Tibetan Buddhism: The Elegant Mind

It is in the river waters of the Pacific Northwest that Salmon, the essence of nature's wild and bountiful grandeur, are born and, after years swimming free in the vast ocean, return to spawn.  Herein are some thoughts on the lives --and the ultimate dignity -- of these regional sentient treasures. (Length: 10 minutes) Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project; background music composed and...

Q: What role does Karma play in the ongoing experiences of our rebirth and next life? A: An innately intrinsic one -- you are architecting the tone and tenor of your future mind now, moment-by-moment . . . just as was done by those who came before you.  Meaningful awareness of this can be profoundly beneficial.  (Length: 11 minutes)  Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project. ...

Chitray is a tiny hamlet perched on a Himalayan ridge along the Sikkim-Nepal border.  For one Western trekker, absorbing the 'effects' of sitting alongside its stupa early on a foggy morning, Chitray became one of the most far-reaching places she's ever been.  (Length: 9 minutes) Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project.  Background music composed and performed by the renowne...

It is said that Buddhas -- fully awakened beings -- may manifest in any place, at any time and in any form . . . even as a spiny urchin in the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest's Salish Sea.    (Length: 8 minutes) Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project.  Background music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

Consider: Emptiness -- that often referred to, generally misunderstood aspect of mind that is so often referred to in the Buddhist wisdom teachings . . . is anything but empty. It is within the limitless nature of emptiness – the emptiness of any inherent and consistent self -- that the vastness of our potential(s) dwell.  So what is it we are empty of? For starters, how about our (seemingly real)...

One of the enduring Dharma discussions in the West centers around "What Is Buddhism -- Is it Science, Social Perspective or Religion?"  In this broadcast, the Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood examines the science within Tibetan Buddhist practice, including some of the notions that are relevant to so many . . . whether students/practitioners of Buddhism or not. (Length: 62 minutes) -- Note: This po...

In this broadcast, the Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood welcomes Teresa Opolka, a local (Carnation) wetland ecologist/botanist. Teresa is the founder of the Aquatica Environmental Consulting group specializing in projects in the greater Puget Sound region, focusing on wetland and stream resources. The interconnections between the increasingly inhabited lower Snoqualmie Valley, nestled between the...

Many of us are seeking to develop our innate capacity for compassion and wisdom in order to live a most happy, peaceful and beneficial life.  The "16 Guidelines" are a simple and robust Tibetan Buddhism-sourced framework for reflecting on the ways we think, act, relate to others and find meaning in life . . . as well as for creating the causes of true happiness and fulfillment. In this broadcast,...

Mind: every sentient being has one but very few understand -- or even think about -- how their mind works.  In this broadcast, Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project shares the fundamental Buddhist wisdom teaching The Heart Sutra, which puts forth a description of the ongoing workings of mind in terms of "what's there" . . . and what's not.  -- Psst . . . it's all about 'heaps' . . .  (Length: 57 m...

In this broadcast, the Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood discusses aspects of two questions he was recently asked: (1) Why do you (meaning "us") do what you do regarding shared/engaged Dharma?, and (2) Understanding that deeply stubborn self-cherishing, self-centeredness, self-importance, etc. are at the source of so many of our problems, how do we begin to instinctively perceive ouselves/others mo...

Death awaits us all. In this broadcast, Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project discusses the Bardo Thodol (aka Tibetan Book of the Dead) and shares some of the Tibetan ideas of what death is as well as what occurs and is felt during the dying process . . . including what we can begin doing now to create the causes for the "best possible" experience(s) at the time of -- and following -- our death. ...

In this broadcast, the Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood shares some of the fundamental aspects of one of Mahayana Buddhism's most revered (and studied) Prajnaparimta teachings, The Perfection of Wisdom that Cuts Like a Diamond Sutra, aka The Diamond Sutra.  (Length: 55 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast as an "Elegant Mind" episode on  KAPY Valley Radio 104.9 FM, a community r...

In this broadcast Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project expounds upon a recent talk he shared with inmates and their families at the Monroe Correctional Complex (Monroe, WA) on Buddhist perspectives of Family Values. Also included:  a discussion on Tibetan child-rearing practices, specifically for toddlers and the very young.  (Length: 53 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast as...

In this broadcast, the Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood touches upon some of the how's and why's of Dharma-esque eating, including vegetarianism and traditional time(s) to take our meals.  Featured is a wide-ranging interview with the owner/proprietors -- who are master raw food aficionados -- of Longevity Foods, a local (Duvall) vegan health food store and eatery.  (Length: 56 minutes) -- Note: T...

This is a special broadcast! Join Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project as he celebrates the birthday of Tenzin Gyatso, HH Dalai Lama, who turns 83 on Friday, July 6th.  Included is biographical information, an appreciative discussion of his many beauties and talents, a selection of quotes, etc.  (Length: 57 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast as an "Elegant Mind" episode on  K...

Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project discusses the Buddhist perspectives on our inclinations of mind, or Karma. Dispelling some of our common misconceptions, he offers practical insights into the workings of Karma, referring to teachings from the Buddha, the 14th Dalai Lama and Matthieu Ricard, the wizened Tibetan Buddhist monk, molecular/genetics scientist, author, etc.  (Length: 57 minutes)  --...

On this broadcast Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project discusses the Buddhist notions of Precious Human Life, and shares some motivational guidelines for cultivating appreciation for the profound Dharma opportunities our time in the human realm provides  . . . whether one subscribes to the Tibetan viewpoints of rebirth/reincarnation or not.  (length: 56 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was original...

On this episode airing during Fathers' Day 2018 weekend,  Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project discusses fatherhood -- his own father and fathers-in-law, Buddhism-infused perspectives on fatherhood in general and a look at Siddhartha as father, as well as his relationship with his own father Suddhodana.  Also included: in light of the recent deaths of public figures Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdai...

The Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood shares a breathing meditation and answers a listener's question "How do I develop faith?" with a discussion of the Buddhist path of cultivating genuine faith by learning, investigation, meditation and practical reasoning.  (Length: 57 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast as an "Elegant Mind" episode on  KAPY Valley Radio 104.9 FM, a community...

On this episode, Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project discusses notions of Awakening and Bodhicitta in light of the upcoming Tibetan full moon (May 29, 2018) recognition of Saka Dawa, the day on which Siddhartha's birth, attaining of full enlightenment and crossing into parinirvana (complete nirvana upon death) are celebrated.  (Length: 58 minutes)  -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast...

Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project discusses spiritual aspects associated with aging, some of the more common Western misconceptions about Buddhist practice and other topics of interest.  (Length: 57 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast as an "Elegant Mind" episode on  KAPY Valley Radio 104.9 FM, a community radio station serving the lower Snoqualmie River Valley of western W...

On this Mothers' Day 2018 weekend broadcast, the Chenrezig Project's Mark Winwood speaks with Khenpo Sonam Rinpoche, a visiting Tibetan Buddhist lama (Nyingma) teacher, who kindly shares his views on various Dharma-related subjects, most notably the Tibetan perspectives on mothers and motherhood.   (Length: 60 minutes) -- Note: This podcast was originally broadcast as an "Elegant Mind" episode on ...