In this episode, musician and visual artist Devendra Banhart sits down with Ivan Bercholz for an intimate conversation about how Buddhist practice, books, and subculture have shaped his life and work, leading him to This Very Moment.

From his early years of skateboarding (before it was cool) to his segue into indie-folk music, Devendra has always leaned into counterculture, providing the perfect foundation to esotericism and the Buddhadharma. Raised in a spiritual home, Devendra’s parents practiced and studied with a Hindu teacher; however, through his own exploration and experience, he discovered that the Buddhist teachings are the one true support for his life, art, and music. With honesty, depth, and humor, Devendra describes his interactions with his root teacher, Neten Chokling Rinpoche, as well as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, which pushed him to go beyond doubt, hardship, and insecurity both as an artist and a practitioner. Through winding storytelling, Devendra shares his deep appreciation of the universal spiritual principles that he’s encountered through books, teachers, and music, while returning again and again to his personal devotion to the Buddhist teachings.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 Devendra Banhart on Spirituality, Music & Creative Life

09:04 Religion, Culture & Finding Community

15:38 Skateboarding, Freedom & Everyday Joy

21:14 Stage Fright, Performing & Substances in Music

27:51 The Sacrifices of a Creative Life

34:00 Why Spiritual Certainty Can Be Dangerous

39:36 Laurie Anderson and Other Influences

54:00 Performing Against My Will & Working with Fear

01:03:46 Lamas Are Superheroes