Tibetan Buddhism: The Elegant Mind

Emanations Everywhere

There are countless Buddhas throughout the universe continuously working for our benefit by emanating in every sort of fashion . . . bringing about insights, realizations and perhaps even moments of progressive awakening.

In Buddhism these experiences are known as blessings, and the only thing that restricts our direct knowledge of them is our own narrow-mindedness.

In this podcast, the 21st Century Bodhisattva explains . . .

(Length: 10 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, recorded by Kathy Ambrose.  Accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

 

"Dear Mother": a letter from the 21st Century Bodhisattva

(Written and inspired by the joy of HH Dalai Lama's 86th birthday.)

An excerpt: "Things are going well for me, Mother.  I am in good health and enthusiastic in my work.  Intellectual, imaginative, stimulating, virtuous and joyous is this path; I am profoundly appreciative to you for providing me with the life force that has enabled me to journey upon it.   

Always I am reminded of the precious foundations of well-being and confidence your love and compassion birthed in me, and which have continued to blossom with purpose and clarity in the years since.  For you, dear one, my enduring gratitude . . . " (Length: 12 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, recorded in collaboration with Kathy Adams.  Accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

"I Want to Learn How to Meditate"

Most Westerners equate Mind with thinking, but in Buddhism it is acknowledged to be vastly more . . . Mind is the entire spectrum of our inner experiences: thoughts, feelings, perceptions, consciousness, subconsciousness, unconsciousness. It is our perceiver, translator, reflector and mirror.

Without it there is nothing . . . within it is everything.

To begin a meditation practice is to embark on a journey,  an adventure of sorts, during which we learn how to observe --  and best 'use' -- our Mind.  (Length: 10 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

Karma & Movement of Mind

Buddhist practice leads us to see that our mind is beyond precious and teaches us how to tend to it, learning to discern those states of mind that are unwholesome or harmful and those that are beneficial.  Once identified, we choose -- hopefully wisely -- which to let pass and which to nourish.

This is the animated structure of beneficial Karmic activity. To understand, embrace and engage with its workings will, in both the short- and long-terms, transform one's life. (Length: 10 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega (joined by the Turtle Island String Quartet).

A (Modern Day) Letter to the Buddha

On the eve of Saka Dawa, the full moon day on which Siddhartha's birth, enlightenment and passing into Parinirvana upon his death are joyously celebrated in Tibetan Buddhist communities and among practitioners world-wide, here is a heartfelt dispatch to him . . . along with a request. (Length: 14 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

You Have Only to Begin . . .

The Dharma path is one of grace; teachings are everywhere. Be curious, remain humble. Read, watch and listen carefully . . . learn from everyone and everything and continue doing so while maintaining your sense of humor.

You already have all you'll ever need -- lace up your traveling shoes and get on with it . . . in short order you'll be walking differently upon the Earth. (Length: 9 minutes)

Presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, accompanied by music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

She Arises

She is within each and every step you take . . . She guides you toward moments of clarity and wisdom, helping to free you when you are confused and distracted. She is safety . . . She is brilliance . . . She is fearlessness . . . She is your wisest self, your very best mind, your kindest heart . . . She is Awakening . . . She is Precious . . . She is You. (Length: 7 minutes)

Written by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, presented by Kathy Adams; with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega in collaboration with Chris Rossbach.

America's Bodhi Trees

They are the Coastal Redwoods, aka Sequoia Sempervirens -- native to the American West, living among the clouds and foggy canyons of the Pacific coastal mountains.  Bunyan-esque and virtually indestructible (except by human loggers and their saw mills), they are perhaps our most noble Dharma teachers.  (Length: 13 minutes)

Shared here by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

The $10 Million Question

For your consideration: If you would receive great wealth to forget all the Dharma you've ever learned and/or experienced . . .  your insights and understandings, knowledge and practices . . . all of it, every bit . . . and by so doing slip back into the mind you had before first encountering the Dharma . . . might you do it?   (Length: 12 minutes)

Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.

The 'Best' Message

We live in a world of often-forgettable sound bites: advertising jingles, political slogans, song verses, news headlines, tweets, jargon, etc. Here is a message we believe is significantly worth remembering, it comes from the 8th century Indian master, Shantideva . . .   (Length: 10 minutes)

Written and presented by Mark Winwood of the Chenrezig Project, with music composed and performed by the renowned SF Bay-area musician Bobby Vega.