Voices of Love

We’re raised to believe that our perceptions of the world around us has an objective quality, but both Buddhism and modern neuroscience agree that our perceptions can frequently be distorted, and these distortions can cause great suffering. This "naive realism” — the belief that the world exists in the way it appears to us — is so innate to many of us, yet our beliefs, past experiences and emotion...

In this episode, Ven Tenzin explores the Eight Worldly Concerns, a set of four dyads that correspond to many of the deeply held hopes and fears that drive the actions of all beings. As we engage with the spiritual path, or even the mundane decisions of the day-to-day, a clear understanding of these forms of attachment and aversion can serve as a way to become mindful of our motivations and bring c...

Capitalist consumer culture puts a huge emphasis on finding happiness in the external world. But, this hedonic happiness is shown, both in our experience and in the scientific experiments, to be fleeting. In this episode, Ven Tenzin speaks to a second, more durable type of happiness that is not nearly as predicated on external factors -- Eudaimonic happiness, which is derived from what we bring to...

In popular culture, courage is often portrayed as loud and showy, and patience as passivity and inaction. Yet, in Buddhist philosophy, courage is a hallmark of patience, of facing life’s challenges with resilience and wise action. In this episode, Ven Tenzin speaks about the intrinsic link between patience and courage, and how we can build the courage to go outside of our own comfort zones and eng...

Patience, or forbearance, is taught as one of the six perfections, the six main practices of a bodhisattva (a being who is dedicated to attaining full enlightenment for the sake of all living beings). In the well-known text, The Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, the 8th Century Indian master Shantideva devotes the longest chapter to the practice of patience because of its importance. But wha...

Mindfulness practice has become increasingly popular in recent years, and is being taught not only to Buddhist practitioners in meditation retreats but in every context, from maximum-security prisons to Silicon Valley boardrooms. But what did the Buddha teach about mindfulness, and why is this practice such a fundamental aspect of the path leading to awareness and awakening? The Four Foundations o...

Many of us are drawn to the practices of compassion and loving-kindness, but we still struggle with forgiveness of those who have hurt us. What’s the difference between forgiveness and compassion? Why is forgiving so difficult? Does forgiving mean forgetting? Condoning the harmful action? Join us in this discussion of what forgiveness is, what it isn’t, and how to begin the process of forgiveness.

Awe is that sense of wonder felt in the presence of something vast that transcends one’s understanding of the world. People commonly experience it in nature but also in response to religion, art and music. But recent research shows a surprising fringe benefit to moments of awe. These studies show that inducing a sense of awe in people can promote altruistic, helpful and positive social behavior. P...

The Buddha famously taught the doctrine of selflessness. But what does this mean? Doesn’t modern psychology urge us to have a healthy sense of self? What part of “me” am I trying to give up? And who am I, anyway? Everyone has a natural tendency to focus on “me” – my body, my feelings, and my thoughts. This focus has played a critical role in keeping each of us safe, alive and fed… and in developin...

Resource:    https://www.yesmagazine.org/health-happiness/2013/12/28/the-ancient-greeks-6-words-for-love-and-why-knowing-them-can-change-your-life

Venerable Tenzin mentions some books during this episode: The Overstory by Richard Powers Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Born to Be Good by Dacher Keltner

This interview was recorded in front of a live Zoom audience as part of the Healing the Body, Healing the Mind Online Conference in partnership with Jamyang Buddhist Center ’s Science and Wisdom LIVE project.

Ven Tenzin mentioned a number of links during this episode, and they're here for your convenience. https://www.flare.com/identity/self-care-new-zealand-muslim-attack/ https://www.healthline.com/health/when-self-care-becomes-community-care#Were-responsible-for-each-other https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/

Ven. Tenzin and Greg are co-teaching the Compassion Cultivation Training beginning June 30, click here for more information .

Ven Tenzin mentioned some web links during this episode, which are listed below. https://onbeing.org/programs/ross-gay-tending-joy-and-practicing-delight/ https://www.npr.org/2021/02/18/969032187/the-gratitude-chain-a-j-jacobs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aT0A28IW7E

Dr Ekman mentions an upcoming summit in the podcast.  If of interest, the link is below. Explore the Science, Wisdom, and Power of Emotions with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and over 30 Leading Scientists + World Renowned Teachers Join this Special Free Global Event May 2-5, 2021 https://www.scienceandwisdomofemotions.com/

This episode explores self-compassion — what it is, what it's not and how it can make you happier. Put simply, self-compassion is simply treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and support you'd show a good friend. So, why is it so difficult? What are some of the obstacles to self-compassion? Is there a way we can train ourselves in self-compassion? In this session, Ven. Tenzin discusse...

Many of us feel that our social and political worlds are more divided than ever before, and are aware of the suffering this polarization causes. One of the key steps in contemplative compassion training is a recognition of our common humanity, that beneath all the superficial differences of religion, culture, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, etc., we all share the same basic human feelings and...

Characteristics of Anger: Theme: Being thwarted in pursuit of goal that matters to you Effects: Anger controls, punishes and retaliates Dangerous effect: Anger calls forth more anger. It is difficult not to respond to anger with anger, especially when it appears unjustified Why do people want to change anger? It is the dangerous emotion that can quickly hurt others, psychologically, and physically...

Today's episode includes a couple of lists of qualities, which are jotted down here for your ease of reference. Qualities of a true friend, according to the Buddha. Is a help and support Is the same in happiness and sorrow Advises his friend for his welfare Is sympathetic Ven Tenzin also mentions Jean Baker Miller's list of five phenomena of growth-enhancing relationships. Each person feels a grea...