Beste Vajrayana podcasts (2024)

1
Karma - it's not fate! 23:44

6d ago23:44

23:44

The fruit of our actions – our karma – is said to be unavoidable. Sooner or later, every action comes back to us. But that does not mean that everything that happens to us is predetermined. Bonus speculation on the fundamental nature of reality! Words or phrases you might want to look up: Karma Jewel Ornament of Liberation Words of my Perfect Teach…

1
Sankhu and the Princess 15:09

13d ago15:09

15:09

She was a new bride, but for the help she gave I call her a princess! The pilgrimage trip to the Vajrayogini shrine at Sankhu could have been a LOT, LOT worse. The Welcome Gate at Sankhu town The damaged main temple at the top Words or phrases you might want to look up: Vajrayogini Vajravarahi Boudha Swyambhu Sankhu Kathmandu #Buddhism #Vajrayana #…

1
Dakinis - what the **** are they? 19:46

20d ago19:46

19:46

In dreams, in the wild, dark woods where reality starts to break apart and become entangled in vision, where fear and ecstasy dance and sing, you may meet the dakini. Is she your mother, your lover, your friend? Will she cast you out or invite you to join the dance? Yeshe Tsogyal Words or phrases you might want to look up: Dakini Daka Khandroma Pha…

1
Big cycles, little cycles 18:16

27d ago18:16

18:16

From monster practice cycles that need a whole Dharma Centre to work through in a year to the handful of practices an individual carries out daily. What are practice cycles for? Is 550 pages enough? Words or phrases you might want to look up: Dudjom Lingpa Dudjom Rinpoche Terma, terton Vajrayogini Yamantaka Hevajra Cakrasamvara Shiné #Buddhism #Vaj…

1
When dear ones die 20:38

1M ago20:38

20:38

The two certain things in life are, famously, death and taxes. If you are rich enough, you may be able to mitigate your tax liability, but death cannot be bought off. How do Buddhists handle it? Episode includes the Prayer for Rebirth in Dewachen. Words or phrases you might want to look up: Pashupatinath Naropa Tilopa Dewachen Amitabha Dzogchen Lin…

1
What the tsok? What to expect. 23:53

1M ago23:53

23:53

Tsok pujas are a big feature of Tibetan-style Buddhism as it is actually practiced, but newcomers often don't have a blind clue what's going on - explanations are hard to find. So here is a rundown with a bit of background and a few tips. Now there's a fancy torma! Words or phrases you might want to look up: Tsok, tsogs, tshog etc. Ganacakra, ganap…

1
Secret Teachings in Tibetan Buddhism 16:14

2M ago16:14

16:14

When secret teachings are spoken of in Tibetan Buddhism, the word "secret" is much closer in meaning to "sacred" or "holy" than it is to the meaning of "unknown to outsiders". When the 15th Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje, refers to the Mani, the most famous mantra of all, as a "secret" mantra, we know the word has meanings quite different from what we mig…

1
Pilgrimage. And did those feet... 16:31

2M ago16:31

16:31

How does pilgrimage fit into the Buddhist way of doing things? Plus the Guru Rinpoche mantra sung to a tune you might not have expected. Words or phrases you might want to look up: Walsingham Hajj Kumbh Mela Lumbini Bodh Gaya Sarnath Kuśinagara Vajrayana Dorje Sempa (Vajrasattva) Kailash Jokhang Guru Rinpoche #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorj…

1
Cut and chop, cut and chop! Yes, it's Chöd. 19:44

2M ago19:44

19:44

Chöd - a vast stream of Buddhist practice! Here is a taste. Chöd Chödpa - (images of) Jamgön Kongtrül Treasury of Knowledge Rimé Sakya Kadampa Kagyu (Marpa and Shangpa) Nyingma Kalachakra Machig Labdrön - Machik’s Complete Explanation Phadampa Sangye Dakini Damaru Karma Kagyu Dudjom Tersar Yeshe Dorje (Rainmaker) #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #Double…

1
Jyekundo / Yushu: travelling in East Tibet 18:51

2M ago18:51

18:51

A traveller's tale from eastern Tibet three decades ago! The great prayer wheel at Mani Dunkhor. Some words you might like to look up: Sakya Mala Vajra Yushu Jyekundo Mani-Dunkhor Trisong Detsen Śāntarakṣita #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #Yushu #Jyekundo #lama #mantra #meditation #nyingma #kagyu #Refuge #Bodhicitta Transcript, with possi…

1
Lost and lonely in samsara 19:04

3M ago19:04

19:04

Refuge, the Three Jewels and the Bodhisattva vow... Words or phrases you might want to look up: Refuge (Buddhist) Dharma Sangha Three Jewels Bodhisattva Bodhicitta Perfect Conduct – Ascertaining the Three Vows (by Dudjom Rinpoche) Jewel Ornament of Liberation Words of My Perfect Teacher Three kayas Sutras Bodhicaryāvatāra And the verse: Sang gya ch…

1
Bad gurus, tosh gurus and good gurus 23:51

3M ago23:51

23:51

A heavy criticism of the whole "Shambhala" cult, describing the behaviour of Chogyam Trungpa and his chief defender, Pema Chodron, recently went viral on the net. I had intended to express some thoughts about these issues sometime, so it seemed like the time had come. I reveal nothing new here - this is just stuff to think about. Trungpa's "wedding…

1
The Four Revolting Thoughts 13:11

3M ago13:11

13:11

More often called the "Four Thoughts to Turn the Mind": precious human birth, impermanence, karma and suffering. Something to think about Approximate text at the Blue Sky blog Words or phrases you might want to look up: Gampopa Milarepa Rechungpa Kagyu Vajrayana Tsong Khapa Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen Herbert v. Guenther Jewel Ornament of Liberation La…

1
The Mantra of Guru Rinpoche - with tunes! 21:03

3M ago21:03

21:03

The Guru Rinpoche (or "Vajra Guru") mantra. Includes four tunes for singing! Approximate script at my blog #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #tantra #mahamudra #dzogchen #lama #mantra #meditation #nyingma #kagyu #GuruRinpoche #mantra #tune In the early weeks of this podcast I included an approximate script, not particularly well edited, on a…

1
Tantra - is it all about sex? 22:48

3M ago22:48

22:48

To what degree does sex have anything to do with Buddhist tantra? Terms you might want to look up: Tantra Guru Rinpoche Milarepa Niguma Vajrayogini Lobsang Rampa Tummo Vajrayana Dakini Sangyum Approximate script available at my blog #Buddhism #Vajrayana #Tibet #DoubleDorje #tantra #mahamudra #dzogchen #lama #mantra #meditation #nyingma #kagyu In th…

1
Going to "take teachings". Eh? 19:13

4M ago19:13

19:13

What do Buddhist practitioners and students mean when they go to "take teachings"? What to expect, how to feel comfortable. Picture irrelevant - but charming! Approximate script may be found at this blog post #Buddhism #Tibet #vajrayana #DoubleDorje #Nyingma In the early weeks of this podcast I included an approximate script, not particularly well …

1
The colours of the mantra go round and round... 15:14

4M ago15:14

15:14

Another look at the mani (OM MANI PEME HUNG). The six syllables, their six colours, and the six worlds. Plus a description for anyone who might be confused about clockwise, anticlockwise, facing in, facing out... Approximate script with possible errors at this blog post Words and names you might like to search for: six worlds lung yidam seed syllab…

1
How is a sadhana built? 22:05

4M ago22:05

22:05

What is the structure of a typical sadhana practice? What parts must it have, what can it have, and how do they fit together? Approximate script with possible variations and errors, is at the Blue Sky, White Clouds blog. Some words you might like to look up: Sadhana Torma Mahayana Vajrayana Bodhicitta Vajrayana Vajrasattva Ngondro (preliminaries) M…

1
Spooky beings - is anybody there? 20:07

4M ago20:07

20:07

Tibetan Buddhist practice refers a lot to beings on "the other side" who might help or hinder. Do we have to believe in them in order to practice? Gyalpo Losar Approximate script can be found at this blog Words you might like to look up: Machik Labdron Machik Labdron’s Complete Explanation (book) Chöd Milarepa Mount Kailas Sadhana Stupa Terton Kāśy…

1
True Nature of the Mind - a conundrum! 18:52

5M ago18:52

18:52

What is "Direct Introduction" to the true nature of the mind, also known as "pointing out instructions" And why are the things said about it sometimes, well, puzzling? The syllable "A" you might like to look up: Namkhai Norbu Dzogchen Mahamudra Read Blake's Auguries of Innocence at: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43650/auguries-of-innocence…

1
Manis and manis and... 20:59

5M ago20:59

20:59

About THE MOST FAMOUS of Tibetan Buddhist mantras - what it is, reciting it and singing it - with tunes! Mani walls near Everest There is an approximate script with errors and variations at https://lunidharma.blogspot.com/2024/06/manis-and-manis-and_01125899265.html Words you might want to look up: Vajrayana Guru Rinpoche Tara Chenrezi Avalokiteshv…

1
Ato Rinpoche - you will be missed. And what about your two eyes? 12:31

5M ago12:31

12:31

Some memories of Ato Rinpoche who "rested his intent" recently, and what he spoke of as his "two eyes". Ato Rinpoche Approximate script with errors at https://lunidharma.blogspot.com/2024/05/ato-rinpoche-will-be-missed-plus-his.html Things you might want to search for: tulku Jeykundo Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Karmapa Akong Rinpoche Samye Ling Chime R…

1
The Double Dorje - itself! 10:22

5M ago10:22

10:22

What is a double dorje when it is a ritual instrument - a "diamond sceptre". And what is the Double Dorje when it is (or rather was) a restaurant in Kathmandu close to the Great Stupa. Terms you might like to search for: dorje or vajra Indra Amoghasiddhi Approximate script with errors at https://lunidharma.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-double-dorje-itse…

1
The Lama! What? 27:09

6M ago27:09

27:09

In Tibetan Buddhism, "the Lama" is a many-sided word. It means much more than just a person, even a person sitting on a high throne. This episode looks at some sides of what "Lama" means. Figurine of Guru Rinpoche Words you might like to search for: Vajrasattva Lamaism Dalai Lama Kham Refuge tree Nyingma Sakya Kagyu Gelug Guru Rinpoche Padma Sambha…

1
Who is a Ngagpa? 18:43

6M ago18:43

18:43

A ngagpa is a heavy-duty kind of non-monastic practitioner of the path of mantra in Tibetan Buddhism. This tradition is also entering modern, "western", societies. What does this entail? My teacher, Ngagpa Karma Lhundup Rinpoche and friend Approximate script at https://lunidharma.blogspot.com/2024/05/ngagpas-who-are-they.html. The following terms a…

1
Tips for total beginners 13:59

6M ago13:59

13:59

If you have sensed the magic around Tibetan Buddhism but don't know where to start, these tips might help. A total beginner Terms you might want to search the net for: Three jewels / three refuges / refuge vows Bodhicitta / the Bodhisattva vow / two kinds of bodhicitta Four noble truths Five heaps Five Buddha families Five wisdoms Six Perfections E…

1
Remembering Thrangu Rinpoche 7:51

6M ago7:51

7:51

Recalling the life and achievements of Thrangu Rinpoche one year since he passed on. Thrangu Rinpoche Refers to these links: Namo Buddha Short bio (1) Short bio (2) TashiCholing Publications In the early weeks of this podcast I included an approximate script, not particularly well edited, on a blog page. For the episode dropped on 4 September entit…

1
Trailer 1:20

7M ago1:20

1:20

Yes, it's a trailer for the Double Dorje In the early weeks of this podcast I included an approximate script, not particularly well edited, on a blog page. For the episode dropped on 4 September entitled “Bad gurus, tosh gurus and good gurus” and for episodes due to be dropped from 18 September onwards, starting with “Jyekundo / Yushu: travelling i…

1
Ep. 12: Lightbody and Internal Arts of China and Japan - by Amrita Baba and Amrita Simha 2:20:56

1+ y ago2:20:56

2:20:56

In this dialogue between Amrita Baba and his student Amrita Simha, the listener is given a down-to-earth presentation of the subtle body of meridians. How this subtle anatomy relates to physical trauma, as well as how it can relate to light body or immortality body. Baba and Simha also discuss practices from various traditions of eastern internal a…

1
Mahasiddha Interviews: Shane O'Donovan - Full Enlightenment Series Pt. 4 2:16:14

1+ y ago2:16:14

2:16:14

Shane gives an account of his spiritual journey and experiences along the Amrita Mandala path from initial awakening in 2017 to first stage of Buddhahood / perfect realisation of emptiness over one and a half years ago in September 2021 (this episode recorded Thursday 23rd March 2023). Shane also shares his insights about the samsaric self and its …

1
Mahasiddha Interviews: Helena Ahlbäck - Full Enlightenment Series Pt. 3 1:50:19

2y ago1:50:19

1:50:19

In this interview, Helena Ahlbäck from Finland shares the story of her path to full emptiness realization and the attainment of 10th bhumi. We are told her story of finding bodhicitta, the heart of enlightenment, and how it carried her to realization and away from plateauing in practice. How she experienced the various stages of the path and bhumis…

1
Mahasiddha Interviews: Robert Andersson - Full Enlightenment Series Pt. 2 1:13:03

2y ago1:13:03

1:13:03

In this interview, we meet with Robert Andersson from Sweeden, who shares his story of spiritual endeavors and insights! Robert reveals how he achieved his first awakening insight using the Just One Look Method. He describes his post-awakening practice, the mingling of the samsaric mind and the original mind - or what in Amrita Mandala is referred …

1
Mahasiddha Interviews: Ugi Mueller - Full Enlightenment Series Pt. 1 1:28:30

2y ago1:28:30

1:28:30

In this interview we are taken through the path of Amrita practitioner Ugi. He started his path with the search for happiness, be it through relationship, self-development or career. Eventually ending up finding the futility in of these endeavours and being pulled towards Dharma practice. When so encountering dharma and meditation teachings, we hea…

1
Bodhicitta Demystified - Accessing the Heart Mind of Enlightenment // Ep. 7 1:32:34

3y ago1:32:34

1:32:34

In the 7th episode of the Lion-Faced Guru Podcast, Kim Rinpoche, Lama Karl and Acharya Ugi from the Pemako Buddhist lineage will talk about one of the essential aspects of dharmic practice: Bodhicitta, the aspiration to achieve Buddhahood for the liberation of all sentient beings. As simple and straightforward this aspect of Bodhicitta might seem, …

1
Episode 6: Amrita Baba interviews Lama John Hoag Part 2 1:47:59

4y ago1:47:59

1:47:59

In the 6th episode, Amrita Baba continues to interview Lama John Hoag on his extensive practice time with Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche and other highly realized masters like Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. This provides a rare insight into how exactly these great masters have taught Tantric Buddhism and introduced people to the…

1
Episode 5: Amrita Baba interviews Lama John Hoag 2:27:16

4y ago2:27:16

2:27:16

In the 5th episode of the Lion-Faced Guru Podcast, Amrita Baba interviews Lama John Hoag from the US about his in-depth experiences with Japanese Zen and how he eventually switched to Vajrayana Buddhism ending up studying with Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chatral Rinpoche in Nepal. John and Kim also discuss the incomparable directne…

1
Episode 4: Amrita Baba interviews Lama Lyse 2:13:13

4y ago2:13:13

2:13:13

In the 4th episode of the Lion-Faced Guru Podcast, Amrita Baba interviews Lama Lyse from New Zealand about her inspiring life, her spiritual path and her fascinating years with two of the greatest Nyingma/Dzogchen masters of our recent time: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Chatral Rinpoche. Lama Lyse is a longtime and close student of Dilgo Khyentse an…

1
Episode 2: Stages of the Buddhist Nondual Path 2:13:22

4+ y ago2:13:22

2:13:22

An interview with Amrita Baba from Pemako Buddhism about the importance of maps of Awakening and his own experiences on the Path so far.

1
Episode 3: Universal Awakening - The Mechanics of Seeing Through the Self 1:43:15

4+ y ago1:43:15

1:43:15

In this important episode, Amrita Baba, Karl Eikrem and Ugi Mueller provide a deep insight into their own Awakening experiences and discuss the universal mechanics of nondual Awakening. A very vivid and insightful discussion that sheds light on the most common (and fatal) misconceptions about Awakening and stresses the fact that Awakening is attain…