In Effort & Freedom, Sam speaks with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. They discuss Tenzin’s years-long retreat in a remote Indian cave; her studies with the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche; the role of pointing-out instructions in spiritual development; the significance of one’s first glimpse into emptiness; pursuing realization without grasping for it; effortlessness in practice; Douglas Harding; stabilizing experiences of awakening; the advantage of eyes-open meditation; the ineffability of non-dual insight; the unethical behavior of certain great teachers; the improving status of monastic women; differences between Western-born and Himalayan nuns; and other topics…
There’s an old Zen saying: “The world is topsy-turvy.”
Who is not aware of this today? The state of the world is painful to everyone. The world careens onward in its topsy-turvy course, causing a pervasive sense of inward dread many of us can’t afford to entertain.
No wonder so many of us are in denial, whether subscribing to fanaticism, lunatic politics, addictions, or simply unplugging from the disturbing news of ecological crisis or economic woes. Deep down we all know the fix we’re in, but we can’t afford to face it. It’s just too much.
Is there a way we can digest, hold, and live with the scale of our current problems?
Meditation practice makes denial impossible and truth sustainable.
The 2023 Global Peace Index released its annual ranking of the most peaceful countries in the world.
Iceland has retained its No. 1 spot since the index premiered 17 years ago and remains ahead of the pack. It’s a very safe, friendly country, and its breathtaking landscapes of glowing volcanoes, thermal springs, towering geysers and rocky coastline make it the perfect travel destination for the outdoorsy adventurer. Make sure to catch a view of the Northern Lights and go on a whale-watching tour.
How curious are you, really?
Curiosity, the search for understanding, is about more than just learning new information for trivia night. When you direct it toward exploring yourself or others in a deeper way, it can become a force for connection and transformation in your life.
How curious are you, really?
Curiosity, the search for understanding, is about more than just learning new information for trivia night. When you direct it toward exploring yourself or others in a deeper way, it can become a force for connection and transformation in your life.