The Wisdom Podcast

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:  the challenges and plateaus which can occur in Yoga; advanced practices and illusory body; healing and health benefits of Niguma Yoga; and much more!   Additional content mentioned in this episode: Rinpoche and Michele’s new book, The Yoga of Niguma Rinopche’s most recent online course, Niguma’s Dream Yoga Rinpoche’s first Wisdom Academy online course, The Illusory Body and Mind Learn more about Rinpoche and his work at https://shangpakagyu.org/ Learn more about Michele Loew at https://www.micheleloew.com/   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.     Meet Our Guests: His Eminence the 2nd Kalu Rinpoche 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 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.

John Makransky, Boston College professor and developer of Sustainable Compassion Training, shares his lifelong journey with Tibetan meditation. He discusses Buddha nature, bodhicitta, and the threefold practice of receptivity, deepening, and inclusive engagement. Conversations explore emptiness, luminosity, and practical ways to cultivate compassion and presence in daily life.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Eva Natanya, a scholar and practitioner with a rich background in contemplative studies, delves into the intricate processes behind translating and compiling Buddhist texts, specifically focusing on śamatha and vipaśyanā. She shares her solitary retreat experiences and the significance of rigorous practice. Topics like the union of pristine awareness and clear light, as well as insights into compassion and Dzogchen teachings, highlight the depth of her exploration, emphasizing the courage required on the spiritual path.

Professor John Dunne, a leading expert in Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice, dives into the fascinating historical significance of the Nalanda tradition. He explores the importance of education in cultivating wisdom, highlighting the roles of hearing, reflection, and meditative realization. Dunne also discusses yogic perception, the intersection of AI with Buddhist ideas, and intriguing comparisons between meditation and 5-MeO-DMT experiences. His insights connect consciousness, perception, and the pursuit of non-duality in modern contexts.

David M. DiValerio, an associate professor of history and religious studies specializing in Tibetan Buddhism, joins to discuss his book, Mountain Dharma. He shares his journey into Tibetan retreat practices from initial monastery visits to extensive research on retreat manuals. Topics include the evolution of retreat boundaries, the distinction between individual and solitary retreats, and the historical significance of Tibetan asceticism. DiValerio also highlights how modern centers often overlook ancient texts in their practices.

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: The importance of teamwork in their personal and professional lives; how to integrate dharma into your daily life; using meditation to connect to your inner self; and much more!       Mentioned in this episode: Instagram: @daily.buddhist Learn more about Pema and Brendan’s newsletter, and get your copy of The Daily Buddhist at thedailybuddhist.net   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.

Dasho Karma Ura, the insightful President of the Centre for Bhutan Studies and an expert in Gross National Happiness, joins to share Bhutan's unique approach to well-being. He discusses how Buddhist ideals shape culture, language preservation amid globalization, and the importance of community for happiness. Karma highlights the significance of nature and craftsmanship in fostering emotional growth. Plus, he unveils his artistic journey inspired by Yeshe Tsogyal and emphasizes the cultivation of lasting happiness through life's challenges.

H. E. Khangser Rinpoche, a senior Gelug lama and vice-abbot of Gyuto Monastery, shares insights from his extensive experience in Buddhist teachings. He delves into the concept of Buddha-nature and the impact of modern distractions on spiritual practice. Rinpoche highlights selflessness as a remedy for anger, distinguishes between sutra and tantra methods, and emphasizes analytical meditation's importance. He also discusses how visualization practices can transform perception and alleviate suffering, providing a deep dive into the mechanics of the mind.

Lama Alan Wallace, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher and founder of the Center for Contemplative Research, shares his profound insights on the anthology Śamatha and Vipaśyanā. He reflects on his early teachings from Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey and the transformative power of bodhicitta meditation. The discussion explores the balance between Western scientific advancements and Eastern contemplative practices, the concept of irreversible transformation, and how ethics serve as the bedrock for genuine mindfulness. He also emphasizes the need for supportive communities to foster contemplative inquiry.

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 Hindu-Buddhist-Christian and a dedicated yoga and meditation practitioner. His bestselling book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them, features a foreword from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and offers tools to awaken humans to their interdependence and cultivate the wisdom and compassion needed to transcend bias, exclusion, and othering. His work has reached over 300 organizations, training more than 100,000 professionals and impacting 30 million lives. In this episode, Anu and Daniel discuss:   Anu’s bestselling book Breaking Bias; his early encounters with spirituality and his childhood in India;  his cultural and spiritual observations and his struggles with his own identity in America; mystical experiences, mental health, and his personal journey of self-discovery; the concept of race, bias, and human connection;  tools to help overcome bias in today’s world; and  so much more! Mentioned in this episode: BEMOREwithAnu.com Substack: @anuguptany   Note to our listeners: This episode contains the description of a mystical experience that some listeners may find upsetting. If you would prefer to avoid this part of the conversation, please skip from minutes 31:02 to 34:54. If you or someone you love are in crisis, please call, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. International listeners, please visit The International Association for Suicide Prevention to find crisis care in your region.   The post Anu Gupta: Breaking Bias (#216) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.