The Modern Buddhism Podcast

The Modern Buddhism Podcast
  • 4.8 (100)
  • BUDDHISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Modern Buddhism Podcast, where we explore how meditation and Buddha's timeless wisdom can help all of us to cultivate a deeper inner peace, happiness, and resilience in daily life. Join us for inspiring conversations with people who live these teachings every day. Hope you enjoy it. Produced by the New Kadampa Tradition

  1. The Buddhist Mind Hack that Stops the Blame Cycle

    4D AGO

    The Buddhist Mind Hack that Stops the Blame Cycle

    In today’s episode, Gen Kelsang Norden explores the meaning of karma and how understanding it can become a liberating and empowering force in our lives. Speaking from her heart and her own experience of practicing these teachings, she explains how our thoughts and actions shape the way we experience the world and what we encounter in the future. We learn that karma is something we can actively reshape through the choices we make each day. By recognizing that our experiences arise from our own past actions, we can free ourselves from the painful mental states of blame, victimhood, and resentment, and instead cultivate genuine personal responsibility and inner freedom. Gen Norden also explains the “mirror of karma,” the idea that every experience reflects our actions back to us, helping us to live with greater integrity and authenticity. She reminds us that at the end of our lives, what remains with us is not how others saw us, but the imprints of our own actions. Alongside this, she shares transformative practices such as taking and giving meditation and rejoicing in the happiness of others, showing how compassion and selflessness not only bring happiness and confidence, but also create powerful positive karma. This episode offers a clear and heartfelt presentation of one of Buddha’s principal teachings, and a practical guide to living with greater authenticity, freedom, and joy. Chapters 00:00 A Powerful Method to Overcome Fear 6:33 The Secret to Feeling Joy Anytime 15:50 Can You Love People Who Hurt You? 19:20 Why We Lose Control (And How to Catch It) 23:28 Is Reality Actually Subjective? 31:07 Why You’re Not Stuck in Your Life 35:15 How to Take Control of Your Future 47:10 Integrity, Authenticity and Self-Confidence 53:00 Can I be Happy In an Uncertain World? 58:05 The Path to Inner Freedom Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes.

 Book References

 In this episode Gen Kelsang Norden references: How to Transform Your Life
 - https://howtotyl.com/ The New Eight Steps to Happiness - https://kadampa.org/book/eight-steps-to-happiness Want More? Find a meditation center near you - 
https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips
 - https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z #Buddhism #Meditation #MindTraining #Karma #InnerPeace #SelfGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #Compassion #SpiritualGrowth #AnxietyRelief #EmotionalIntelligence #LettingGo #HappinessWithin #Wisdom #Dharma #Podcast

    1h 8m
  2. Meditation in Hollywood

    APR 4

    Meditation in Hollywood

    Cameron Mathison Opens Up About Facing Hate on Social Media Part 2 of 2 (Part 1 is here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oSYw1flcsUDbauL2feq0h?si=rPsZdHERQOeZcLyr9TqXfA ) In this second part of the interview with actor Cameron Mathison, we learn how it feels to play one of TV's most despised characters. Cameron explains how he was able to see the truth of Buddha's teachings reflected in the character, using it as a mirror that helped him deepen his own spiritual training. However, the training didn't stop there. Cameron faced online hate as well as real-life confrontations from people unable to separate the role from the man behind it. He reflects on how he was able to transform these difficult experiences into spiritual growth that helps and inspires others. The feature concludes with a powerful message: that being authentic and accountable is the foundation of true strength and resilience. Chapters 00:00 How Playing a Villain Mirrors the Mind 05:02 Handling Hate & Public Criticism 08:47 Building Resilience Through Challenges 12:03 How Delusions Negatively Shape Our Life 15:11 The Inner Conflict of Self-Cherishing 17:02 Why We Need Spiritual Friends & Accountability Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. Book References ⁠How To Transform Your Life⁠ by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso ⁠Eight Steps To Happiness⁠  by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Want More? Find a meditation center near you - ⁠ https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en⁠ Listen to teaching clips - https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z⁠ Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast ⁠⁠Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4⁠ #Kadampa #Buddhism #Meditation #GesheKelsangGyatso #HowToTransformYourLife #EightStepsToHappiness #ModernBuddhism #MindTraining #Lojong #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #Meditation #MentalHealth #BuddhistWisdom #SelfTransformation

    18 min
  3. The Day I Lost Everything

    MAR 21

    The Day I Lost Everything

    Cameron Mathison on how he rebuilt his life after the LA fires, cancer, death, and divorce In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome actor and talk show host Cameron Mathison, who shares his deeply personal journey—from success in the entertainment industry to discovering lasting inner peace through the teachings of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Cameron opens up about a series of profound life challenges, including his battle with cancer, his mother’s dementia and passing, job loss, the breakdown of his marriage, and the devastating loss of his home in a fire—along with the memories it held. In this honest and inspiring conversation, he explains how meditation and Buddhist practice helped him not only navigate these hardships, but transform his experience—becoming happier, freer, and more resilient in the process. Chapters 00:00 When Success Was Not Enough 05:12 Discovering Kadampa Meditation 10:18 Learning to Work With the Mind 15:02 Practicing Dharma in the Entertainment Industry 19:03 Kindness in Difficult Relationships 23:48 Humility, Perspective & Real Success 28:04 Accepting Change When Life Falls Apart 32:10 Cancer, Loss & Major Life Challenges 37:40 Training the Mind Through Hardship 43:05 Relying on Sangha, Teacher & Dharma Book References How To Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Eight Steps To Happiness  by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. Want More? Find a meditation center near you -https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 #Kadampa #Buddhism #Meditation #GesheKelsangGyatso #HowToTransformYourLife #EightStepsToHappiness #ModernBuddhism #MindTraining #Lojong #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #Meditation #MentalHealth #BuddhistWisdom #SelfTransformation

    45 min
  4. Pain Is Not From Loss

    MAR 7

    Pain Is Not From Loss

    I Grieved for 20 Years… Until I Learned This We are delighted to welcome back Gen Gomlam in this powerful episode.  How do you transform the pain of loss into something life-enhancing? In this conversation, Gen Gomlam – a Buddhist nun and former hospice nurse – shares her deeply personal journey through grief, from the loss of her brother to the healing of her relationship with her father. Drawing on Buddha's teachings on the mind, she explores how attachment keeps us locked in pain, why grief isn't the badge of love we think it is, and how real happiness can only be found within. Whether you're navigating loss right now or simply want to understand your mind better, this conversation offers practical wisdom and genuine hope. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Early Experiences With Loss 04:11 Pain Comes From Our Reaction 06:41 Understanding Attachment 11:27 Prolonged Grief Is Attachment 19:07 Love Doesn't Die When They Die 20:36 Healing With Her Father 27:02 Tara's Mantra and the Funeral 31:03 Looking for Love vs. Loving Others 34:00 Therapy, Dharma and Lasting Change Book References How to Understand the Mind  by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Gen Kelsang Gomlam is a senior teacher within the New Kadampa Tradition, an international Buddhist tradition with over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. Want More? Find a meditation center near you: https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast #KadampaBuddhism #ModernBuddhism #GesheKelsangGyatso #Geshela #TrainTheMind #ModernLifeBuddhism #InnerPeace #MindTraining #KadampaLife #BuddhistPodcast #HappinessWithin #MeditationPractice #SpiritualJourney #NewKadampaTradition

    39 min
  5. A CEO’s Guide to Resilience

    FEB 21

    A CEO’s Guide to Resilience

    In today’s episode, Kadam Adam speaks with Shelley about her journey through illness, business leadership, and spiritual transformation, explaining how facing cancer became a powerful wake-up call to re-examine her priorities. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, she reflects on the challenges of bringing compassion and wisdom into the workplace, especially when making difficult decisions such as letting staff go or navigating ethical dilemmas. She describes how meditation helped her develop a long-term perspective on happiness and success, and how applying Buddhist principles in daily life transformed not only her own mind but also the way she related to others. This episode shows how difficulties can become the fuel for spiritual growth and how, by training our mind with patience and compassion, we can find meaning and purpose even in the hardest moments. Chapters 00:00 Facing Cancer & Wake-Up Call 05:10 Business Career & Ethical Challenges 10:40 Bringing Compassion Into Leadership 16:20 Meditation in Everyday Decisions 22:30 Long-Term View of Happiness 28:00 Crisis as Spiritual Turning Point 34:15 Discovering Kadampa Buddhism 40:10 Applying Dharma in Daily Life 46:00 Meaning, Purpose & Inner Change 52:20 Advice for Modern Practitioners Book References Modern Buddhismhttps://kadampa.org/book/modern-buddhism How to Transform Your Lifehttps://howtotyl.com/ Want More? Find a meditation center near you: https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nktikbu Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. #KadampaBuddhism #GesheKelsangGyatso #MeditationInDailyLife #ModernBuddhism #SpiritualGrowth #MindTraining #CompassionInBusiness #OvercomingCancer #InnerPeace #CancerJourney #BuddhistWisdom #PersonalTransformation #MindfulnessPractice #MeaningOfLife #KadampaPodcast

    37 min
  6. Turn Pain Into Purpose - A Buddhist Nun’s Journey from Tragedy to Transformation

    FEB 14

    Turn Pain Into Purpose - A Buddhist Nun’s Journey from Tragedy to Transformation

    In today’s episode, Gen Rinchung reflects on loss, grief, spiritual growth, and the transformative power of Dharma. Drawing on her personal experience of losing her brother at a young age and her subsequent search for meaning, she shares how this loss revealed there was something within herself that was causing her pain. Seeing how destructive mental states shaped her suffering set her on a quest to find a spiritual teacher—someone who could teach her about her mind and how to work with it. Meeting Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche profoundly changed her life. This episode explores how changing our mind is the only realistic way to change the world, bringing hope, purpose, and deep peace, and how authentic spiritual practice helps us live a more meaningful and compassionate life. Chapters 00:00 Facing Death and Loss 05:20 Losing Her Brother and Grief 10:00 Spiritual Search and Meeting Venerable Geshe-la 15:20 Meeting Venerable Geshe-la and Authentic Dharma 20:02 Changing the Mind, Changing the World 24:10 Meditation, Effort, and Stubbornness 29:04 Ordination and Daily Commitment 32:01 Goals, Prayer, and Letting Go Book References Modern Buddhism: https://kadampa.org/book/modern-buddhism How to Transform Your Life: https://howtotyl.com/ Gen Rinchung is a senior teacher within the New Kadampa Tradition, an international Buddhist tradition with over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. Find a meditation center near you: https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nktikbuSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. #Kadampa #Grief #GesheKelsangGyatso #NewKadampaTradition #BuddhistWisdom #ModernBuddhism #Dharma #Meditation #Compassion #SpiritualGrowth #InnerPeace #MindTraining #GriefHealing #LifeMeaning #KadampaPodcast

    36 min
  7. Take Control of Your Mind

    FEB 7

    Take Control of Your Mind

    In this episode, Gen Ananda explores the Buddhist practice of patience, understanding it as a profound practice of acceptance - not passive tolerance, but a powerful method for transforming anger, conflict, and emotional pain. Through real-life examples, personal stories, and Kadampa Buddhist wisdom, we learn how patience creates inner freedom, courage in difficult conversations, and a healthier way to meet conflict - without suppressing our feelings or fueling them. A deep, practical conversation on emotional maturity, forgiveness, and changing the world by changing the mind. Chapters 00:00  Why Patience Matters 05:20  Working with Anger & Emotional Triggers 09:20 Courage, Conflict & Inner Freedom 13:45  Conflict Without Drama 17:20  Healthy Ways to Process Anger 22:15  Meditation as Real-Life Training 25:20  Conflict with the World & Society 33:45  Forgiveness & Letting Go of Blame 40:00  Healing Through Responsibility & Insight Book References Modern Buddhism: https://kadampa.org/book/modern-buddhism How to Transform Your Life: https://howtotyl.com/ Gen Ananda is a senior teacher within the New Kadampa Tradition, an international Buddhist tradition with over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. Want More? Find a meditation center near you
 https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips
 https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. Follow The Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast
 #Kadampa #Buddhism #Kadampa #Meditation #Patience #EmotionalHealing #InnerPeace #AngerManagement #SpiritualGrowth #MeditationPractice #MindTraining #RadicalAcceptance #Forgiveness #MentalHealth #ModernBuddhism #SelfDevelopment

    41 min
  8. Inner Peace in a World We Can’t Control

    JAN 31

    Inner Peace in a World We Can’t Control

    In today’s episode, Gen Demo shares her journey of working with the mind through Kadampa Buddhism and how this practice has transformed her experience of happiness and meaning. Reflecting on her early encounters with Buddhist teachings, international festivals, and meeting Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, she explains how learning to observe and train the mind gradually shifted her priorities and sense of fulfillment. Gen Demo describes how ordination and daily practice helped her see that unhappiness is not caused by external conditions, but by the way the mind responds to them. Through practical examples and personal insight, she shows how difficulties can become opportunities for inner growth, and how cultivating a peaceful, flexible mind leads to a stable happiness that does not depend on circumstances. This episode highlights the Kadampa approach to modern life - using meditation, reflection, and compassion to turn everyday experiences into a meaningful spiritual path.

 Chapters
 00:00 Introduction to Training the Mind
 05:40 Discovering Kadampa Buddhism
 11:05 Meeting Geshe Kelsang Gyatso 
17:10 Ordination and Kadampa Nun Life
 23:20 Daily Meditation and Inner Change
 29:15 Overcoming Problems with Buddhism
 35:10 Mind Training in Everyday Life
 41:05 Using Difficulties as the Path
 47:00 Finding Meaning and Lasting Happiness


 Book References
 Modern Buddhism: 
https://kadampa.org/book/modern-buddhism How to Transform Your Life: 
https://howtotyl.com/ Gen Kelsang Demo is a senior teacher within the New Kadampa Tradition, an international Buddhist tradition with over a thousand meditation centers worldwide.
 Want More? Find a meditation center near you
 https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips
 https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Subscribe to get notifications of new episodes. Follow The Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/
 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast
 #NewKadampaTradition #KadampaMeditation #GesheKelsangGyatso #MentalHealthAndMeditation #AnxietyRelief #PanicAttacks #WatchingTheMind #BuddhistPsychology #InnerPeace #MeditationPractice #AcceptanceAndHealing #CompassionTraining #ModernBuddhism #MentalWellbeing #FindingPeace

    49 min
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4.8
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Modern Buddhism Podcast, where we explore how meditation and Buddha's timeless wisdom can help all of us to cultivate a deeper inner peace, happiness, and resilience in daily life. Join us for inspiring conversations with people who live these teachings every day. Hope you enjoy it. Produced by the New Kadampa Tradition

Information

  • Creator
    The Modern Buddhism Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Modern Buddhism Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Modern Buddhism Podcast

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