Tashi Delek Happy Losar!

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.

In Episode 504, Elizabeth explores devotion, one of the many aspects of faith. Through stories and inquiry, she brings us through various meanings of devotion. Elizabeth examines devotion as an experience, along with cultural and interpersonal challenges that can arise through misunderstanding the teacher/student dynamic. When understood more clearly, devotion hastens the process of spiritual awakening for the student.