Awaken

Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
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AWAKEN is a Webby Honoree podcast about the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” Throughout the series we dive into the personal stories of guests who share how they’ve experienced a shift in their awareness, and as a result, their perspective on life.

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  1. Introducing Interdependence

    EPISODE 1

    Introducing Interdependence

    Interdependence is so foundational to every aspect of our lives that it can be easy to miss. But what happens when we truly wake up to the reality that everyone and everything is interconnected? For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. How do the teachings of the Wheel still apply to our world today?  AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Guests featured in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/introducing-interdependence

    23 min
  2. Engaging with Community on a Personal Scale

    EPISODE 2

    Engaging with Community on a Personal Scale

    We may think interdependence is something that needs to be found, but it’s already right here, existing among the people we know and interact with on a regular basis. Our capacity to form mutually supportive relationships is a human drive deeply written in our bodies. What does it look like to seize upon and celebrate those connections?  For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the god realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of community. This episode features author and futurist Mia Birdsong. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/engaging-with-community-on-a-personal-scale

    22 min
  3. Acknowledging Community on a Collective Scale

    EPISODE 3

    Acknowledging Community on a Collective Scale

    For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the hungry ghost realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of community. This episode features journalist and author A.J. Jacobs. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.  Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/acknowledging-community-on-a-collective-scale

    26 min
  4. Connecting with the Environment

    EPISODE 4

    Connecting with the Environment

    One of the places we see interdependence at play most clearly is in the natural world. Within our interconnected relationship to the environment comes the potential for humans to sustain great beauty but also create great harm. What does it look like to live in mutual reciprocity with the Earth in small but meaningful ways?  For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the animal realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of ecology. This episode features Indigenous musician, author, and community organizer Lyla June Johnston. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.   Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/connecting-with-the-environment

    25 min
  5. Taking a Wider View of Health

    EPISODE 5

    Taking a Wider View of Health

    Our bodies may be the single most tangible reminder of interdependence. But good health isn’t just related to physical functioning—there are emotional and social components as well. What can a holistic perspective on health offer us? And how do our relationships relate to our well-being? For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the hell realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of health. This episode features Tibetan physician, scholar, and founder and medical director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute Dr. Nida Chenagtsang. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/taking-a-wider-view-of-health/ Tell us what you think of AWAKEN!  Complete our listener survey for a chance to win two free tickets to the Rubin’s Mindfulness Meditation program in person or online. Complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3TV8MT

    27 min
  6. Grappling with Our Relationship to Technology

    EPISODE 6

    Grappling with Our Relationship to Technology

    Technology isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s all about how we use it. At its best it can reveal hidden truths, build community, and serve as a tool for living. How can we navigate the increasingly interconnected relationship between technology and humanity in ways that harness its beneficial potential? For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the human realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of technology. This episode features transmedia artist and professor Stephanie Dinkins. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas Christakis, professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/grappling-with-our-relationship-to-technology Tell us what you think of AWAKEN! Complete our listener survey for a chance to win two free tickets to the Rubin’s Mindfulness Meditation program in person or online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3TV8MT Tell us what you think of AWAKEN!  Complete our listener survey for a chance to win two free tickets to the Rubin’s Mindfulness Meditation program in person or online. Complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3TV8MT

    27 min
  7. Considering the Interplay of Culture

    EPISODE 7

    Considering the Interplay of Culture

    The interconnected relationship between artist and viewer is what gives art its meaning and power. Art can capture ideas that are difficult to express in words and make them more understandable. How do artists reflect and deepen our understanding of interdependence?  For centuries people have turned to the image of the Wheel of Life to better understand cause and effect and the very nature of existence. The section of the Wheel depicting the human realm is the focus of this episode’s exploration of culture. This episode features interdisciplinary artist and visual storyteller Osheen Siva. AWAKEN season 5 is hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart. Other guests in this episode include professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin, and Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher and author Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/considering-the-interplay-of-culture Tell us what you think of AWAKEN!  Complete our listener survey for a chance to win two free tickets to the Rubin’s Mindfulness Meditation program in person or online. Complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3TV8MT

    21 min
  8. Welcome to AWAKEN Season 5

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    Welcome to AWAKEN Season 5

    Welcome to Season 5 of AWAKEN—a Webby Honoree podcast about the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” This season explores interdependence, a fundamental concept in Buddhism and in life that describes the mutual dependence of everything and experience. Hosted by singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart, the series focuses on a painting of the Wheel of Life from the Rubin Museum’s collection to see what it can teach us about the interconnected nature of existence. Experts in the realms of art, social science, Buddhism, and more illuminate how greater awareness of interdependence can be the wake up call that motivates actions for a better world.  Trailer voices in order of appearance: Associate professor of Buddhism and East Asian religions Annabella Pitkin; Tibetan physician, scholar, and founder and medical director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute Dr. Nida Chenagtsang; singer, songwriter, and artist Devendra Banhart; social scientist, physician, and professor Nicholas A. Christakis; pastoral counselor, teacher, and author Pamela Ayo Yetunde. AWAKEN Season 5 will launch on August 19, 2025. Read a transcript, learn about the Rubin, donate, and more: https://rubinmuseum.org/welcome-to-awaken-season-5

    2 min
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Trailers

About

AWAKEN is a Webby Honoree podcast about the dynamic path to enlightenment and what it means to “wake up.” Throughout the series we dive into the personal stories of guests who share how they’ve experienced a shift in their awareness, and as a result, their perspective on life.

Information

  • Creator
    Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
  • Episodes
    47
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Awaken

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