Podcasts by Awakening Now with Lama Surya Das

Ep. 58 - Mastering Fear from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das explores methods of mastering fear and training our reactivity.

Ep. 57 - Deviations from the View from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das looks at some unintentional deviations that we make from our spiritual practice as well as simple ways we can improve our daily practice...

Ep. 56 - Buddhas by Nature from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Lama Surya Das looks at the teachings and practices which remind us of our Buddha nature.     

Ep. 55 – The Middle Way: Life in Flow from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week Lama Surya Das explores the state of flow known as the middle way, the way to peace and liberation in this very life.

Ep. 54 - Inviting Balance from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das teaches a lesson on the most important principles of Dzogchen meditation and discusses ways we can bring balance into our spiritual practice.  

Ep. 53 – Compassion in Action from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week on the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das looks at how we can turn compassion into action with Metta meditation practice.

Ep. 52 - Secrets of Mindfulness Practice from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the secrets of mindfulness practice, teasing out the nuances of our practice so that we may guide ourselves better.

Ep. 51 - Natural Great Perfection from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das explores the threefold path of Natural Great Perfection in Dzogchen practice.

Ep. 50 - Emptiness and Detachment from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das discusses the tenants of emptiness and detachment in the Buddhist tradition.    

Ep. 49 - The Ten Paramitas from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week Lama Surya Das explores the Ten Paramitas, the Buddha’s guidelines for everyday living.   

Ep. 48 - Waking up Together from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

David Fisher joins Lama Surya Das for a conversation around current events and how with mindfulness practice we can begin waking up together.  

Ep. 47 - Right View on the Noble Eightfold Path from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das takes a look at Right View on the Noble Eightfold Path.

Ep. 46 - Spontaneous Meditation from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Ep. 45 - The 16th Karmapa from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Ep. 44 - The Scientific Method of Enlightenment from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das discusses the scientific method of Enlightenment and realizing our own Buddha nature through mindful awareness. The archetypal enlightenment experi...

Ep. 43 – Courage in the New Age with Donald Altman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Psychotherapist, former Buddhist monk, and award-winning author Donald Altman joins Lama Surya Das for a conversation about what mindfulness and meditation practice have to offer us in the modern w...

Ep. 42 - "Enlightening Up" with Pete Holmes from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Comedian, Pete Holmes, joins Lama Surya Das live on stage for conversation around comedy, consciousness, and “enlightening up” by lightening our hearts. Pete’s writing, acting, and comedy conveys ...

Ep. 41 - Awakening the Buddha Within: The Six Kinds of Mindfulness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das concludes his four-part series on awakening the Buddha within. This week: the six kinds of mindfulness in Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism, there are six kinds of mindfulness. ...

Ep. 40 – Awakening the Buddha Within: Mindfulness into Action from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das continues his four-part series on awakening the Buddha within. This week: Mindfulness into Action. Mindfulness is more than just having a presence of mind and "Being Here Now." Lama...

Ep 39 – Awakening the Buddha Within: the Four Foundations of Mindfulness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Ep 38 - Awakening the Buddha Within: Mindfulness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das begins a four-part series on awakening the Buddha within by analyzing the active ingredient of the Dharma: Mindfulness. Lama Surya Das begins a four-part series on awakening the Bud...

Ep. 37 - Jay Michaelson from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das has on Jay Michaelson to talk about anger, activism, and our responsibility to others. Renaissance man Jay Michaelson is a dharma teacher, author, journalist, lawyer, activist, and r...

Ep. 36 - Comedy & Consciousness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Live from ABC Deepak Homebase; Lama Surya Das is joined by Chris Grosso, Duncan Trussell, and Raghu Markus for a comical chat about consciousness and the spiritual path. The group gets real about e...

Ep. 35 – Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this special episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya reflects on the life of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Surya shares his experiences studying under the Dzogchen master who shared his wisdom and grace...

Ep. 34 - John Bush from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das brings on his longtime friend John Krishna Bush, who is a director, artist, and writer as well as being a wise devotee of Neem Karoli Baba.   It was John that took a young Lama Surya...

Ep. 33 – Father Michael Holleran from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Father Michael Holleran joins Lama Surya Das this week to discuss the intersection of Christianity and Buddhism. While the two belief systems may not seem similar on the surface, they both share a ...

Ep. 32 – Practicing Dzogchen & Questions on Suffering and the Middle Way from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this talk in from a past retreat, Lama Surya Das discusses the Dzogchen principle of basic awareness.Through practice, we become opened to the nature of our mind. We are then able to detach ours...

Ep. 31 – Wayne Muller from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das brings on Wayne Muller to talk about time and how we spend what precious little of it that we are given. How can we lift ourselves from the trance of our mundane lives? Wayne believe...

Ep. 30 - Mindful Child with Susan Kaiser Greenland from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Author and educator, Susan Kaiser Greenland, chats with Lama Surya Das about teaching the younger generation. How do we not only bring old teachings and wisdom into the modern world but bring it in...

Ep. 29 - On Ram Dass: Friend, Mentor & Spiritual Pioneer from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this latest episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das shares on the many aspects of Ram Dass that he has experienced. As a friend, mentor, and spiritual pioneer, Ram Dass has been an inspiration ...

Ep. 28 - Reliable Refuge from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

“Our own body is like the Sangha, our energy the Dharma, and our heart-mind the Buddha” Surya Das reminds us that to rest in the empty and luminous nature of mind is to practice the ultimate form ...

Ep. 27 – Sally Kempton - Merging the Path of Devotion and Wisdom from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das and fellow spiritual and meditation teacher, Sally Kempton discuss the merging of the paths of devotion (Bhakti) and wisdom (Jnana) and how they've discovered the true inseparability of t...

Ep. 26 - Effortless Effort from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das touches on the natural and relaxed qualities of Dzogchen meditation, and answers questions on a variety of topics including decision making, balancing the meditative and contemplative min...

Ep. 25 - America the Buddhaful from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das is joined by fellow MindPod natives, Raghu Markus and Kelly Rego, for a lighthearted discussion about the growing relationship between Western culture and the higher powers that have infl...

Ep. 24 - Leave It as It is from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Uninhibited and inexhaustible, like the ocean’s waves, leave it as it is. There is no ‘self’ for your self-improvement project, but there is room for just being. Through practice we develop the ski...

Ep. 23 - Enjoy the View from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das explains that Dozchen is not just a practice of the mind, but rather an exercise of the Spirit, a dance with the pure and primordial presence that we all have access to. It is the essence...

Ep. 22 - Reflecting on Discrimination and Discernment from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Sound advice on the importance of theoretical and experiential learning within the context of any spiritual framework. The initial inspiration may come through text, but must then be applied and te...

Ep. 21 - Recondition to Decondition from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das offers a teaching on the wisdom of allowing, encouraging us to familiarize ourselves with a simple yet engaged lifestyle, learning to live in harmony with a deep appreciation for the full...

Ep. 20 - The Middle Path from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das reflects on the bigger picture of the Great Perfection, as it relates to the art of acceptance within our practice. A little acceptance goes a long way as we continue to work on ourselves...

Ep. 19 - The Tip of Motivation from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

What is our perspective? How do we nurture a new perspective that is more interconnected with our fellow humans? Lama Surya Das chats with Raghu and they recall the Lama’s first meeting with the “B...

Ep. 18 - Transmission, Lineage, and Reactivity from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das responds to audience questions on a variety of topics including transmission from teachers, the role of lineage, and working with reactivity. He explains that it is encouragement and insp...

Ep. 17 - Building Blocks of a Spiritual Life from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Daily life is where the rubber meets the road on the spiritual path, as we attempt to integrate our takeaways from retreat, travels, and other spiritual endeavors. Bringing the virtues of mindfulne...

Ep. 16 - Fear, Demons and Tonglen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das responds to audience questions on a variety of topics including appropriate responses to fear, working with your demons, and the meditative practice known as Tonglen.

Ep. 15 - The First Moment of Wonder from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das describes the natural and awe-inspiring state of Dzogchen, before we begin to think and conceptualize the world around us. This initial moment of wonder is what we hope to connect with an...

Ep. 14 - Deviations From The View from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das gives a lucid discourse on some of the habits and thought patterns that lead us away from the clear vision of the View. He explains that there is no waiting or hoping, no comparing or com...

Ep. 13 - Seeing Through, Being Through from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

When we understand that all being is merely emptiness cloaked in material phenomenon then we begin to see for the first time.  Seeing through is the essence of true understanding that allows us to ...

Ep. 12 - The Wisdom of Allowing from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

“Leave it as it is and rest the weary mind”   A timeless reminder to avoid attachment to things we can’t hold on to. We practice to promote perspective, to see through everything, be through e...

Ep. 11 - Buddha Nature, Sky Gazing, And Dukkha from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

“It is the unenlightened life that is dissatisfying.” Lama Surya Das provides a timeless reminder of the broad and all-encompassing nature of the true Buddha. All beings are endowed with this innat...

Ep. 10 - All Natural from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das describes the direct access we have to the Great Perfection that embodies all that is, just as it is. This innate wakefulness is a practice of refining our inner gold by looking deeper to...

Ep. 9 - Actualizing Freedom from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das explains that the mind is not the right tool for moving through the narrow pass in getting from here to ‘totally here’. He encourages us to step out and go beyond the here and now in an e...

Ep 8. - The Three Practices of Dzogchen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Surya Das outlines the three main forms of practice within Dzogchen, which includes Ru Shan(subtle discernment), Trekcho (cutting through), and Togal (being there). He explains the more immediate i...

Ep. 7 - Inter Meditation from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Raghu Markus joins his longtime spiritual friend for an intimate look into Surya Das’ new book, “Make Me One with Everything”. The Guru brothers dive deep into the true meaning of ‘Inter Meditation...

Ep. 6 - The Three Naturals: Body, Breath and Mind from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Further Dzogchen teachings from our favorite Lama, who offers incentive for a more natural approach to practice. For now, we can learn to see through the spectacle of our lives, using the natural r...

Ep 5. - Awareness is Curative from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

How much energy do we offer to the distractions in our lives, the temptations and endless stimuli that never cease to arise? Can we learn to simply experience, recognize, and release all of the dif...

Ep. 4 - Integrating the Dharma with Daily Life from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Integration is the name of the game for those of us living amongst the chaos of the modern world. How can we take the wisdom of the past and actually apply it to our day-to-day existence? Lama Sury...

Ep. 3 - Dzogchen Non-Meditation from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das breaks down the 3 ‘naturals’ of basic Dzogchen meditation, explaining that our energy moves from effort to effortless and back again, as we turn meditation into action. Questions fro...

Ep. 2 - The View: Meditation and Action of the Natural Great Perfection from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Seeing through the illusion and simply enjoying the view is the work we have set out to do. In practice we assume our Buddha seat, allowing awareness to proceed unhindered, in observance of our pur...

Ep. 94 - Sky Mind from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the natural great perfection of sky mind, or panoramic awareness, and talks about the difference between the Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions.

Ep. 93 - The Four Immeasurables from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das explores the Four Immeasurables, looks at the concept of emptiness as openness, and extols the virtues of the Middle Way.

Ep. 92 - Integrating the Teachings from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das explores the transformative practices of Tibetan Buddhism and how we can begin integrating those teachings into our daily lives.

Ep. 91 - The Golden Eternity from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das explores how the timeless wisdom of Dzogchen can help open our eyes to what Jack Kerouac called the Golden Eternity. 

Ep. 90 - Co-Meditation and Naked Awareness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das explores Dzogchen practices such as co-meditation and naked awareness, and why too much emptiness is not a good thing.

Ep. 89 - Enlightenment and Subjectivity from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das gives a dharma talk about the relationship between Sunyata and subjectivity, and how there are no prerequisites for enlightenment.

Ep. 88 – Embracing the Essence of Buddhism from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das offers a dharma talk around the essence of Buddhism and cultivating the ability to be here now.

Ep. 87 – Emaho and Advanced Dzogchen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

On this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das explores the fun practice of Emaho and other advanced Dzogchen teachings, including integrated dharma into daily life.

Ep. 86 – Obstacles Along The Middle Way from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this dharma talk, Lama Surya Das looks at ways we can overcome common obstacles that present themselves along our journey of awakening. This talk was recorded at the Garrison Institute during D...

Ep. 85 – Awareness With a Capital “A” from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das shares a reflection on how we can bring greater balance and awareness into our lives through the practices of Dzogchen.

Ep. 84 – Principles of Dzogchen from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores some of the principles of Dzogchen non-meditation as he reminds us to ride the cresting wave of now-ness.

Ep. 83 – Backyard Bodhisattva from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this dharma talk, Lama Surya Das discusses how the Dzogchen notion of the View enhances every relative action in life and awakens the backyard Bodhisattva inside all of us.

Ep. 82 – Seeing with Naked Awareness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This time on the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das teaches the first steps in practicing Dzogchen non-meditation and seeing with naked awareness.

Ep. 81 – Integrating Dharma with Daily Life from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das embraces the dance of Rigpa as he explores how Bodhisattva actions means being responsive, as needed, to the higher vision of life.

Ep. 80 – Vajra Pride from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the practice of Vajra pride, then takes questions on vegetarianism and Buddhism, preparing for the moment of death, and mindfulness.

Ep. 79 – Freedom From Action from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das pays tribute to Dzogchen master Chatral Rinpoche as he talks about the important practice of letting things come and go, and accepting whatever is in front of you.

Ep. 78 – The Three Vital Points from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the three vital points that strike to the heart of the matter of recognizing, exercising, and stabilizing our own Buddha Nature. 

Ep. 77 - Seeing as It Is, Leaving as It Is from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the non-meditation practices that allow us to open to every aspect of life without reactivity - just seeing as it is, leaving as it is.

Ep. 76 – The Great Natural Non-Meditation from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das looks to the sky with naked awareness as he explores the Dzogchen practice of natural non-meditation and offers four ways of cultivating authenticity and presence.

Ep. 75 – Buddhas By Nature from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the practice of Dzogchen, the three higher trainings, and how we are all Buddhas by nature.

Ep. 74 – The Way of Awakening with Ken Wilber from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das sits down with scholar Ken Wilber for a conversation around the evolution of spiritual practice and finding freedom through emptiness.

Ep. 73 – Finding Truth and Enlightenment At Home from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

We don't need to sit on a 20-hour flight to the East to find liberation. Lama Surya Das shares a talk on the possibility of finding truth and freedom right where you are.

Ep. 72 - Awakening with Mindful Awareness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This time on the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das examines the importance of cultivating mindful awareness in our journey of awakening.

Ep. 71 – Paul Samuel Dolman from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das is joined by Paul Samuel Dolman for a chat that touches on the importance of remembering our true natures, bringing awareness to social action, and learning to love the world by star...

Ep. 70 - Caught Up in the Trees from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das explores the ways in which our egos allow our innate and limitless awareness to get caught up in the trees of our desires and fears.

Ep. 69 - Clear Light and The View from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das speaks about the practices of Clear Light, independent liberation and avoiding deviations from the view in Dzogchen practice. Find show...

Ep. 68 - The Buddha in Your Backyard with CJ Liu from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Radio host CJ Liu joins Lama Surya Das for a conversation about how we can get in touch with our inner Buddha nature when we are distressed or overwhelmed with the suffering and injustice in the wo...

Ep. 67 – The Heart Sutra from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week on the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das explores the wisdom of the Heart Sutra and the clear view of Prajñaparamita. Find show notes and resources here: https://beherenownetwork.com...

Ep. 66 - Sleep and Meditation with Dr. Ian Dunican from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Dr. Ian Dunican joins Lama Surya Das for a discussion about ways that meditation practice can improve our quality of sleep. Find show notes and resources at: https://beherenownetwork.com/lama-sury...

Ep. 65 – Panoramic View from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week on the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das concludes his exploration of the naked awareness practices and panoramic view of Dzogchen meditation.

Ep. 64 - Seeing with Naked Awareness from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das continues his discussion around the Dzogchen practice of naked awareness and how its fruits manifest in our lives. Find show notes and recommendations here:  https://beherenownet...

Ep. 63 - Awareness Itself from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this episode of the Awakening Now Podcast, Lama Surya Das looks at how awareness itself can bring balance into our everyday life and answers questions around Dzogchen practice. 

Ep. 62 – Life is the Practice with Francesca Maxime from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das is joined by Francesca Maxime for a conversation about the compassion, wisdom and equanimity that comes when we turn our life into our practice and begin to connect with our true sel...

Ep. 61 - The Natural Way from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

In this talk, Lama Surya Das explores ways to cultivate our innate Buddha nature and teaches the natural meditation practices of Dzogchen.

Ep. 60 - The Action of Non-Action from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

This week, Lama Surya Das gives a talk about how we can rest in the practice of non-action and enjoy the View. 

Ep. 59 – Perfection As It Is from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Lama Surya Das is reunited with his old friend, Kelly Rego, for a conversation around seeing the perfection in all things, integrating our spiritual practice into daily life and understanding what ...

Ep. 1 - Dreams, Non-Duality&Enlightenment from 2015-04-06T18:12:01

For the inaugural episode of "Awakening Now," Lama Surya Das is joined by MindPod Networkers Raghu Markus and Noah Lampert. Surya Das answers Noah's questions about dreams, the state of the world t...

Ep. 1 - Dreams, Non-Duality&Enlightenment from 2015-04-06T18:12:01

For the inaugural episode of "Awakening Now," Lama Surya Das is joined by MindPod Networkers Raghu Markus and Noah Lampert. Surya Das answers Noah's questions about dreams, the state of the world t...