Living Clarity

In this thought-provoking podcast, Kadam Morton explains the fundamental nature of mind, revealing the surprising source of genuine happiness hidden in plain sight. With refreshing clarity and humor, he illuminates how our perceptions shape our reality through relatable, everyday examples. Listeners will gain transformative insights into how experiences—both pleasant and challenging—are ultimately created by our own minds. Based on a talk given at KMC New York City and based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Becoming aware of the kindness we encounter every day and throughout our lives is a powerful way to cultivate gratitude and overcome feelings of isolation. As we begin to recognize these acts of kindness, our minds open, fostering a sense of connection with others and helping to dissolve loneliness. In this talk, Gen Gomlam guides us on how to reflect on the kindness we’ve received, allowing us to realize that we are not isolated individuals, but deeply interconnected with those around us. This episode is based on a talk given by Gen Gomlam, the Teacher at KMC Florida and based on the book How to Transform Your Life

In society, we often seek something or someone to blame for our problems. Whether it’s ourselves, others, or external circumstances, the list of potential culprits is endless. However, the thoughts that arise when we point the finger are often negative, leaving us feeling unhappy and discouraged. This episode explores a different perspective on blame—how shifting our understanding of what’s truly responsible for our struggles can help us break free from negativity and find greater peace of mind. By clearly identifying the source, we can liberate ourselves from the weight of blame and its harmful effects. Based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Available as a free download. Gen Demo is the Resident Teacher at International Retreat Center Grand Canyon.

All wisdom paves the way to happiness, but the highest wisdom—the wisdom of non-ignorance, or the wisdom that realizes ultimate truth—holds the key to lasting peace. This profound understanding of emptiness removes suffering at its root, offering us freedom from all pain. Gen-la Dekyong beautifully introduces this transformative wisdom through three powerful analogies given by Buddha. These analogies help us to see how things may seem to exist in one way, but in truth, they exist in a much deeper, more profound way than we initially realize. The podcast is an extract from a talk based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It is available as a free ebook download and is available in 11 languages.

This podcast offers an insightful yet practical exploration of Buddhism, with a special focus on Kadampa Buddhism. Kadam Bridget delves into the core idea that Buddhist teachings are designed to protect the mind. She explains that without this protection, especially in the face of the constant stimuli of daily life, achieving true happiness becomes difficult. Through the podcast, she illustrates how the wisdom of Dharma can be seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives, helping to enhance our happiness and mental well-being. The podcast is an extract from a talk based on the book Modern Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. It is available as a free ebook download and is available in 11 languages.

Understanding the nature of our mind and the different levels of consciousness opens the door to a true and profound understanding of reality. According to Buddhism, misunderstanding the nature of our reality is the root cause of many of our problems and suffering. In this incredibly inspiring podcast, Kadam Morton encourages us to follow in the footsteps of the great meditators of the past, to get to know our minds, and to experience the extraordinary peace and flexibility that this brings. This is an extract from a teaching given in Kadampa Meditation Center New York City based on the book Mahamudra Tantra by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

By gaining a deeper understanding of the nature of our mind, we free ourselves from identifying with our faults and painful emotions, allowing us to stop being controlled by them. This ability to step back from the grip of negative feelings forms the foundation of stable self-confidence and lasting inner peace. This is an extract of a teaching by Kadam Tim Laracombe based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

To make meaningful progress in meditation or to gain greater control over our minds in daily life, we must learn to manage and overcome distractions. Gen Demo provides insightful guidance on how to recognize and prevent distractions from derailing our focus. She highlights that it’s not just about managing external interruptions, but also about cultivating an inner determination to stop distractions before they take hold. By developing this mental resolve, we can create the conditions necessary for sustained focus and deeper meditation, ultimately leading to greater clarity and mindfulness in all areas of life. Book reference Universal Compassion by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In this podcast, from Kadam Lucy James, learn why now is the only time to take the real meaning of human life, which is the attainment of enlightenment. Now, now today! Tomorrow is too far off. An extract from a teaching given in KMC New York based on the book Joyful Path of Good Fortune by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong explores the essential relationship between inner peace and happiness. Drawing on the teachings of Venerable Geshe Kalsang Gyatso Rinpoche, she emphasizes that true happiness stems from a peaceful mind rather than external conditions. Despite the allure of material possessions and favorable circumstances, real contentment is achievable only through cultivating inner peace. Dekyong outlines spiritual practices to develop a peaceful mind, such as moral discipline, giving, and patience, encouraging listeners to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. The teaching focuses on the fundamental Buddhist principle that true happiness comes from inner peace rather than external circumstances. Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong explains that while we often try to manipulate external conditions like jobs, relationships, or possessions to find happiness, these cannot bring lasting contentment unless our mind is peaceful. She introduces six spiritual practices taught by Buddha—Moral Discipline, Giving, Patience, Effort, Meditation, and Wisdom—with special emphasis on the first three. The teaching emphasizes that developing inner peace is a gradual process of cultivating positive mental habits while reducing negative ones like anger, jealousy, and greed.

In this podcast, Gen Thekchen explores how our attachment to the pursuit of happiness can make us vulnerable, leading to a dependence on external factors that fuel our restlessness and dissatisfaction. He emphasizes that by practicing the mind-training teachings of the Buddha, we can cultivate mental resilience and create the inner space needed to genuinely experience and enjoy life. An extract from a teaching given in KMC Ottowa based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

This practical podcast from Kadam Tim Laracombe invites us to pause and reflect on where our true enjoyment comes from. It encourages us to slow down, keep a peaceful mind and savor the pleasant feeling in the mind, rather than constantly rushing toward the next thing. Through this approach, the podcast helps us realize that what we are truly seeking isn’t fleeting distractions, but lasting, permanent happiness. This extract is based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Available as a free download Kadam Tim is the teacher in KMC Copenhagen, Denmark.

Without understanding karma, we often find ourselves questioning why certain things happen to us and feeling powerless to change them. This podcast provides an insightful overview of karma and its impact on our lives. By offering a deeper understanding, it empowers us with the tools to transform our circumstances and guide our lives in the direction we desire. This extract is from a teaching given by Kadam Bridget Heyes based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Can meditation change our lives? Gen Devi helps us understand that it can—and explains why. She reveals that meditation, if we choose to embrace it, can provide a completely new perspective on life, leading to a transformed experience of the world around us. Drawing insights from the book Mirror of Dharma, she offers practical advice to guide us in mastering the art of meditation.

This podcast discusses the relationship between allowing our minds to become distracted and developing mental disturbances that we recognize as painful. With this understanding, we can appreciate the importance of controlling our distractions. Gen Demo then explains in detail how to practice a simple breathing meditation, highlighting how it can create the space and calm we need to develop a more optimistic outlook on life. This talk is based on the book The New Meditation Handbook by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Controlling our delusions is of utmost importance for everyone, as no one wants to suffer, and deluded minds are often the source of suffering. Understanding this can inspire us to cultivate the beneficial thoughts that counteract these delusions. In this podcast, Gen-la Dekyong encourages us to develop positive mindsets. She emphasizes that becoming someone who consistently feels positive, happy, and peaceful is achievable for everyone with practice. This talk was given at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, and is based on on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Available as a free download

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves yearning for peace of mind. However, our attachment to achieving this calm can ironically lead to frustration and unhappiness, encounter obstacles that hinder our pursuit. In this podcast, Gen Tekchen explores how the quest for peace if not guided by wisdom can ultimately create more problems, and shows how the solution is a deep understanding of where peace comes from. Join us as we delve into a deeper understanding of where genuine peace originates and how we can cultivate it in our lives. This talk is based on on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Available as a free download

In this discussion, Gen Rabten explores how we can train our minds and, consequently, our experiences, including how we perceive others. He emphasizes the importance of shifting our perspective to maintain a consistently positive view of those around us. Initially, this requires some effort, but with practice, it can become our natural way of seeing others. Developing this ability will empower us to cultivate beneficial relationships in all aspects of our lives. An extract from a teaching given in KMC Australia based on the book How to Solve our Huma Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

This simple but inspiring podcast helps us to understand and believe that the source of happiness is always within us. This potential for happiness is vast and will eventually become our natural state of being but we need to believe that finding lasting peace is possible and learn how to access this peace. This talk is from a talk given in KMC New York City by Kadam Morton Clausen and is based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Available as a free download at howtotyl.com.

In this podcast, Gen Demo shares invaluable insights on cultivating realistic expectations and honing effective preparations for meditation. This episode is perfect for beginners just starting their meditation journey, as well as a refreshing reminder for seasoned practitioners. Tune in to discover practical tips that will enhance your meditation and mindfulness. Reference the book Joyful Path of Good Fortune by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

In this captivating talk, Gen Zamling invites us to embark on a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery. He challenges us to reflect on the minds we identify with and inspires us to make purposeful and wise choices. By letting go of the self that leads to suffering, we can cultivate a new sense of self rooted in happiness and benefit for ourselves and those around us. This transformative path leads us towards becoming what Buddha referred to as a Bodhisattva—a person dedicated to the welfare of all. The beautiful truth is that each of us possesses the potential to step into this role and make a profound impact in our world. Join us as we explore this empowering journey together! An extract from a teaching given in KMC Chicago based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Join Gen-la Dekyong as she invites us to ponder profound questions that shape our lives. What is the true meaning of our existence? What brings us genuine happiness? How can we best serve others? And as we approach the end of our lives, what insights will guide us? Can you find the answers within yourself? Tune in to discover valuable insights and reflections that could transform your perspective. This podcast is based on a talk given by Gen-la Dekyong at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre

Distractions often go unnoticed, yet they pose a significant barrier to our peace of mind, happiness, and spiritual growth. Hence, it is essential for us to learn how to minimize these distractions. In a talk given at the NKT International Summer Festival, Gen-la Jampa discusses the impact of distractions on our lives and offers guidance on cultivating a strong resolve to overcome them. By making this decision we can stop mental clutter, attain a state of inner peace, and advance on our spiritual journey. This explanation was based on the book How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Painful feelings are simply some bad weather in the mind. They are impermanent and will pass quickly if we don’t focus on them. In this podcast Gen Zamling shows how to use the analogy of a thunderstorm in the sky having no power to destroy us, to free our mind from painful feelings and be at peace. An extract from a teaching given in KMC Chicago based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

A great introduction to why Buddhists say that happiness depends on the mind. In this podcast Gen Demo explains that we can understand from our own experience that our happiness must depend on our mind. She uses everyday examples that we can easily relate to and so come to our own conclusions on this important topic. This is an extract from a teaching based on the book How to Transform your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In this podcast we explore good habits of mind that help us train in being more joyful, more of the time and more reliably. We can train to improve our perception of our own life and those around us by simply giving attention to different aspects of things. This simple technique will uplift our day immediately. This is an extract from a teaching with Gen Lekma at KMC Southampton.

In this podcast learn how desirous attachment in our close relationships is almost always confused for love. Even though they have opposite effects, love giving rise to happiness in the relationship, attachment causing problems and unhappiness in the relationship, it is not easy for us to distinguish between them without receiving teachings. This is a very helpful explanation that gives real insight into why we struggle with relationships. The teaching is based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

If we ask what is happiness we find people have many different ideas and it is difficult to say clearly what the experience of happiness really is. Buddha said that our normal experience of happiness is simply a reduction of our previous suffering and that is not good enough. He encouraged us to look further and find the source of genuine happiness in the mind, especially through the mind of love. This teaching is based on the instruction given in the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

If we ask what is happiness we find people have many different ideas and it is difficult to say clearly what the experience of happiness really is. Buddha said that our normal experience of happiness is simply a reduction of our previous suffering and that is not good enough. He encouraged us to look further and find the source of genuine happiness in the mind, especially through the mind of love. This teaching is based on the instruction given in the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

The intention we have in our heart is what we follow, so setting our positive determinations in meditation allows us to keep our mind in a positive state throughout the day. In this podcast Kadam Bridget explains the importance of learning to meditate on a determination and how to train in doing this. More information on how to meditate can be found in The New Meditation Handbook

In this podcast we contemplate that since we do not exist objectively we have the extraordinary opportunity for change and growth. This is the best news – change your mind, change your world. If we then go on to contemplate the constantly changing experiences of all living beings we develop profound compassion for them. This is an extract from a talk given by Kadam Morten at KMC New York City.

If we watch our thoughts we may find that we often wish that things were other than they are and this brings continuous dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The practice of patient acceptance solves all the problems associated with this discontented mind. Gen Devi shows how to develop acceptance through finding another way to respond to painful feelings so that they do not trigger a habitual but unhelpful response. This is an extract from a talk given at KMC Switzerland and is based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Gen Demo suggests we can use our ability to watch and size-up other people to improve our own happiness. We can learn to be an observer and scientist investigating our states of mind and seeing what experiences they lead to. She encourages us to really investigate how our way of thinking about things influences our experiences and then asking what if I thought differently? This perspective not only opens the door to self-improvement but also highlights the power of mindset in shaping our happiness. This extract is taken from a talk given by Gen Kelsang Demo Resident Teacher at KMC DC. It is based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

This podcast looks at how to change what we focus on in life so that we change our experience. The mind has the power to make us happy or unhappy and we can bring happiness into our mind by simply acknowledging the good things in our life, the kindness others are showing us, along with the good qualities of others.

We can deepen our understanding and faith in Buddhism by experiencing firsthand how the teachings of the Buddha, shield us from suffering and life’s challenges. Through this insight, we cultivate a stronger belief in the Buddha, recognizing how his blessings empower us to release our negative thoughts and embrace the positive states of mind that offer true protection. This podcast is an extract from a teaching given by Kadam Bridget Hayes at Nagarjuna KMC, UK. It is based on the book Modern Buddhism by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso https://tharpa.com/us/modern-buddhism-free-ebook

Buddha’s profound statement, “You are not who you think you are,” invites us to re-examine our deeply ingrained beliefs about our identity. Many of us carry a fixed sense of self, convinced that this is our unchanging essence. However, in a compelling teaching delivered during the New Year, Kadam Morten encourages us to delve deeper into this notion of self. He guides us to question the very nature of our identity and illuminates how our perceptions shape and continuously redefine who we are. By embracing this understanding, we can experience a profound sense of liberation, freeing ourselves from the constraints of a static self-image.

In this talk by Gen-la Dekyong we learn why everybody needs to be good natured with a good heart. Whatever is happening in our life, and whoever is appearing in our life, “I need to be good natured with a good heart.” Why? Because in this way, we can solve our own problems, as well as those of others. This podcast is an extract of a public talk given at Manjushri KMC based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Our empathy for others is the key to learning to cherish them. Remembering how others wish to be free from suffering and problems in the same way that we do we will naturally think their happiness and freedom is important just as we presently believe our happiness and freedom to be important. This is an extract from a teaching given by Gen-la Jampa at IKRC Grand Canyon. It is based on the Meditations for a Kind Heart series of guided meditations available from Tharpa.com

Learning to stop identifying with a self that has a problem is a powerful tool for bringing about transformation and freeing ourself from whatever problem is affecting us. In this podcast Kadam Lucy explains how to do this using the example of anxiety. This is from an extract of a teaching given in KMC NYC.

Delusions distort our perception of reality and disrupt our mental peace. They are responsible for projecting negative feelings towards the world and others. However, by recognising this, we open the door to transforming our worldview. Gen-la Khyenrab elaborates on how this realization grants us the remarkable ability to alter our life's course. This podcast is an extract of a teaching given at Tara IKRC based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

In this podcast Gen-la Jampa teaches how developing the belief ’this person is important their happiness matters’ will change our life for the better. If we believe this it will naturally influence our feelings and behaviour towards others so we will always act with kindness and have good relationships that bring joy. As Buddha says the mind that cherishes others is the best method to make ourself and others happy. This podcast is an extract from a talk given by Gen-la Jampa at IKRC Grand Canyon. It is based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Gen Demo reminds us that assigning blame to ourselves or others is a fruitless endeavor that only serves to erode our self-confidence and breed animosity towards those around us. Rather than fixating on our imperfections, Gen Demo encourages us to recognize that imperfections do not define us and are not inherently part of us. We can cultivate a more realistic, and positive mindset by shifting our focus to embrace the pure underlying nature our mind, which is like a clear sky, instead of dwelling on the passing storm clouds of our faults. This podcast is an extract from a talk given by Gen Demo in KMC DC. It is based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Gen-la Dekyong beautifully articulates the profound connection between our actions and their consequences on our inner and outer world. Every action we perform leaves a potentiality in our mind that later ripens as either a positive or a negative experience.This powerful insight reminds us that the key to transforming our experience lies with us. By turning our mind to others and thinking about their experiences, we naturally change our behaviour and reduce our own suffering. This podcast is an extract from a talk given by Gen-la Dekyong in Buenos Aires. It is based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Buddha explains that there are three root delusions that make us un-peaceful - ignorance, attachment and anger. In this podcast In a recent podcast, Gen Demo delves into how anger can distort our perceptions and disrupt our peace of mind. Through compelling stories, she vividly demonstrates the detrimental impact of anger on our ability to maintain peace of mind and find joy in our experiences. This is an extract taken from a teaching given by Gen Demo at Kadampa Meditation Centre DC and is based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

We may think of humility as putting ourself down, but in reality this is not humility. Humility is more about respecting others and appreciating everyone. This view brings a sense of balance and happiness. In this podcast Gen Lekma delves into the essence of humility, guiding us to recognize its profound impact and inspiring us to embody this quality in our interactions with others. This extract is taken from a talk given by Gen Kelsang Lekma at KMC Southampton. It is based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Our inflated self image takes a lot to keep up and to manage. Real confidence has humility and isn't based on our own importance. We accept ourself as we are -- from that we can make progress towards a more happier self. This extract is taken from a teaching given by Gen Kelsang Norbu at KMC North Carolina, US and is based on the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Gen-la Dekyong inspires us to understand that patient acceptance is an inner strength. It is not a passive reaction but rather a strong active response to difficulty. Patience keeps our mind stable and peaceful - as stable as a mountain and as peaceful as the depths of an ocean. This is an extract from a talk given in Buenos Aires based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Relationships are the cornerstone of our lives, and they have the power to bring immense joy or unbearable pain. Therefore, it's crucial to take care of them and ensure they remain strong. In this regard, Gen Rabten has some invaluable insights on how to safeguard our relationships and keep them thriving so that they bring us continual happiness.