It seems there are some who see Buddhist practice as a path of tame irrelevance: a way that promotes peace (aka passivity), gentleness (aka weakness) and non-violence (aka non-action) . . . docile, inconsequential, tuned-out.

Of course, anyone who has gazed -- and plunged -- into the deep, fiercely loving eyes of a trusted lama, or who lives and practices in accordance with the empowering intensity of Dharma teachings, knows a reality that is quite different.

(Length: 11 minutes)

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

I have heard stories of a man, regarded by some to be odd in his ways, who lives camped on a small ridge overlooking a creek near the bottom of a particularly deep watershed ravine deep in the mountains . . .  a wilderness man who is said to be a deeply awakened Buddhist practitioner, perhaps even a burgeoning Buddha.

And so, early one morning, I set out . . . 

(Length: 13 minutes)

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

Beginning with a discussion about the Pineal gland -- and prompted by aspersions of "narrow-mindedness" -- here are some thoughts on the nature of imagination and its role on the path of Buddhist study, practice and engagement.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of imagination includes "the ability to think of new and/or familiar things in new ways."

And so, consider imagination not to be something unreal or perhaps even magical, but rather quite practical in terms of how to cultivate and empower our potential(s) . . . both intellectual/rational and creative.

(Length: 12 minutes)

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

Some people look upon crying as an indication of self-pity or weakness, a loss of self-control or indication of some sort of emotional disorder or infirmity . . . or perhaps merely a means of manipulation. 

But for those on the Buddhist path, tears often emerge for reasons quite different; signaling a profound opening to a richer embrace of our range of experience.

Sometimes we cry on the outside, our eyes filling with tears . . . but the crying of which we're speaking here occurs inside, in that aspect of mind we refer to as heart. And the Buddhist heart cries not tears of weakness but of understanding and strength . . . tears of compassion.

As such, crying can be a wonderful moment, the physical effect of a quantum spiritual step, akin to breaking out of the shell of self-cherishing and preparing to fly.

(Length: 12 minutes)

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

The question of how to most effectively communicate Dharma insights and sensitivities with those not familiar with Buddhist perspectives was raised at a recent gathering.

Some ideas on how notions such as Interpersonal Relationships, Navigating Impermanence, Patience, Joy, Confidence and Well-Being arise through understanding-born wisdom . . . and might be demonstrably shared . . . are presented.

(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.

Tibetan Buddhism is a path of accumulated wisdom, a path of practice and engagement . . . leading away from ignorant self-centeredness toward true virtue and happiness. 

It is the way of Dharma, of honesty -- beautiful, challenging, perhaps scary at times and always beneficial.

It leads to a reality so intuitively correct and freeing that, upon encountering it, one's only remaining element of disbelief is wonder at how we could have been unaware of its presence for so long.

(Length: 11 minutes)

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

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)

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

(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)

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

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.