In this episode, Elizabeth opens up the topic of ‘engaged’ bodhicitta focusing on generosity. She weaves her experience of her recent trip to India with the story of Sujata, the young woman remembered for reviving Prince Siddhartha after his six years of austerities. Sujata offered him a bowl of sweet milk-rice, reviving his body with energy, enabling him to make his way to the Bodhi Tree, to attain enlightenment and become the Buddha. What happens when we conspire together to release generosity into life?

In episode 601, Across the Valley, Elizabeth uses the analogy of two communities situated on opposite sides of the valley where she lives to consider our tendencies towards fundamentalism and rightness. “What happens” she asks, “when everyone feels absolutely right?” The Bodhisattva Vow is a commitment to create connection with others, without bias, by looking inward at the mechanisms of reification, and then applying the Buddha’s Middle Way Beyond The Extremes.

In this episode Elizabeth reflects upon the provocative poem composed by the renowned contemporary teacher, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, entitled, “Looking Into the World.”

“It’s not a cozy poem,” says Elizabeth, “It’s a reflection on loneliness. It is an incantation to distrust. It is a tribute to the freedom and confidence that comes from standing on our own two feet.” Put your familiar and conventional views aside for this wonderful exploration.