meditation retreats and working with Lama Alan Wallace on translating such significant Buddhist texts. Discover the importance of courage and perseverance in the spiritual journey to realize one’s true self and embody genuine well-being. Eva and Daniel also discuss:  The process of translation and the compilation of the texts; the significance of clear light and rigpa;  compassion and pristine awareness; and much more! Mentioned in this episode: Open Mind translated by B. Alan Wallace Fathoming the Mind translation and commentary by B. Alan Wallace Kindness, Clarity, and Insight by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins, edited by Elizabeth Napper This is part 2 of a two-part series on the release of this volume. Be sure to check out part one featuring fellow Lama Alan Wallace here.   Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Śamatha and Vipaśyanā with code WPODSV through Februrary 15.   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 Eva Natanya: Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: Part 2 (#225) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

This episode, previously recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features Professor John Dunne.  John is the distinguished chair in contemplative humanities at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He works with Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice. He is also an author of the winner of the 2025 Khyentse Foundation Prize for Outstanding Translation, Nāgārjuna’s Precious Garland. Join host Daniel Aitken and John as they discuss Buddhist philosophy and the historical significance of the Nalanda tradition. They transition to conceptual thinking and non-duality, exploring the relationship between consciousness and perception, the importance of education in understanding these concepts, and so much more! They also discuss:  Yogic perception and meditation; temporal and spatial experience; the role of education in cultivating wisdom; the intersection of AI and Buddhist philosophy; and so much more!   Additional content mentioned in this episode: The Wisdom of the Nalanda Tradition – A Wisdom Academy course. Available now. This course is offered as pay what you can. Neural effects and phenomenology of nondual meditation and 5-MeO-DMT in an expert meditation practitioner – Winner 2025 Neuroscience of Pure Awareness prize by the Culture of Consciousness Foundation by Thomas Metzinger. Authors: Christopher Timmermann, Tommaso Barba, James Sanders, Stéphane Offort, John Dunne, David Erritzoe, Antoine Lutz. Available in preprint – https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/whqdp_v2 The post Professor John Dunne: Buddhist Philosophy and the Nalanda Tradition (#223) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode of The Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken is joined by David M. DiValerio. Join David and Daniel as they discuss David’s newest book, Mountain Dharma: Meditative Retreat and the Tibetan Ascetic Self. David shares his journey into Tibetan Buddhist studies, as well as his experiences and research on Tibetan retreats over the years. They also discuss:  the historical context and modern adaptations of retreat practices; the differences between solitary, individual, and community retreat practice;  the challenges of translating ancient texts; and much more!   Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Mountain Dharma with code CUP20. Code valid when purchased from Columbia University Press.   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 David M. DiValerio: Mountain Dharma (#221) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

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.

In this episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Dasho Karma Ura. Dasho Karma Ura has a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford University, a Master of Philosophy from Edinburgh, and a PhD from Nagoya University. He was awarded the red scarf and the ancient title of distinction, Dasho, by His Majesty the Fourth King in 2006 for his dedicated service to the country of Bhutan. He was a member of the Drafting Committee of Bhutan’s first Constitution in 2008 and became president of the Centre for Bhutan Studies and Gross National Happiness Research. He is a painter and author of many books, including Bhutan: The Unremembered Nation – Volumes 1 & 2. In 2010, he was bestowed the honour of Druk Khorlo (Wheel of Dragon Kingdom) by His Majesty the King for his contributions to literature and fine arts. In this episode, Dasho Karma and Daniel explore the study and influence of Gross National Happiness, a philosophy pioneered in Bhutan by His Majesty the Fourth King, in which a government prioritizes national happiness over economic growth.  In this episode, Dasho Karma and Daniel also discuss:  Buddhist ideals shaping Bhutanese culture; Language and cultural preservation; National happiness and collective well-being; Craft and virtue in Buddhist practice; The life and art of Yeshe Tsogyal; and much more!         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 Dasho Karma Ura: The Pursuit of Happiness in Bhutan (#219) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

This episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, welcomes back His Eminence Khangser Rinpoche. At five years of age, a search party positively identified him as the reincarnation of the seventh Khangser Rinpoche. He is one of three high lamas responsible for recognizing the rebirth of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He presently serves as vice abbot of Gyuto Monastery and as the founder and administrative head of Thangkar Dechen Choling Monastic Institute.  He is the author of A Monk’s Guide to Finding Joy. Join Rinpoche and host Daniel Aitken as they explore the concept of Buddha-nature, challenges of distraction in the digital age, and the enduring resilience of the Dharma across generations.  In this episode, Rinpoche and Daniel also discuss:  the Sutra and Tantra approaches to mental afflictions; selflessness as the ultimate antidote to the cause of anger; the importance of analytical meditation; the debate on emptiness and existence; and much more!        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 H. E. Khangser Rinpoche: Buddha-Nature and Beyond (#218) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode, previously recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, host Daniel Aitken welcomes back Lama Alan Wallace to discuss the newest release, Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: An Anthology of Pith Instructions. Lama Alan trained for many years as a monk in Buddhist monasteries in India and Switzerland. He has taught Buddhist theory and practice in Europe and America since 1976 and has served as interpreter for numerous Tibetan scholars and contemplatives, including H. H. the Dalai Lama. He has edited, translated, authored, and contributed to more than forty books on Tibetan Buddhism, medicine, language, and culture, and the interface between science and religion. He is also the founder of the Center for Contemplative Research (CCR), which now has retreat center locations in Crestone, Colorado, and in Castellina Marittima, Italy. This conversation delves into Lama Alan’s journey in Tibetan Buddhism, the teachings he received from his gurus, and the path to achieving irreversible transformation through the cultivation of bodhicitta and śamatha meditation. They discuss the complementarity of Western science’s technological advances and Buddhist contemplative practices, highlighting the value of genuine mental cultivation in addressing modern challenges.  In this episode, Lama Alan and Daniel also discuss:  the significance of the recently released volume Śamatha and Vipaśyanā; Lama Alan’s early inspirations and teachings with Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey; Western and Eastern perspectives on the mind; the need for a revolution in understanding the mind;  and much more! This is part 1 of a two-part series on the release of this volume. Be sure to check out part two featuring fellow Eva Natanya, coming soon to The Wisdom Podcast. Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Śamatha and Vipaśyanā with code WPODSV through November 15. 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 Lama Alan Wallace: Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: Part 1 (#217) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

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.