Waking Up Closer To Tibet

The second part of the conversation with Reka Gawa focuses on exploring Tibetan cuisine beyond momos. Reka Gawa is an established Tibetan food entrepreneur and the founder of Himalaya Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland. Through her cafe, she promotes Tibetan culture and Buddhist principles of compassion and kindness. She also initiated the "pay it forward scheme" to feed the homeless. The episode features a discussion between Tenzin Chodon and Reka Gawa about Tibetan food and Reka's journey as an entrepreneur. You are invited to tune in and join the conversation

Do you love exploring different cuisines? Do you want to explore Tibetan cuisine? If yes, then this episode is for you. Tibetan food doesn’t start and end with momos. There is so much variety! In this episode, Tenzin is in conversation with Reka Gawa, an established Tibetan food entrepreneur who is the founder of Himalaya Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland. With the cafe, she is not only spreading Tibetan culture but also the Buddhist principles of compassion and Kindness. She also started the “pay it forward scheme” to feed the homeless. In this episode, Tenzin Chodon and Reka Gawa discuss Tibetan food as well as Reka’s journey of becoming an entrepreneur. Tune in now to listen!

Mental health issues are one of the leading challenges in the world today. We live in an age where hustle culture is touted and mental well-being is severely ignored. It is imperative for us to take care of our body and mind. To gain more insights on how we can master our mind for happiness, Tenzin is in conversation with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul. He is the director of Tibet House, New Delhi which is the cultural centre of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He has been the official translator/interpreter for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 2005. As assigned by the Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, he visited the US in 2008 to work with Prof. Paul Ekman, a world-renowned Psychologist, one of the pioneers of the science of micro-facial expressions, on H.H. the Dalai Lama’s book “Emotional Awareness” which is co-authored by Dr Paul Ekman of the University of California Medical School. He was one of the chief editors of the textbook on Buddhist Science and Philosophy. This textbook is to be used for Centres and Institutes all over the world to study more thoroughly on Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, and science. He was also assigned to work on H.H. the Dalai Lama’s book “Ethics for the New Millennium – part II, which later came up with the title Beyond Religion,” and the series of “Art of Happiness” book which was jointly written by H.H. the Dalai Lama and Prof. Howard Cutler. He is actively involved in critical editing works with other books of H.H. the Dalai Lama like “The Graded Path.” Tune in now to listen!

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of mental health. In today's world, mental well-being is often overlooked amidst the constant pressure of hustle culture. It is essential to prioritize our mind and body's health to lead a happy and fulfilling life. To help us gain a deeper understanding of how we can achieve this, Tenzin is in conversation with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul, the director of Tibet House in New Delhi, which serves as the cultural center of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul has been the official translator/interpreter for His Holiness since 2005, and in 2008, he worked with renowned psychologist Prof. Paul Ekman on H.H. the Dalai Lama's book "Emotional Awareness." Join us as we explore the crucial role of mental health and gain insights into mastering our minds for happiness. Tune in now to listen and learn from the wisdom of Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul.

This is part 2 of our conversation with the renowned Tibetan singer/songwriter Techung. The music of Tibet is as serene and beautiful as its picturesque landscape. If you thought that there is only one kind of music in Tibet, you are absolutely mistaken. Each province in the region has its own style of music. To dwell deeper into this and truly understand the beauty of traditional Tibetan music, Tenzin is in conversation with the award-winning Tibetan singer/songwriter - Techung. Techung is the co-founder of the San Francisco-based Chaksampa Tibetan Dance and Opera Company. Chaksampa made their debut at Carnegie Hall with Philip Glass, REM, Trey Anastasio, Shawn Colvin, and Patti Smith as part of New York Tibet House’s annual Monlam festival concert. Tune in now to listen!

The music of Tibet is as serene and beautiful as its picturesque landscape. If you thought that there is only one kind of music in Tibet, you are absolutely mistaken. Each province in the region has its own style of music. To dwell deeper into this and truly understand the beauty of traditional Tibetan music, Tenzin is in conversation with the award-winning Tibetan singer/song-writer - Techung. Techung is the co-founder of the San Francisco-based Chaksampa Tibetan Dance and Opera Company. Chaksampa made their debut at Carnegie Hall with Philip Glass, REM, Trey Anastasio, Shawn Colvin, and Patti Smith as part of New York Tibet House’s annual Monlam festival concert. Tune in now to listen!

“When I am conducting live translations of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s speeches, I always try making the audience feel that they are hearing directly from His Holiness” - says Geshe Thupten Jinpa in this episode with Tenzin Chodon on Waking Up Closer To Tibet. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 1985. He is a celebrated Tibetan Buddhist scholar, leader and author who has translated and edited numerous books by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. He has also done live translations of His Holiness’s speeches/addresses. He is the founder and president of The Compassion Institute. Tune in now to listen as Tenzin is in conversation with Geshe Thupten Jinpa.

Are you multilingual or a polyglot? Does the study of language intrigue you? Do you want to learn more about the Tibetan language? Then this episode is for you. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 1985. He is a celebrated Tibetan Buddhist scholar, leader and author who has translated and edited numerous books by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has also done live translations of His Holiness’s speeches/addresses. He is also the founder and president of The Compassion Institute. Tune in now to listen as Tenzin is in conversation with Geshe Thupten Jinpa.

Despite tumultuous situations, His Holiness has always practised and preached the message of love, forgiveness, compassion and secular ethics. For his dedication towards peace, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1989. In an age where tolerance and acceptance are at their lowest, how can we build resilience? What role have the Buddhist teachings played in the life of His Holiness? Why is Tibetan Buddhism known as the science of the human mind? Know about it all, as Tenzin is in conversation with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This is part 2 of the conversation series with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

How old is the relationship between India and Tibet? How did Buddhism spread from India to Tibet? What role has ancient India's Nalanda University played in this regard? If you are intrigued to know the answers to these questions, then this episode is for you. The quest for unique narratives about Tibet continues in Season 2. In this episode, Tenzin is in conversation with His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama as His Holiness elucidates the history of Tibetan Buddhism and language. This is part 1 of the conversation with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Tune in now to listen!

Did you know that there are approximately 39 Tibetan settlements in different states of India? Many Tibetans have been living in exile for over 60 years. Their settlements are often known as “Little Tibet'' due to the vast population of Tibetans living and the reflection of its rich culture in these settlements. From Buddhist monasteries to temples, from traditional food to clothing, you will get to experience the Tibetan way of life up-close! The two largest Tibetan settlements in India are in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh and Bylakuppe in Coorg/Kodagu, Karnataka. Want to experience Tibet in India? Planning a trip to any of these settlements? Tune in now to know more about the Tibetan settlements in India as Tenzin speaks about the same.

Did you know that consuming certain Tibetan precious pills on auspicious days based on the lunar calendar enhances the efficacy of these pills? What is the relationship between the planetary system and the consumption of the precious pills/Rilbus? Tune in now to know it all, as Tenzin continues her conversation with Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar and Jalpa Vithalani on the topic of Tibetan Medicine.

Did you know traditional Tibetan physicians diagnose diseases and illnesses with pulse reading? The art of pulse reading comes from the system of Tibetan medicine/Sowa Rigpa. Sowa-Rigpa in Tibetan translates to Science of Healing. It is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world. Want to learn how we can heal ourselves holistically and improve our vitality? Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks to two special guests - Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar, a renowned Tibetan Medicine Doctor and Jalpa Vithalani, an established multi-preneur who is known for setting up Tibetan medicine camps in South Mumbai.

Who is Milarepa and why is his story an integral part of Tibetan folklore? This is the story of an ordinary man in Tibet whose life was filled with misery and challenges but with his grit, he was able to attain enlightenment. Because of hardships in his life, Milarepa resorted to black magic in his early days. Realizing his misdoings, he sought out on the path of Buddhahood. He became one of the most celebrated Yogis of Tibet. His story is a reminder that if you truly believe in what you want to accomplish, there is nothing that can stop you. Tune in now to listen as Tenzin narrates the entire story and to get that little dose of inspiration in case you need it.

How can films help us understand Tibetans, their culture and life as refugees in exile? Cinema is not only known to be influential in shaping our perspectives, but is often also a reflection of our culture. Tibetans have their own distinct narrative and culture. Tibetan filmmakers act as a catalyst in bringing unheard Tibetan stories from the lens of its people into the spotlight. In this episode, Tenzin speaks with – Tenzing Sonam, an Award-winning Tibetan Film Director who is amplifying Tibetan narratives and culture through his films. He is also a writer, essayist and the co-founder of White Crane Films. Tune in now to listen!

Tibetan music is the music of Tibet and is a reflection of its culture. The music can transport you imaginatively to the Himalayas. The tradition of singing Buddhist parables among Tibetans is over centuries old. Because of the high altitude, singing was a more convenient and entertaining form of communication for nomads and farmers. The most interesting thing about them was that even though they were illiterate, they would remember all chapters from the Tibetan epics by heart and would sing, dance, and also enact scenes. With time, different types of music developed in the region ie. religious, secular classical and folk, modern-day pop, and traditional eclectic. All of these genres have their own unique style. Want to know more about Tibetan music? Tune in now to listen!

Apart from the scenic Himalayan landscape and the rich flora and fauna, what makes Tibet truly special is its people - the Tibetan people. There is an intriguing folklore in the culture that Tibetans originated from the union of an ascetic monkey and Goddess Tara who was disguised as a demon. Sounds intriguing? If you have been fascinated by Tibetans, then this episode is for you. From the origin of Tibetans to their lifestyle in exile, Tenzin discusses them all, with renowned Anthropologist, Lecturer, Writer, and Historian of Tibet - Dr. Carole Mc Granahan. Tune in now to listen!

Tibetans don't eat momos every day. Tibetan cuisine doesn't end at momos! In fact, it consists of a wide variety of dishes. Tibetan food reflects the beautiful Himalayan culture. The staple food is Tsampa - barley flour made with butter, sugar, and tea that is consumed in either a ball form or in a porridge-like consistency which is rich, creamy, and oddly satisfying! Want to know more about the cuisine and try Tibetan food? Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks about the same.

Ever seen beautiful scroll paintings with striking images of Buddhist deities and mandalas telling stories? That is the Thangka Art. The tradition of Thangka in Tibet is over centuries old. Buddhist deities or figures are either painted or sewn on specific fabrics like cotton and silk. Many Buddhist narratives are told through this form of art and it is believed that our ancestors preserved the knowledge of enlightened beings and displayed these narratives in the form of images. Just imagine how amazing it would be if we could decode what they really wanted us to know about having a successful human life and the possibilities of parallel universes! Tune in now to listen as Tenzin speaks with world-renowned Thangka Lhabri/Artist, Gen. Tashi Norbu.

The Tibetan New Year is around the corner. And it is called – Losar in Tibetan. Losar is the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar/luni-solar calendar. This year, in 2022, Losar is on March 3rd. How do Tibetans celebrate their new year? Why is it celebrated for over 15 days? What significance does it hold? What are the vibrant traditions that add to the beauty of this festival? Know about it all as Tenzin speaks on the same .