The CyberSangha Podcast

Self-Transcendence: Dissolving Pain, Overcoming Addiction

Episode 65 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Eric Garland, Fadel Zeidan, David Vago, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
In this fascinating conversation our distinguished presenters share neuroscience discoveries and effects of powerful interventions such as mindfulness, reappraisal and savoring that enable health-enhancing changes in one’s perspective and habitual mindsets. Learn also what brings these scholars to study the effects of ancient meditation traditions on pain relief, opioid addiction and human suffering. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche joins the conversation from Nepal with less than ideal internet service. He is however totally present and connected.

The Problem of Identity in Buddhism and Psychoanalysis

Episode 64 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Mark Siegert and Harvey Aronson
Just what is one’s identity? One Western meaning is that identity is a single, healthy part of development required for a happy, successful life. Another view, both in Buddhism and in some aspects of Western psychotherapy, is that identity includes multiple identities, and under extreme pain, especially with a history of prior trauma, these identities can lead to severe distress. In psychotherapy, this level of distress, under certain conditions, may potentially lead to serious mental disorders such as dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder). But even in the absence of a significant mental disorder, identity can still be problematic to living. Western psychotherapists and Buddhists both work with all of these, but in very different ways with different goals. In both, they aim to increase self-knowledge and free up problematic areas. But in Buddhism, the goal goes further, all the way up to full liberation.

Spaciousness as a Door to Your Inner Refuge: Entering the Nirmanakaya

Episode 63 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
According to the dzogchen teachings, abiding in the spaciousness of our mind can be our doorway to the refuge of the nirmanakaya — the pure movement of energy and genuine warmth that arises from the inseparable openness and awareness of our true nature. In a live online broadcast, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche helps us to enter through the door of spaciousness.

Inner Heat Practices: Tummo and Wim Hof Method

Episode 62 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Wim Hof, Elissa Epel, Geshe Tenzin Wangyal, and Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
Tibetan tummo is an ancient method for cultivating inner fire — the joy, bliss, and warmth of our being. We all naturally have these qualities within us, but they are often unreliably available because we have not learned to access them or to stabilize our attention in open awareness. With practice, tummo is said to produce the “inner fire of realization.”
How is this inner fire produced? Does it manifest as actual heat?  How does this inner fire heal?
To find answers to these and other questions, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who among many Tibetan practices also teaches tummo, Alejandro Chaoul-Reich and their guests discuss these and other practices that generate inner heat. Dr. Epel shares some of her ongoing research into the Wim Hof Method and breathing practices. Wim Hof enthusiastically describes how breathing practices, in cold environments, improve the body’s ability to handle stress and slow aging.

Silence as a Door to Your Inner Refuge: Entering the Sambhogakaya

Episode 61 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
According to the dzogchen teachings, resting deeply in the silence of speech can be our doorway to the refuge of the sambhogakaya — the pure, infinite awareness of our true nature. In this video for the cybersangha, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche helps us to enter through the door of silence.

Contemplative Movement: A Bridge to Transformation

Episode 60 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Adriana Dal Borgo, Peter Payne, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and host Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
Contemplative movement can include a number of practices such as yoga, dance, tai chi, tsa lung trul khor and yantra yoga. In their own unique ways, these practices integrate self-awareness, rhythm, sound, movement, conscious breath, disciplined form, or free flowing choreography. Pulled into a harmony, or potent melody, the effects may include release of tensions and blockages in body and mind.
This Science & Spirituality panel discussion delves into the inner workings of contemplative dance and somatic healing practices. Adriana is intimately prepared to communicate her understanding of body as mandala. Peter’s life studies, practice, and research suggest that the sciences also are discovering the bridges between higher mind and body.
 

Stillness as a Door to Your Inner Refuge: Entering the Dharmakaya

Episode 59 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
According to the dzogchen teachings, the simple act of resting in the stillness of our body can serve as a doorway to the refuge of the dharmakaya: the pure, unbounded spaciousness of our true nature. In a live online broadcast, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche helps us to enter through the door of stillness.

Beyond Mindfulness: Practices for Healing and Flourishing plus Latest Research into Neuromodulation

Episode 58 · Series 3 — A Year of Body, Speech & Mind
With Sarah Prinsloo, Julieta Galante, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and Alejandro Chaoul-Reich
The last two decades have seen a rise in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) that support healing of mind and body. This Science & Spirituality dialog gives us the opportunity to hear about the health benefits of mindfulness and other meditation practices, as well as promising results from relevant research at University of Cambridge and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
What is the healing potential for techniques that alter the way that the brain functions? What are the implications for reducing pain and speeding recovery from surgery? What is new in the MBI field? What is current research revealing about how these practices may improve mental health and prevent disease?