In this episode, host Agnes sits down with Kelsang Sama, a Buddhist nun, to delve into the deeper concepts of freedom and personal transformation. Together, they explore the difference between cutting ties with the external world and cultivating true inner freedom. While society often emphasizes the importance of shedding external constraints—such as material possessions, relationships, or status—Kelsang Sama emphasizes that genuine freedom lies in mastering one’s inner world and breaking free from self-imposed mental limitations. Her story is one of self-discovery, where the external world’s expectations were set aside in favor of exploring deeper, more authentic truths about herself and the nature of existence. Throughout the episode, Agnes and Kelsang Sama discuss the transformative power of meditation, mindfulness, and the Buddhist teachings that helped her release attachment to external validation and find a more lasting sense of peace. This conversation offers listeners an inspiring perspective on how freedom isn't about escaping the world, but rather about understanding and transforming the mind. 00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:00:22 External vs. Internal Freedom 00:02:38 Freedom from Expectations 00:03:47 The Illusion of External Freedom 00:05:20 Searching for Life’s Meaning 00:06:04 The Emptiness of Material Pursuits 00:07:56 Dependency and Fragile Freedom 00:11:59 Meditation and Mental Freedom 00:12:34 Conflict and Inner Freedom 00:14:20 Imagination as a Tool for Change 00:19:06 Overcoming Fear of Change 00:20:42 Embracing Impermanence 00:25:56 Holding Space for Global Suffering 00:30:02 The Global Family and Responsibility 00:45:10 Beyond Physical Identity 00:50:07 Living Without Regrets 00:53:00 Conclusion and Farewell Book references How to Transform Your Life ~ https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Kelsang Sama is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Manchester in the UK. https://kmcmanchester.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y

Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en

Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu

https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #myjourney #InspiringStories #meaningoflife #motivation #BuddhistPodcast #MeditationForChange #personalgrowth #mindfulnesspodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Gen Tekchen, a Buddhist monk who was invited to teach meditation to prisoners in Canada. He shares his remarkable journey of teaching controlling the mind behind bars, revealing how the inmates’ surprising resilience and unwavering determination to master their minds in such a tough environment inspired him. Tune in as Gen Tekchen reflects on the profound lessons he learned from the very people society often overlooks. Book references How to Transform Your Life ~ https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl The New Eight Steps to Happiness ~ https://tharpa.com/uk/the-new-eight-steps-to-happiness Gen Teckchen is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Ottawa https://meditateinottawa.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #BuddhismBehindBars #MeditationInPrison #BuddhistMonkJourney #InnerPeaceInToughTimes #InspiringStories #ResilienceAndMeditation #LessonsFromInmates #BuddhistPodcast #MeditationForChange #OvercomingChallenges #mindfulnesspodcast Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.

Gen Gomlam returns to the podcast for a very personal and deeply moving conversation about how to heal and find peace after a loved one takes their life. So many emotions of guilt, anger, shame are addressed as well as a profound exploration of the causes of suicidal ideation. Although it’s an uncomfortable subject, it is a very important one. We hope by talking openly about it we can offer comfort and wisdom to those who might be grieving in a similar way, and help remove any stigma or shame around a sorrow that is unfortunately all too common in our modern times.

***

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this episode, please know there are many confidential helplines and avenues of support available to you, for example:

In the United States:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

This is available 24/7 to anyone in crisis, feeling suicidal or in emotional distress. You can speak to them online or over the phone by calling 1-800-273-8255.

In the United Kingdom:

The Samaritans

samaritans.org

Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to those in crisis and experiencing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. They offer support via phone (116-123) or via email on [email protected]

In Australia:

Lifeline

lifeline.org.au

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Call the crisis support hotline at 13-11-14

Confidential text support: 0477-13-11-14

Online chat: available here

In Canada:

Crisis Services Canada

crisisservicescanada.ca

CSC provide suicide prevention services and further support to people in Canada. Call toll free for crisis support at 1-833-456-4566.

Text support: 45645

In New Zealand:

Lifeline Aotearoa

lifeline.org.nz

Their Suicide Crisis Helpline is: 0800-543-354. Their calls are answered by qualified counsellors and trained volunteers. You can also text HELP to 4357.

Worldwide:

Befrienders

befrienders.org

This service is available globally and they can search for helplines for countries that are not listed above.

***

Book references:

Joyful Path of Good Fortune: https://kadampa.org/book/joyful-path-of-good-fortune 

Living Meaningfully Dying Joyfully: https://kadampa.org/book/living-meaningfully-dying-joyfully 

Gen Gomlam is the Resident Teacher in Kadampa Meditation Center Florida https://meditationinsarasota.org/. 

The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. 

See more https://kadampa.org/ 

WANT MORE? 

Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en 

Listen to teaching clips: 

youtube.com/nktikbu 

https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z

Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ 

TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast 

#modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #healing #suicide #grief #suicidal #meditation #buddhistnun #nun 

In this special episode, guest host Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Rabten is in conversation with astrophysicist and lay Buddhist teacher Kadam Peter Kurczynski.

Their wide ranging discussion touches on the common points between science and spirituality - for example, how discoveries in quantum physics correlate to profound Buddhist teachings on the nature of reality - but also how meditation can open us to experiences completely beyond the reach of the physical sciences.

Kadam Peter has an extensive background in science as a post doctorate student, researcher and university teacher and currently works as the chief scientific officer for NASA’s cosmic origins program. 

In parallel to this life in science he has trained in meditation for 30 years and taught Buddhism extensively. He currently teaches classes for Kadampa Meditation Centre Washington DC.

Kadampa Meditation Centre Washington DC's website is: https://meditation-dc.org/

You can watch videos of Peter explaining light from the first stars and the stars within us in these youtube videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU6KXoO0NEE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFULDp3QHVQ&t=26s

And giving a dharma talk here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXyWeiocwdI 

Gen Rabten has been a Buddhist monk under Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche’s guidance since 1994, and currently serves as the National Spiritual Director of the NKT-IKBU for Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

During the conversation Gen Rabten reads excerpts from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s texts: New Eight Steps to Happiness and Joyful Path of Good Fortune.

These books can be purchased from Tharpa Publications by following these links:

https://tharpa.com/the-new-eight-steps-to-happiness

https://tharpa.com/joyful-path-of-good-fortune

The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide.

See more https://kadampa.org/ 

Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en 

Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z 

Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ 

TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast 

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast

#modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #science #QuantumPhysics #Spirituality #Reality #Meditation #Astrophysics #BuddhistMonk 

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual and do not reflect the views of NASA or the US federal government.

Happy New Year Everyone! While we continue our break from our usual conversation episodes, please enjoy Kadam Adam briefly explaining and then guiding a meditation on how our life is precious, rare and meaningful. This beautiful contemplation energizes us and inspires us to seize the very essence of each day - an excellent way to start the new year. Full epsiodes resume next week.

While we take a brief break over the festive season, please enjoy this bonus episode: a beautiful guided meditation on love and kindness called equalizing self with others.

Full conversation episodes will resume in mid January, but check in again next week for another guided meditation.

We live in a world that constantly tells us we need to do more, be more, and achieve more. We set insanely high standards for ourselves, pushing to be successful in every area of life—yet, even when we reach those goals, we're left feeling like it’s still not enough. The truth is, we’re never truly satisfied. We’re always chasing the next milestone, believing we have to be better to be happy. But this constant pressure, this endless pursuit of perfection, is rooted in a disproportionate sense of self-importance. It’s a mindset that makes true fulfillment nearly impossible. In today’s episode, we dive into the power of accepting failure and embracing success—how both can be stepping stones for growth, learning, and ultimately, happiness. Join us as we explore how to let go of the pressure, enjoy the wins, and learn from the setbacks, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life. Book references How to Transform Your Life: https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Gen Lekma is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Southampton https://meditateinsouthampton.org.uk/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #OvercomeFear#FearOfFailure #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Motivation#SuccessMindset #ConfidenceBuilding #MentalHealth #GrowthMindset #LifeSkills Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.

In this episode, guest host Agnes Bednarczyk is joined by Buddhist monk Gen Doryning to explore the deep sense of searching many young people feel in today's world. Surrounded by uncertainty and overwhelmed by modern challenges, many struggle to find meaning and direction through traditional paths. When asked where one can look for purpose, Gen Doryning offers gentle yet powerful guidance, suggesting simple, transformative changes that anyone can make to cultivate a sense of direction and a deep, lasting purpose each day. His inspiring words remind us that small steps can lead to profound shifts, helping us rediscover our true path in life.
0:00 Intro 00:25 Social media can keep us chained in meaningless activities 03:39 Looking for a solution : The trap of not being gentle with ourself 05:46 Be your own friend, be your own guide, be your own teacher 09:04 Contribution : Love is the most powerful healing 11:15 Create a vision for ourself 15:01 Protect ourself from self-sabotage 16:51 Failure increases our humility and compassion 22:59 There is no greater failure than not doing anything 29:24 Happy alone and happy with others Book references How to Transform Your Life: https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Gen Dornying is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Leeds. https://www.meditationinleeds.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #discouraged #meaningoflife #meaningful #motivation #mentalhealth #inspiration #meditation #spirituality #happiness #calm #innerpeace Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.

Meditation is a popular method to achieve a calm, peaceful state of mind. In this podcast, International meditation teacher, Kadam Morten Clausen, explains how meditation is so much more than just breathing meditation and how you can begin to find answers to the big questions in your life. He explains how Buddha taught meditation as a way to achieve your true potential and life purpose. He explains how to use meditation to increase your inner wisdom and break free from limiting ways of looking at yourself and the world. An excellent discussion revealing how to go deeper in meditation and gain insight into how it can help you to transform your life. 0:00:00 Intro 0:00:50 What exactly is meditation, and what is it's real purpose 0:06:39 Improve your meditation to bring you a deep sense of inner peace 0:13:07 How to stop running and understand why you aren't happy 0:19:34 Identifying yourself with your true nature, not negativity and limitations 0:30:02 How to discover your sense of purpose 0:36:42 Change happens when you enjoy the wisdom of the meditative experience 0:44:07 The journey of many meaningful meditations (Lamrim) 0:54:32 How our peace can bring peace and loving-kindness to this world 0:59:01 Good bye Book references How to Transform Your Life: https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Kadam Morten Clausen is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center New york City https://meditationinnewyork.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new videos. Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #meditation

In this Podcast Gen Demo, a Buddhist nun who is dealing with the chronic disease of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), explains how she is learning to let go of worry and accept her illness. Worrying makes everything worse and has a big effect on health. Gen Demo emphasizes how debilitating worry is in her life and how important it is to relax into the uncertainty of her condition and the uncertainty of the future. Worrying makes everything worse and has a big effect on health. She is learning to be gentle and tries to make the most of all situations she meets. An especially inspiring podcast to uplift and help everyone who is dealing with any difficulties in their life. 00:00:00 Intro 00:29 Being diagnosed with MS & spiritual advice from her teacher 01:26 The impact of worry on our health 06:04 The importance of preventing worry. 09:59 Thoughts that cause peace during a painful procedure. 18:28 Realizing that even if my body isn't ok, I'll be ok 23:47 What the sickness has taught me 28:58 Coming to terms with imperfection and hardship 36:49 Adapting patiently, meditating with pain 41:04 Meditation helps on deeper levels for the future 46:44 Can I meditate with chronic pain? 49:45 Ending

To watch a video version of this episode see:

https://www.youtube.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Book references How to Transform Your Life: https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl How to Solve our Human Problems https://kadampa.org/book/how-to-solve-our-human-problems Gen Demo is the Resident Teacher in Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC https://meditation-dc.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new videos. Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #sclerosis

In this episode, Kadam Adam and Buddhist monk Gen Doryning discuss how conflict can become a pivotal time for achieving real success. They both share relatable stories of conflict that helped them to change their reactions and eventually to transform difficult relationships into ones that made them better people. Gen Doryning explains how easy it is for conflict to make us blind to the other person, only seeing them through our own painful feelings. They discuss how having the confidence to view difficult people in a different light, not only makes it possible to change the situation but also has a very positive impact on our lives. For anyone struggling with conflict in any situation, this podcast will inspire you to deal with it better and come out of it a better person. 00:00 Intro 00:21 A story of conflict 07:03 Change your mind and reality changes 11:43 Conflict makes us blind 15:20 Controlling one's feelings to resolve problems 18:10 Be strong in conflict 21:35 Difficulties transform us 31:23 Knowing people change, we change 33:35 Bring out the best in others 37:00 Connect with other's realities to dissolve painful feelings 45:56 Becoming a better person because of difficulties 49:54 The secret of self-esteem Book references Universal Compassion: https://kadampa.org/book/universal-compassion Gen Kelsang Dornying is the Resident Teacher in Kadampa Meditation Center Leeds https://www.meditationinleeds.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new videos. Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #pain #painful #painfulmoments #injury #alone #anime #heartbroken #painmanagement #recovery #healthylifestyle #invisibleillness #spoonie #therapy #narutoshippuden #depressed #conflict #conflictresolution #relationships #communication #conflictmanagement #mentalhealth #divorce