Living Clarity

The sadness we feel when we go through loss or separation is not coming from the loss itself, it’s coming from the irrational mind of attachment. Buddha gives scientific teachings on how our pain is created by this and other negative states of mind. Based on Understanding The Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen Gomlam explains that by understanding the distinction between love and attachment and realising how Buddhist wisdom overcomes this irrational and painful mind, we can heal our emotional pain. Further reading in the following book: How to Understand the Mind

In this episode, Kadam Adam Starr explores why, even when we try to slow down, our minds remain busy and easily pulled into distraction. Reading from The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, he explains that although our deepest wish has always been to be happy and free from suffering, we often look for happiness only in external conditions, which leaves us feeling stressed, restless, and unfulfilled. In this excerpt, Kadam Adam explains how by committing to the inner work of training the mind, while continuing our normal lives, we can gradually reduce distraction, restore balance, and discover the deeper, more stable happiness we have been searching for all along. Further reading in the following book: The New Eight Steps to Happiness

Patience is a mind that welcomes wholeheartedly whatever arises having given up the idea that things should be other than what they are. In this extract from a teaching by Gen-la Jampa we learn to distinguish outer problems from inner ones and how our mental reaction to difficulty causes more suffering than the hardship itself. He introduces us to using life’s difficulties as a path to lasting inner peace and mental freedom. Further reading in the following book: How to Solve Our Human Problems

When we discover the true source of all pain and problems: distorted perspectives within our own mind we see the possibility of true freedom. In this teaching Gen Devi discusses how ignorance, attachment, and aversion are the roots of suffering. Learn about the cycle of contaminated life (samsara) and how to develop an authentic wish to escape this mental prison. Based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Discover the Buddhist perspective on karma, not as a system of punishment, but as a universal law of cause and effect. This extract from a teaching by Gen Demo explores how our mental intentions are the root of all our actions and how cultivating a positive motivation can transform our interactions, creating beneficial ripple effects for the future. Based on the book Introduction to Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

In this podcast, Gen Chodor explains that all personal and spiritual growth begins in the imagination: we each hold a vision of who we want to become – less stressed, more confident, more peaceful – and without that vision, change is impossible. Drawing on Eight Steps to Happiness, he describes how just as buildings and inventions first exist in the mind of an architect, our inner qualities and identities also begin as mental blueprints. Although we often change external identities – careers, relationships, locations – in search of happiness, these shifts alone never bring lasting freedom from problems. By vividly imagining and identifying with our highest spiritual potential through meditation, we create a clear inner blueprint that, with practice and mental training, can gradually become our lived reality. Based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

In this inspiring talk, we’re reminded that our endless search for happiness – through stimulation, possessions, or relationships – will never give us the satisfaction we are seeking, Why? Because true happiness isn’t found outside; it arises from within. Building on the theme of meaningful relationships, we’re invited to reflect on the real purpose of life. Buddhism teaches that our natural state is one of happiness and lasting peace and joy come from connecting with this nature. From this experience comes the ability to make ourselves and others happy. Book reference: How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Based on the book How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen Tubchen explores the intricate workings of the mind through the lens of Buddhist psychology. Learn how the function of ‘discrimination’ shapes your reality and transforms your experience. Discover that beneath the surface of temporary thoughts and feelings lies a deep, peaceful potential that gives us the possibility for change and pure happiness.

Kadam Bridget explores how small, consistent changes in our thoughts and actions cultivate a resilient and happy mind in daily life. This teaching reveals how our inner state—the thoughts we hold— dictates our experience. Discover the mind’s infinite potential and learn practical ways to cultivate meaningful thoughts and find peace within. Further reading: How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

This episode with Kadam Adam Starr is a powerful reminder and inspiration to tap into the inner peace that exists within us every day. Discover the starting point for finding inner calm. This teaching explains how to move beyond the turbulence of a busy mind through simple breathing meditation – and how this practice can improve our experience of everyday life. Based on the book The New Meditation Handbook by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Discover a powerful technique to improve our understanding of other people’s perspective this will enable us to improve our communication and be much more patient in our interactions with friends and colleagues. This episode introduces the practice of ‘exchanging self with others,’ using the analogy of climbing another’s mountain to see their perspective instead of only seeing things from the point of view of the ‘mountain of self’. Learn how to observe in a logical way understanding that seeing another’s viewpoint doesn’t require agreement, only a willingness to understand. Based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Strength of mind is the ability to remain peaceful and positive in the face of adversity, which is an inevitable part of life and a capacity that can be developed. Buddhism teaches that unhappiness is not caused by external situations or other people, but by inner mental tendencies—especially attachment to the fulfilment of our own wishes—and recognizing this shifts us from blame which makes us weak to wisdom and resilience. Based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Why does life so often feel unfulfilling, despite our best efforts? In this podcast, Gen Devi explores the Buddhist perspective on dissatisfaction, as taught by the Buddha in his explanation of the Four Noble Truths. These teachings describe the truth of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path that leads to that cessation. Through this lens, we discover the subtle mental distortions and unrealistic expectations that lie at the root of suffering and unhappiness. Based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Why do we seek relationships, and how can we find fulfilment in them? This teaching extract explores our universal search for lasting happiness. Kadam Morten reveals that when we understand that the true source of happiness is inner peace, we discover that our connections with others are not obstacles, but essential opportunities for training the mind and developing the virtuous qualities that lead to genuine fulfilment and a meaningful life. Based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In this enlightening episode, Gen-la Khyenrab explains the Buddhist belief that all living beings are our kind mothers. He challenges us to question our ordinary perceptions of the people around us and to cultivate the view that others have been our mothers in countless previous lives. He explains that by holding this belief—because it is based on wisdom—we can solve all our daily problems. Based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In this episode, Kadam Bridget explores a powerful Buddhist teaching on the nature of happiness, suffering, and true freedom. Rather than blaming our problems on people or circumstances, we’re invited to look inward and understand how disturbed states of mind—such as anger, jealousy, and attachment—are the real source of our suffering. Through honest self-examination, we learn to recognize what our mind is producing moment by moment, and how negative emotions are not permanent truths but temporary “weather” passing through the mind. Based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso