Tibetan Buddhism: The Elegant Mind

Consider: How convenient would it be to have a 'Karma' Replay Command Center into which we could call when needed to replay an action or moment we had participated in?  An at-the-ready 'redo' button for any occurrence that, upon reflection, we'd like to correct or fix the 'why' or 'how' we behaved with others . . . and thereby repairing or 're-contenting' the unwholesome karmic seed that had been...

"How does my mind work?" It was a question posed to the 21st Century Bodhisattva at the conclusion of a teaching. After pausing to collect her thoughts, the Bodhisattva smiled softly and began to speak not only about the experiential mechanics of mind-flow, but of the path of progressive engagement that empowers one to begin to understand for themself. (Length: 14 minutes) Written by Mark Winwood...

The historians tell us Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, lived more than 2,500 years ago in Northern India. Having uncovered and freed the enlightened mind, it is said he taught the path of similar achievement to others for 45 years, until his death at the age of 80. Precious work, done remarkably well; obviously the Buddha and his teachings have had a uniquely far-reaching impact. But co...

Posed by a student to the 21st Century Bodhisattva at the conclusion of a teaching: "There's this nagging question, What do I want? The truth is, it's slippery. How can I ever know what I truly want when everything is always changing . . . including my flip-flopping mind, the basis of my entire experience?"   "Do you have any advice for me?" After some moments of thought the Bodhisattva began to s...

Absolutely everything (i.e., anything) we can point to as 'this' or 'that' is occurring in a dynamically ever-changing manner . . . organic . . . on the fly . . . at times seemingly chaotic . . . the sum of its parts . . . perpetually compiling and re-compiling . . . including the profoundly complex occurrences we refer to as You and Me and Us. All phenomena emanate from a myriad of causes . . . s...

Finally . . . tangible proof. Announcing: a product that confirms Karma does exist, via a boundless system of seeds (or traces of directional disposition) that both 'plant' and 'blossom' in every moment of consciousness, within all minds. Introducing Apple's new mobile app >> the i-Karma Kounter. It's groundbreaking -- driven by complex, proprietary algorithms; a real-time overseer of individual b...

In our rush to purchase and consume, everything becomes commodity, and we often forget about -- if we ever considered them at all -- the sources from which our desired goods and products come.  And we easily ignore all that has been done to bring them to us . . . even when extreme hardships have been endured. Please don't allow that to happen with the profoundly empowering teachings of Tibetan Bud...

An ordinary package delivery . . . refreshing iced tea accompanied by an awakening conversation between a United Parcel Service driver and the 21st Century Bodhisattva. The topics: timeless interconnection and deeply felt gratitude. (Length: 8 minutes) Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, recorded in collaboration with Claire Van Bergen.  With music composed and performed by the ren...

It seems there are some who see Buddhist practice as a path of tame irrelevance: a way that promotes peace (aka passivity), gentleness (aka weakness) and non-violence (aka non-action) . . . docile, inconsequential, tuned-out. Of course, anyone who has gazed -- and plunged -- into the deep, fiercely loving eyes of a trusted lama, or who lives and practices in accordance with the empowering intensit...

I have heard stories of a man, regarded by some to be odd in his ways, who lives camped on a small ridge overlooking a creek near the bottom of a particularly deep watershed ravine deep in the mountains . . .  a wilderness man who is said to be a deeply awakened Buddhist practitioner, perhaps even a burgeoning Buddha. And so, early one morning, I set out . . .  (Length: 13 minutes) Presented by Ma...

Beginning with a discussion about the Pineal gland -- and prompted by aspersions of "narrow-mindedness" -- here are some thoughts on the nature of imagination and its role on the path of Buddhist study, practice and engagement. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of imagination includes "the ability to think of new and/or familiar things in new ways." And so, consider imagination not to b...

Some people look upon crying as an indication of self-pity or weakness, a loss of self-control or indication of some sort of emotional disorder or infirmity . . . or perhaps merely a means of manipulation.  But for those on the Buddhist path, tears often emerge for reasons quite different; signaling a profound opening to a richer embrace of our range of experience. Sometimes we cry on the outside,...

The question of how to most effectively communicate Dharma insights and sensitivities with those not familiar with Buddhist perspectives was raised at a recent gathering. Some ideas on how notions such as Interpersonal Relationships, Navigating Impermanence, Patience, Joy, Confidence and Well-Being arise through understanding-born wisdom . . . and might be demonstrably shared . . . are presented....

Tibetan Buddhism is a path of accumulated wisdom, a path of practice and engagement . . . leading away from ignorant self-centeredness toward true virtue and happiness.  It is the way of Dharma, of honesty -- beautiful, challenging, perhaps scary at times and always beneficial. It leads to a reality so intuitively correct and freeing that, upon encountering it, one's only remaining element of disb...

There are countless Buddhas throughout the universe continuously working for our benefit by emanating in every sort of fashion . . . bringing about insights, realizations and perhaps even moments of progressive awakening. In Buddhism these experiences are known as blessings, and the only thing that restricts our direct knowledge of them is our own narrow-mindedness. In this podcast, the 21st Centu...

(Written and inspired by the joy of HH Dalai Lama's 86th birthday.) An excerpt: "Things are going well for me, Mother.  I am in good health and enthusiastic in my work.  Intellectual, imaginative, stimulating, virtuous and joyous is this path; I am profoundly appreciative to you for providing me with the life force that has enabled me to journey upon it.    Always I am reminded of the precious fou...

Most Westerners equate Mind with thinking, but in Buddhism it is acknowledged to be vastly more . . . Mind is the entire spectrum of our inner experiences: thoughts, feelings, perceptions, consciousness, subconsciousness, unconsciousness. It is our perceiver, translator, reflector and mirror. Without it there is nothing . . . within it is everything. To begin a meditation practice is to embark on...

Buddhist practice leads us to see that our mind is beyond precious and teaches us how to tend to it, learning to discern those states of mind that are unwholesome or harmful and those that are beneficial.  Once identified, we choose -- hopefully wisely -- which to let pass and which to nourish. This is the animated structure of beneficial Karmic activity. To understand, embrace and engage with its...

On the eve of Saka Dawa, the full moon day on which Siddhartha's birth, enlightenment and passing into Parinirvana upon his death are joyously celebrated in Tibetan Buddhist communities and among practitioners world-wide, here is a heartfelt dispatch to him . . . along with a request. (Length: 14 minutes) Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, accompanied by music composed and perform...

The Dharma path is one of grace; teachings are everywhere. Be curious, remain humble. Read, watch and listen carefully . . . learn from everyone and everything and continue doing so while maintaining your sense of humor. You already have all you'll ever need -- lace up your traveling shoes and get on with it . . . in short order you'll be walking differently upon the Earth. (Length: 9 minutes) Pre...

She is within each and every step you take . . . She guides you toward moments of clarity and wisdom, helping to free you when you are confused and distracted. She is safety . . . She is brilliance . . . She is fearlessness . . . She is your wisest self, your very best mind, your kindest heart . . . She is Awakening . . . She is Precious . . . She is You. (Length: 7 minutes) Written by Mark Winwoo...

They are the Coastal Redwoods, aka Sequoia Sempervirens -- native to the American West, living among the clouds and foggy canyons of the Pacific coastal mountains.  Bunyan-esque and virtually indestructible (except by human loggers and their saw mills), they are perhaps our most noble Dharma teachers.  (Length: 13 minutes) Shared here by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed a...

For your consideration: If you would receive great wealth to forget all the Dharma you've ever learned and/or experienced . . .  your insights and understandings, knowledge and practices . . . all of it, every bit . . . and by so doing slip back into the mind you had before first encountering the Dharma . . . might you do it?   (Length: 12 minutes) Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chen...

We live in a world of often-forgettable sound bites: advertising jingles, political slogans, song verses, news headlines, tweets, jargon, etc. Here is a message we believe is significantly worth remembering, it comes from the 8th century Indian master, Shantideva . . .   (Length: 10 minutes) Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed and performed by the re...

Change -- sometimes wanted, often unwanted -- is a central feature of life. It can be both subtle and obvious; exhilarating, confusing, exhausting and relieving. It will often spark deep sadness or relief, resistance or grasping . . . and it rarely comes in a form we prefer.  Here is a story of Charlie and Olivia . . . and change. (Length: 11 minutes) Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Proje...