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 ...
Mar 28, 2026•50 min•Ep. 227
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 meditation...
Mar 20, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 226
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 so...
Jan 18, 2026•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 225
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 histo...
Dec 27, 2025•58 min•Ep. 223
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: the historical context and modern adaptations of retreat practices; the differences between solitary, individual, and community re...
Dec 06, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 221
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 mindfu...
Nov 22, 2025•52 min
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 Studie...
Nov 13, 2025•45 min•Ep. 219
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...
Oct 25, 2025•49 min•Ep. 218
In this episode, previously recorded as a Wisdom Dharma Chat , host Daniel Aitken welcomes back Lama Alan Wallace to discuss the newest release, Śamatha and Vipaśyanā: An Anthology of Pith Instructions . Lama Alan trained for many years as a monk in Buddhist monasteries in India and Switzerland. He has taught Buddhist theory and practice in Europe and America since 1976 and has served as interpreter for numerous Tibetan scholars and contemplatives, including H. H. the Dalai Lama. He has edited, ...
Oct 11, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 217
In this episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by special guest Anu Gupta . Anu is an award-winning author, educator, lawyer, scientist, and meditation teacher. He holds a JD from NYU Law, an MPhil in Development Studies from Cambridge, and a BA in International Relations and Islamic Studies from NYU. He is the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu , a learning and development organization that supports individuals and organizations foster trust, safety, and belonging. He is a proud polyspiritual H...
Sep 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 216
In this episode of The Wisdom Podcast , join special guest Venerable Matthieu Ricard and host Daniel Aitken as they tackle the intersection of science and Buddhism. Venerable Ricard is a Buddhist monk, author, translator, and photographer. After completing his Ph.D. in cell genetics in 1972, he moved to the Himalayas, where he spent many years in the presence of Kangyur Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He has published numerous books, including The Monk and the Philosopher , Happiness , Alt...
Sep 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 215
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast , recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat , features the return of special guest Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Tseringma Rinpoche . Experience this heartfelt discussion aiming to alleviate fears, delve into the nature of interdependence, the power of connecting with a teacher, and so much more. Join Khandro Rinpoche and host Daniel Aitken and reflect on how all experiences—joyful and painful alike—arise through the web of dependent origination. Learn how compassion, ...
Sep 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 214
In this episode, join James B. Apple and host Daniel Aitken as they celebrate James’s newest release, Atiśa’s Stages Of The Path To Awakening . James is Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Calgary. His current research focuses on the critical analysis of Mahāyāna sūtras and topics within Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholasticism. He has published over fifty peer-reviewed articles in international academic journals as well as numerous books, including Jewels Of The Middle Way , als...
Aug 29, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 213
This episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat features special guest, Mark Siderits . In this episode hosted by Daniel Aiken, Mark embarks on an illuminating conversation surrounding Buddhist philosophy. They discuss the structure and content of his two online courses— Buddhism as Philosophy: Non-self and Reality and Buddhism as Philosophy: Yogācāra and Madhyamaka . From there, they dive into the concept of emptiness and how the Abhidharma, Madhyamaka, and Yogācāra traditions each approach...
Aug 01, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 212
This episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features special guest Sarah Harding . Join Sarah and Daniel Aitken as they discuss Sarah’s newest release with Wisdom Severance: The Early Practice of Chö . Together, they explore how chö (severance)—an ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice—guides us to confront our deepest fears, cut through ego-clinging, and realize the mind’s innate clarity. You’ll also hear Daniel and Sarah discuss: the role of fear in chö practice; motherhood and feminine im...
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 211
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast , recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat , is presented in collaboration with Tergar International and Tibet House US , featuring special guests Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Robert Thurman . In this special episode, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Professor Robert Thurman come together for a rich and wide-ranging conversation on the practical application of Buddhist teachings in everyday life. With clarity, warmth, and humor, they explore tantric practice, the nature...
Jul 19, 2025•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 210
In this episode, Cortland Dahl and Daniel Aitken discuss Cortland’s book A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism . As an author and translator, Cortland has published numerous scientific articles and works on Buddhist philosophy and meditation. He is actively involved in scientific research and has published articles on the impact of meditation practices on the body, mind, and brain. They explore crucial themes such as the integration of meditation, view, and application in daily life, and explores conc...
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 209
Join Alejandro Chaoul , Richard Freeman , Mary Taylor , and host Daniel Aitken as they discuss their different traditions of yoga and how they relate to meditation. Listen as they provide insights into their yoga traditions, emphasizing historical dialogue between the traditions and shared practices. They touch on practical meditation tips, integrating the body into mindfulness, and much more! You’ll also hear Daniel and our guests discuss: how they each became interested in their version of yog...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 208
Join Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Daniel Aitken in this special bonus episode of our celebratory Blazing Splendor Wisdom Podcast series as they discuss The Legacy of Tulku Urgyen and the Path to Kindfulness . During this episode, Daniel and Rinpoche celebrate the rerelease of Blazing Splendor , and Rinpoche shares his memories and insights he gained from the teachings of his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. You’ll also hear Rinpoche and Daniel discuss: Rinpoche’s impactful relationships with other hi...
May 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 207
In this Wisdom Podcast episode host Daniel Aitken joins Douglas Duckworth as they discuss Douglas’s translation The Great Hūṃ . Douglas Duckworth is a professor of religion at Temple University in Philadelphia. He received his PhD in religious studies (Indo-Tibetan Buddhism) from the University of Virginia in 2005, and he previously taught at Kathmandu University. In this episode, Douglas shares his journey of becoming interested in the text during his studies in India and Nepal, and he shares t...
Mar 28, 2025•52 min•Ep. 206
Join Daniel Aitken and Ācārya Malcolm Smith as they discuss the roots of Dzogchen and the aural lineage in the Great Perfection tradition as described in Malcolm’s newest translation Yoga Of The Natural State , releasing in the winter of 2025 and available now for pre-order. In this episode of the Wisdom Podcast , recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat , explore the historical transmission of Dzogchen teachings through the textual and aural lineages and the roles these play in preserving the auth...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 205
In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Christopher Ives , a professor and Zen practitioner. Chris is an author, translator, and avid outdoorsman. His writing focuses on ethics in Zen Buddhism and Buddhist approaches to nature and environmental issues. His previous publications with Wisdom include Zen on the Trail and Meditations on the Trail . Throughout the conversation, Chris and Daniel go in-depth exploring the themes in Chris’s newest release, Zen Ecology ....
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 204
In this insightful episode of the Wisdom Podcast , host Daniel Aitken engages with Justin Kelley , Executive Director of Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools . Justin has practiced with Mingyur Rinpoche for nearly 20 years and earned his PhD in Religious Studies from Rice University, where he studied with Dr. Anne C. Klein. Passionate about making Buddhist wisdom relevant today—particularly in education—his research explores the intersection of Buddhism and learning theory, drawing on his hands-o...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 203
In this episode, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat , host Daniel Aitken engages in a rich dialogue with Lama Alan Wallace . Lama Alan, a significant figure in the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism to the West, shares insights from his lifelong practice, teachings, and new Wisdom Publications release Dzokchen . The discussion delves deeply into the practices of shamatha, vipassana, and Dzokchen, contrasting these with other Buddhist traditions and highlighting their significance in achieving s...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 202
In this insightful conversation, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Michael Tweed . Michael is a well-known editor of Tibetan Buddhist texts, particularly on Dzogchen and Mahamudra. Titles he has worked on include Blazing Splendor by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Brilliant Moon by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Clear Mirror by Dudjom Lingpa, and many more. During this episode, Michael shares his remarkable journey, starting at the very beginning with his interest in meditation and Buddhism while living in small...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 201
Join us in celebrating a major milestone—our 200th episode. Over the years, the Wisdom Podcast has become a gathering place for seekers, practitioners, and thought leaders in the Buddhist tradition, offering listeners wisdom and insight from some of the most remarkable teachers of our time. We continue this legacy of profound conversations with a truly special guest— Venerable Thubten Chodron —as we celebrate the release of Vajrayāna and the Culmination of the Path . This volume is the final vol...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 200
In this enriching Wisdom Podcast episode, host Daniel Aitken is joined by Venerable Losang Gendun . Venerable Gendun is a Tibetan Buddhist monk who was ordained in 2006. A dedicated teacher for over 15 years, Ven. Gendun has taught Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and meditation across Europe and the US, and was the resident teacher of FPMT ’s Maitreya Institute in Amsterdam for six years. As a member of Mind & Life Europe , he integrates contemplative traditions with science to foster equal...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 199
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast , recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat features special guest Geshe YongDong Losar . Geshe YongDong is a Tibetan Bön lama, or spiritual teacher, in the Yungdrung Bön lineage, which is rooted in the indigenous spiritual tradition of the Himalayas. He lives in Courtenay, British Columbia, where he established and directs Sherab Chamma Ling, the only Tibetan Bön Buddhist Center in Canada. He teaches in many centers and universities around the world and has also f...
Nov 11, 2024•59 min•Ep. 198
In this, the fourth and final episode of our celebratory series , Wisdom Podcast host Daniel Aitken is joined by special guest Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche ! Listen as Rinpoche guides you on a journey throughout his life, beginning with his early memories of his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the impact his father had on him and his own teaching, all the way to his father’s passing. This episode is also available as a special video podcast . You’ll hear Rinpoche: share memories from his childhood in ...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 197
Welcome to the third episode of our celebratory Blazing Splendor Wisdom Podcast series! This episode was recorded earlier this year as a live Wisdom Dharma Chat where host Daniel Aitken was joined by special guest, Tsoknyi Rinpoche . During this episode, Rinpoche shares deep insights from his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s teachings, along with personal anecdotes in celebration of the release of the collector’s edition of Blazing Splendor . You’ll hear Daniel and Rinpoche discuss: Tulku Urgyen ...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 196
