In this Wisdom Podcast episode host Daniel Aitken joins Douglas Duckworth as they discuss Douglas’s translation The Great Hūṃ. Douglas Duckworth is a professor of religion at Temple University in Philadelphia. He received his PhD in religious studies (Indo-Tibetan Buddhism) from the University of Virginia in 2005, and he previously taught at Kathmandu University. In this episode, Douglas shares his journey of becoming interested in the text during his studies in India and Nepal, and he shares the challenges and rewards of working on such a monumental text.

You’ll hear Daniel and Douglas discuss:

• the text's structure, its thematic elements, the profound philosophical implications of bodhicitta;

• the structure and significance of the Bodhicaryāvatāra;

• the ninth chapter's unique challenges; and

• much more!

Remember to like and subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast to stay up-to-date with our newest releases!

Join Daniel Aitken and Ācārya Malcolm Smith as they discuss the roots of Dzogchen and the aural lineage in the Great Perfection tradition as described in Malcolm’s newest translation Yoga Of The Natural State, releasing in the winter of 2025 and available now for pre-order. In this episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, explore the historical transmission of Dzogchen teachings through the textual and aural lineages and the roles these play in preserving the authenticity and comprehensibility of the teachings. You won’t want to miss this illuminating conversation.

You’ll hear Daniel and Malcolm discuss:

• the process of translating Longchenpa’s writings;

• differences between ‘awareness of awareness’ and the true nature of rigpa;

• key Dzogchen terms such as original purity (ka dag) and natural perfection (lhun grub);

• Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and his impact on spreading Dzogchen teachings to the West; and

• much more!

In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Christopher Ives, a professor and Zen practitioner. Chris is an author, translator, and avid outdoorsman. His writing focuses on ethics in Zen Buddhism and Buddhist approaches to nature and environmental issues. His previous publications with Wisdom include Zen on the Trail and Meditations on the Trail. Throughout the conversation, Chris and Daniel go in-depth exploring the themes in Chris’s newest release, Zen Ecology. They discuss how Zen's principles of interconnectedness, non-dualism, and mindful living intersect with ecological concerns, and how Zen practice can inspire a sustainable lifestyle with reduced environmental impact.

You’ll also hear Daniel and Chris discuss:

• Environmental roots and activism;
• Zen’s symbiotic relationship with nature;
• Buddhism's role in structural change;
• much more!

Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Zen Ecology with code WPODECO through March 31.

In this insightful episode of The Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken engages with Justin Kelley, Executive Director of Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools. Justin spent ten years living in and around Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal, studying Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, and meditative practices. Where he eventually connected with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Encouraged to pursue his education, in 2022 he completed his PhD from Rice University’s Department of Religion where he studied with Dr. Anne C. Klein. Justin’s research focuses on different types of personal transformation, how we cultivate these transformations, and what is born from them.

You’ll hear Daniel and Justin explore:

• Justin’s spiritual journey post-college, his transformative experiences in India, and his academic pursuits that led to a PhD focusing on Longchen Rabjam’s Great Completeness tradition;
• Justin’s involvement in Tergar Institute's unique blend of scholarship, practice, and application;
• the Tergar Schools Project aimed at infusing Dharma principles into young children’s education;
• methods to apply Buddhist teachings in modern contexts, fostering spiritual growth, practical wisdom; and
• much more!

🌿 To learn more about Tergar Institute please visit http://www.tergarinstitute.org

📚To donate to the Tergar Schools project visit https://bit.ly/tergarschools-wisdom

Note to our listeners: This episode contains the mention of suicide. If you would prefer to avoid this part of the conversation please skip from 16:48 - 23:32.

If you or someone you love are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. International listeners, please visit The International Association for Suicide Prevention to find crisis care in your region.

In this episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, host Daniel Aitken engages in a rich dialogue with Lama Alan Wallace. Lama Alan, a significant figure in the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, shares insights from his lifelong practice, teachings, and new Wisdom Publications release Dzokchen. The discussion delves deeply into the practices of shamatha, vipassana, and Dzokchen, contrasting these with other Buddhist traditions and highlighting their significance in achieving spiritual realization.

The conversation sheds light on the nuanced paths of approaching ultimate bodhichitta and the broader implications of modern and traditional Buddhist practices.

Purchase your copy of Dzokchen today!

In this insightful conversation, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Michael Tweed. Michael is a well-known editor of Tibetan Buddhist texts, particularly on Dzogchen and Mahamudra. Titles he has worked on include Blazing Splendor by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Brilliant Moon by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Clear Mirror by Dudjom Lingpa, and many more.

During this episode, Michael shares his remarkable journey, starting at the very beginning with his interest in meditation and Buddhism while living in small-town Ontario. He highlights the profound impact these teachings had on his life, reflects on the importance of personal connection with teachers, shares humorous anecdotes, and much more.

You’ll hear Michael discuss:

• his discovery of meditation and Buddhism through the pages of magazines and books;
• his formative experiences with meditation and yoga;
• a transformative encounter in 1992 with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche which lead to a period of learning and practice under Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche; and
• much more.

Enjoyed this episode? Check out our Blazing Splendor Wisdom Podcast series.

Join us in celebrating a major milestone—our 200th episode. Over the years, the Wisdom Podcast has become a gathering place for seekers, practitioners, and thought leaders in the Buddhist tradition, offering listeners wisdom and insight from some of the most remarkable teachers of our time. We continue this legacy of profound conversations with a truly special guest—Venerable Thubten Chodron—as we celebrate the release of Vajrayāna and the Culmination of the Path. This volume is the final volume in her series with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Library of Wisdom and Compassion, and we hope you’ll join us in commemorating the completion of this incredible series, representing a culmination of decades of collaboration and deep scholarship.

In this episode, you’ll hear Daniel and Venerable Chodron discuss:

• the evolution of The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series;
• the importance of completing the series while H. H. the Dalai Lama is alive;
• the interconnectedness of traditions;
• the importance of understanding the what and why of your practice; and
• much more!

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for you—our listeners, supporters, and everyone who has contributed to our GIVE2 campaign. Your generosity keeps these transformative teachings free and accessible for thousands around the world. Together, we can keep sharing the wisdom, mindfulness, and compassion that resonate across generations and traditions.

Learn more about how you can support the Wisdom Podcast and all of the work that Wisdom does at wisdomexperience.org/supportwisdom.

Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off any individual volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series with code WPODLWC20.

Or, save 30% when you purchase the entire library at once and use the code WPODLWC30.

Or, if you prefer the electronic version, you can use the code WPODLWC30E for 30% off the complete Library of Wisdom and Compassion series in ebook form.

To add the entire library to your collection, just add the final volume, Vajrayana and the Culmination of the Path, to your cart and use the corresponding code. The other nine volumes in the series will be automatically added and the discount will be applied.

In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Venerable Losang Gendun. Venerable Gendun is a Tibetan Buddhist monk who was ordained in 2006. A dedicated teacher for over 15 years, Ven. Gendun has taught Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and meditation across Europe and the US, and was the resident teacher of FPMT’s Maitreya Institute in Amsterdam for six years. As a member of Mind & Life Europe, he integrates contemplative traditions with science to foster equality and compassion.

In this episode, you’ll hear Daniel and Ven. Gendun discuss:

• his first experiences with Buddhism after meeting a Trappist monk;
• his time studying with esteemed teachers like H. H. the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche;
• the interplay between deep meditation practices and community engagement;
• his work with the Buddha Project; and
• much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Buddha Project
• Shantideva Center in Brooklyn, NYC

Duck/Rabbit Illusion
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons