This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features special guests His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche and Michele Loew. Together with host Daniel Aitken, they celebrate the release of The Yoga of Niguma, available now at wisdom.org.  This new publication interweaves Buddhist and yogic practices, making them accessible to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Rinpoche shares personal stories about learning the practice and now teaching it, while Michele explores how yoga and meditation can serve as complementary paths, helping students integrate body and mind through embodied awareness. The discussion also covers practical advice for new practitioners, encouraging practitioners not to be intimidated by the practice but to approach the teachings with sincerity and humility and discover the impact on both physical and mental well-being. 

Rinpoche, Michele, and Daniel also discuss: 

Additional content mentioned in this episode:

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

His Eminence the 2nd Kalu Rinpoche was born on September 17, 1990 in Darjeeling, India. His father, Lama Gyaltsen, was a nephew of the previous Kalu Rinpoche and had also been his secretary since his youth. The 2nd Kalu Rinpoche was recognized on March 25, 1992 by Tai Situ Rinpoche. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has officially confirmed the recognition.

On February 28, 1993, he was inducted into Samdrub Darjay Chöling (Sonada). His father passed away in 1999 and he asked to live in the monastery of Bokar Rinpoche in order to grow and study under his direction. In 2004, he began the traditional three-year retreat, which he completed in 2008. In 2009, he received from Tai Situ Rinpoche all the transmissions of the Shangpa Lineage. On this occasion, he undertook to confer 108 times the cycle of initiations of the lineage from which he is now the holder.

In 2010, Kalu Rinpoche traveled to the West and took charge of the meditation centers created by the first Kalu Rinpoche around the world. In 2014, he returned to Burgundy, in the center of meditation Palden Shangpa La Boulaye, to teach and to resume the tradition of Monlam Shangpa initiated by his predecessor. He has done the same in the United States in 2019. 

Michele Loew is an international yoga teacher and practitioner of Hatha and Tibetan yogas. She has taught, practiced, & studied avidly since 1998, and ran her longtime beloved yoga studio, The Yoga Space in Portland, Oregon, from 2006-2025.  You can now practice with her online or at in-person retreats, yoga immersions, and teacher trainings.

She is known as a teacher’s teacher and is respected for her 200 & 300 hr Yoga Alliance Certification schools and her ability to integrate modern therapeutics and cutting-edge science with lineage-based traditional yoga practices.

She is the co-author of The Yoga of Niguma with H.E. Kalu Rinpoche and shares Niguma’s yoga practices and the dharma around the world.

Her love and commitment to the unexcelled yoga tantras of Varayana and the sister science of Hatha Yoga as paths we can take towards perfect enlightenment, seeing both as powerful interconnected traditions, infuses her work with great joy & commitment towards sharing yoga and spirituality to create a more compassionate and awakened world.

She honors the lineage of teachers she comes from and bows to her longtime Hatha & Classical Yoga teacher Richard Freeman for elucidating the middle path of love with the utmost clarity and compassion and His Holiness the Dalai Lama for sharing the “religion” of kindness. She is on the board of Tibet House US and is committed to supporting and preserving Tibetan Culture and their dharma practices for the benefit of all.

Her Clearlight Yoga school continues to educate teachers around the world on the enlightened sleep yoga practices such as Yoga Nidra and Dream Yoga and the 6 yogas of Niguma and Naropa.

The post His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche and Michele Loew: The Yoga of Niguma (#227) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode of the Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken is joined by John Makransky.  John is Associate Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology at Boston College, senior advisor for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s Centre of Buddhist Studies in Nepal, and developer of the Sustainable Compassion Training model for accessing innate capacities of compassion and awareness. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a meditation teacher and a practitioner of Tibetan meditations of compassion and wisdom for four decades, John has pioneered new ways of making these accessible to people of all backgrounds and faith. His published works from Wisdom Publications include Awakening Through Love: Unveiling Your Deepest Goodness. Join John and Daniel as they explore Buddha nature, bodhicitta, and compassion in today’s world. 

They also discuss: 

Mentioned in this episode:

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

The post John Makransky: How Compassion Works (#226) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features special guest Eva Natanya. This episode is part of a two-part series discussing the themes in Śamatha and Vipaśyanā. You can listen to Part 1 with Lama Alan Wallace, Lama Alan Wallace: Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: Part 1 (#217). In this episode, join host Daniel Aitken and Eva as they go behind the scenes and discuss the process of bringing Śamatha and Vipaśyanā to publication. Eva shares her deep engagement in solitary meditation retreats and working with Lama Alan Wallace on translating such significant Buddhist texts. Discover the importance of courage and perseverance in the spiritual journey to realize one’s true self and embody genuine well-being.

Eva and Daniel also discuss: 

Mentioned in this episode:

This is part 2 of a two-part series on the release of this volume. Be sure to check out part one featuring fellow Lama Alan Wallace here.

Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Śamatha and Vipaśyanā with code WPODSV through Februrary 15.

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

The post Eva Natanya: Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: Part 2 (#225) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this special video episode of The Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Khamtrul Rinpoche, The 9th Gyalwa DhoKhampa, Shedrup Nyima. Join Rinpoche and Daniel as they discuss the history, teachings, and practices of the Drukpa lineage. Learn about the teachings and meditations associated with the lineage, including mahamundra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. The conversation also explores the nature of mind, the difference between ordinary mindfulness and deeper meditative practices, and the role of dream yoga. 

In this episode, Rinpoche and Daniel also discuss: 

The 9th Khamtrul Rinpoche was born on December 6, 1980, in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Soon after the death of the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche, the Khampagar Monastery requested a prediction and the details of his rebirth. In 1981, a letter was received clearly stating the father’s and mother’s names, the place, and date of birth as Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh.

In September 1982, Rinpoche and his family were invited to  Khampagar Monastery in Tashi Jong. Rinpoche reached Tashi Jong on the 7th of November 1982, the day of Buddha’s descent from Tushita Heaven. The previous Khamtrul Rinpoche had also arrived at Khampagar Monastery (in Tibet) on the same auspicious day when Buddha descended from Tushita Heaven. H. H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche enthroned the 9th Khamtrul Rinpoche on February 18, 1983, and gave him the name DhoKhampa Shedrup Nyima. The ceremony was attended by representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, heads of the Tibetan Buddhist School, and the royal families of Bhutan and Sikkim.

As a young child, Rinpoche was raised by the great Togdens of Khampagar Monastery. He later received lessons from Khenpo Lhawang, Dorzong Rinpoche, and the Togedens, in addition to many sets of teachings and initiations from H.H. Dilgo Khyentse. Currently, Rinpoche spends much of his time doing retreat at Tashi Jong and studies and practices the Dharma and lineage teachings. At all the grand ritual ceremonies in Khampagar Monastery, he presides as the Vajra Acharya.

Bio courtesy: https://khamgardrukcollege.org/the-9th-khamtrul-rinpoche-gyalwo-do-khampa-shedrub-nyima/

The post Khamtrul Rinpoche: Exploring the Drukpa Lineage – Special Video Episode (#224) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

This episode, previously recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features Professor John Dunne.  John is the distinguished chair in contemplative humanities at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He works with Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice. He is also an author of the winner of the 2025 Khyentse Foundation Prize for Outstanding Translation, Nāgārjuna’s Precious Garland. Join host Daniel Aitken and John as they discuss Buddhist philosophy and the historical significance of the Nalanda tradition. They transition to conceptual thinking and non-duality, exploring the relationship between consciousness and perception, the importance of education in understanding these concepts, and so much more!

They also discuss: 

Additional content mentioned in this episode:

The post Professor John Dunne: Buddhist Philosophy and the Nalanda Tradition (#223) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

Please enjoy our special prerecorded episode of Wisdom Dharma Chats featuring Tenzin Choegyal. Tenzin stopped by the Wisdom Studio in advance of the release of his newest album, Be The Sky, digital album available now on Bandcamp. Tenzin’s music is a staple across various Wisdom Publications media. In this episode, hosted by Daniel Aitken, Tenzin recounts his experience of integrating music into his spiritual practice. Go behind the scenes as he discusses his process of creating music and collaborating with other artists, including Philip Glass, with whom he collaborated on Be The Sky. Tenzin also shares how his parents influenced his journey in music, such as his mother’s chanting and his father’s flute playing. Explore the link between cultural roots, spiritual practice, and musical expression on one’s life in this captivating conversation. 

SHOW LINKS

Learn more about Tenzin Choegyal and his music at  https://www.tenzinchoegyal.com/

Bring home your copy of Be The Sky at https://tenzinchoegyal.bandcamp.com/album/be-the-sky

Tenzin Choegyal is one of the world’s finest musicians in the Tibetan tradition. As a son of Tibetan nomads, he feels a particular connection to the music of the high Himalayan plateau.

In a career spanning 20+ years Tenzin has performed at festivals across Australia and curated numerous events and concerts including Brisbane’s annual Festival of Tibet. Internationally he has performed in New Zealand, Japan, India, Germany, Bangladesh, Russia and USA, including performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall. He has also opened many of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Public Talks in Australia, New Zealand and Japan with his musical offerings.

While proudly continuing the unbroken nomadic lineage which is central to his repertoire, Tenzin also embraces opportunities to take his music into more contemporary, uncharted territory, both in the studio and on stage.

Tenzin has nine independent albums, three of them with his fusion band Tibet2Timbuk2, and regularly performs with Camerata Brisbane’s acclaimed Chamber Orchestra. His collaborative albums include The Last Dalai Lama with Philip Glass, Peradam album by Soundwalk Collective with Patti Smith featuring Anoushka Shankar & Charlotte Gainsbourh and the 2021 Grammy-nominated Songs from the Bardo released through Smithsonian Folkways with his longtime friend and collaborator Jesse Paris Smith and Laurie Anderson – a moving interpretation of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Bio courtesy of https://www.tenzinchoegyal.com/tenzin/bio

The post Wisdom Dharma Chat | Tenzin Choegyal – December 2025 appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode of The Wisdom Podcast, host Daniel Aitken is joined by David M. DiValerio. Join David and Daniel as they discuss David’s newest book, Mountain Dharma: Meditative Retreat and the Tibetan Ascetic Self. David shares his journey into Tibetan Buddhist studies, as well as his experiences and research on Tibetan retreats over the years.

They also discuss: 

Wisdom Podcast listeners are invited to save 20% off Mountain Dharma with code CUP20. Code valid when purchased from Columbia University Press.

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

The post David M. DiValerio: Mountain Dharma (#221) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode of The Wisdom Podcast, previously recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa. Join the trio as they discuss Brendan and Pema’s new book, The Daily Buddhist. The conversation explores their approach of making dharma applicable to everyday life in the modern world and how they manage various challenges, such as balancing technology use and family time. Stressing the importance of persistence, self-compassion, and using mindfulness as a tool for personal growth and lasting happiness.

In this episode, Brendan, Pema, and Daniel also discuss:

Mentioned in this episode:

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

The post Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa: The Daily Buddhist (#220) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

In this episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Dasho Karma Ura. Dasho Karma Ura has a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford University, a Master of Philosophy from Edinburgh, and a PhD from Nagoya University. He was awarded the red scarf and the ancient title of distinction, Dasho, by His Majesty the Fourth King in 2006 for his dedicated service to the country of Bhutan. He was a member of the Drafting Committee of Bhutan’s first Constitution in 2008 and became president of the Centre for Bhutan Studies and Gross National Happiness Research. He is a painter and author of many books, including Bhutan: The Unremembered Nation – Volumes 1 & 2. In 2010, he was bestowed the honour of Druk Khorlo (Wheel of Dragon Kingdom) by His Majesty the King for his contributions to literature and fine arts. In this episode, Dasho Karma and Daniel explore the study and influence of Gross National Happiness, a philosophy pioneered in Bhutan by His Majesty the Fourth King, in which a government prioritizes national happiness over economic growth. 

In this episode, Dasho Karma and Daniel also discuss: 

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

The post Dasho Karma Ura: The Pursuit of Happiness in Bhutan (#219) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.

This episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, welcomes back His Eminence Khangser Rinpoche. At five years of age, a search party positively identified him as the reincarnation of the seventh Khangser Rinpoche. He is one of three high lamas responsible for recognizing the rebirth of the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He presently serves as vice abbot of Gyuto Monastery and as the founder and administrative head of Thangkar Dechen Choling Monastic Institute.  He is the author of A Monk’s Guide to Finding Joy. Join Rinpoche and host Daniel Aitken as they explore the concept of Buddha-nature, challenges of distraction in the digital age, and the enduring resilience of the Dharma across generations. 

In this episode, Rinpoche and Daniel also discuss: 

The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Wisdom Publications or any entities they represent.

The post H. E. Khangser Rinpoche: Buddha-Nature and Beyond (#218) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.