Connecting Wrath with Fierce Compassion

Beneath the ferocity of wrath is a deep sense of compassion. What is the relationship between anger and love? And how can we access empathy for others in difficult situations? A sculpture of Hayagriva, the wrathful emanation of the bodhisattva of compassion Avalokiteshvara, exemplifies the tireless dedication of such deities to the well-being of all. This episode features psychologists and researchers Julie and John Gottman and is hosted by singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre Kathleen Hanna.Read the transcript and learn more about the artwork in this episode: i Kill and Le Tigre and host of AWAKEN season 6 Kathleen Hanna.Read the transcript and learn more about the artwork in this episode.Chapters:0:43 - Introduction 12:08 - Rubin Artwork: Hayagriva 21:53 - Outro

In the English language, anger and wrath are often grouped together, but in Buddhism they are quite different. Anger is considered a poison, a fire that consumes and destroys everything it touches. Wrath is a liberating energy that is free of ignorance, delusion, and attachment. A painting of the wrathful deity Krodhakali illuminates how the powerful potential of anger can be transformed into enlightened action. This episode features singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre and host of AWAKEN season 6 Kathleen Hanna.0:43 - Introduction 15:30 - Rubin Artwork: Vajrayogini 24:43 - OutroRead the transcript and learn more about the artwork in this episode: https://rubinmuseum.org/understanding-the-difference-between-anger-and-wrath/

Wrath is often perceived as interchangeable with anger or rage. But in the Buddhist tradition, wrath has a very particular meaning as a liberatory, fierce, and protective force of transformation. Wrathful deities embody this energy to aid all beings on the path to enlightenment. What can they teach us about the nature of wrath and its relationship to awakening?This episode features activist, documentary filmmaker, lawyer, educator, and faith leader Valarie Kaur and is hosted by punk singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre Kathleen Hanna.Read the transcript and learn more about the artwork in this episode: https://rubinmuseum.org/introducing-wrath/0:43 - What Is Wrath? 14:53 - Rubin Artwork: Vajrapani 25:06 - Closing

Welcome to Season 6 of AWAKEN—a Webby Honoree podcast about the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” This season explores wrath as a powerful force for awakening and transformation. Hosted by singer, writer, and frontwoman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre Kathleen Hanna, the series focuses on Buddhist and Hindu paintings and sculptures of wrathful deities from the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art’s collection to illuminate their teachings on fierce compassion. Experts in the realms of art, social science, Buddhism, and more share how wrath, when used with intention and skill, can be harnessed for protection and meaningful action.AWAKEN Season 6 launches October 27, 2026.Read the transcript and learn more about the Rubin: https://rubinmuseum.org/welcome-to-awaken-season-6/

In the final episode, we explore how to integrate what we’ve learned about interdependence over the course of this season into our lives and put it into practice. How can we implement some of the teachings from the image of the Wheel of Life? We are all in this together. There is no other way. It’s time to wake up to this reality and act accordingly.This episode features pastoral counselor, teacher, and author Pamela Ayo Yetunde. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/integrating-what-weve-learned/

The interconnected relationship between artist and viewer is what gives art its meaning and power. Art can capture ideas that are difficult to express in words and make them more understandable. How do artists reflect and deepen our understanding of interdependence? For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the human realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of culture.This episode features interdisciplinary artist and visual storyteller Osheen Siva. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/considering-the-interplay-of-culture

Technology isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s all about how we use it. At its best it can reveal hidden truths, build community, and serve as a tool for living. How can we navigate the increasingly interconnected relationship between technology and humanity in ways that harness its beneficial potential?For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the human realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of technology.This episode features transmedia artist and professor Stephanie Dinkins. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/grappling-with-our-relationship-to-technologyTell us what you think of AWAKEN! Complete our listener survey for a chance to win two free tickets to the Rubin’s Mindfulness Meditation program in person or online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3TV8MT

Our bodies may be the single most tangible reminder of interdependence. But good health isn’t just related to physical functioning—there are emotional and social components as well. What can a holistic perspective on health offer us? And how do our relationships relate to our well-being?For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the hell realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of health.This episode features Tibetan physician, scholar, and founder and medical director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/taking-a-wider-view-of-health/

One of the places we see interdependence at play most clearly is in the natural world. Within our interconnected relationship to the environment comes the potential for humans to sustain great beauty but also create great harm. What does it look like to live in mutual reciprocity with the Earth in small but meaningful ways? For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the animal realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of ecology.This episode features Indigenous musician, author, and community organizer Lyla June Johnston. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/connecting-with-the-environment

For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the hungry ghost realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of community.This episode features journalist and author A.J. Jacobs. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/acknowledging-community-on-a-collective-scale