Living Clarity
Welcome to Kadampa podcasts, where we explore the art of living a happier and more fulfilling life through the teachings and meditations of Kadampa Buddhism. Buddhism is a philosophy and way of life that has been practiced for centuries, and its principles can be applied to our modern world to help us navigate the challenges of daily life with greater ease and compassion. In these podcasts, we'll delve into the core concepts of Buddhist meditation, such as mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, and explore how they can be applied to our daily lives to cultivate a greater sense of peace, clarity and happiness. Each episode is an inspiring extract taken from a teaching given by various Kadampa Buddhist meditation teachers worldwide.
Episodes
Your Whole Life Can Be Meditation
Gen Chodor gives advice on overcoming a common objection to meditating: “I don’t have the time to meditate”. He explains how any activity — eating, driving, even watching Netflix — can become a meditation practice. Learn how to do regular daily activities with special states of mind that transform life into the path to happiness.
Further reading in the
Live Like a Spiritual Traveler
Gen Tara explains how our life completely transforms when we begin to see ourselves not as permanent residents of this life but as travelers passing through. She teaches how this view loosens our grip on gain and loss, redefines daily life as an opportunity to invest in ourselves spiritually, and enables us to live lightly and joyfully.
Further reading
Why Patience Is True Strength
Gen-la Jampa introduces patient acceptance as the genuine solution to daily problems. He challenges the modern view that patience is a weakness, revealing instead the inner strength required to refuse our well-worn mental grooves of intolerance — and the mental freedom that comes from accepting what is. Discover how changing our mind from resistance to
Wisdom that changes the world
In this episode, Kadam Mick Marcon explores how wisdom can literally change the way we see the world — and why that matters for our everyday happiness. He shares real life stories that illustrate how due to ignorance we are deceived by appearances and how simply by turning to our meditation practice we can dispel fear and confusion.
Why do relationships sometimes hurt?
In this episode, Gen Kelsang Leksang explores one of life’s great mysteries — why do the people we care about most sometimes cause us the greatest pain? She begins by drawing a clear distinction between two things we often mistake for the same feeling: love and attachment. One is a source of lasting peace; the other, she explains, is like chasing a mira
What are we really afraid of?
In this episode, Gen Kelsang Lhachog, talks about our fears — of failure, loss, loneliness, or rejection. First she explains the difference between fear that can help and protect us, such as fear of deadly Australian snakes! And fears that paralyse our happiness and wellbeing. She then drills down to what is under those fears — the root fear that affect
Small Actions That Change Everything
Kadam Bridget explains how we can actively shape our future through small, everyday acts of kindness. She shares a story about someone living in a community whose quiet contributions were only noticed after her death showing that creating positive karma doesn’t require world-changing heroics, just a good intention to benefit others. Everyone can transfo
Taking the pain out of loss
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 di
Committed to happiness
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 condit
Patience is inner protection
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
Wake up to life’s possibilities
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 ment
Karma, intention, and the power to be heard
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. Bas
Designing your future self
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 min
Searching for but not finding what we want
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
The untapped potential of your mind
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 po
Small steps to become a mental warrior
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 readi
Bringing calm into your life
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 everyd
Seeing from another person's mountain
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 perspectiv
Strength of mind: Staying peaceful in the face of adversity
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 recognizin
Is your view of life realistic?
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,
How to get the most out of your relationships
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 a
Developing a good heart through wisdom
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 wisdo
What is your mind creating?
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 se
How love protects at Christmas time
In this episode Gen Tubchen shows how holding a mind of love can free us from so many unhappy minds such as loneliness, resentment, jealousy, grief and anger. Around Christmas time these minds can arise quite strongly so we need the mind of love to protect us from them. As a Christmas present this episode includes a short guided meditaion. Based on How
Acceptance brings freedom from worry
Move from being overwhelmed by life’s challenges to finding opportunities for growth. This teaching extract with Kadam Adam Starr, explores patient acceptance as the key to inner peace. Learn how meditation cultivates a calm, resilient mind, giving you the space to find a peaceful solution and freedom from worry, even amid difficulty and uncertainty.
Bringing happiness with our speech
Learn the art of adapting your communication to build harmony. This teaching with Gen Demo focuses on the importance of respecting others’ values, beliefs, and personal temperaments. Through engaging stories, it highlights how flexibility of mind and behaviour can make your communication truly effective and enable us to make others happy through our spe
Why our spiritual growth stalls
This extract explores some of the reasons why our spiritual practice does not progress in the way we want it to. Gen Rabten discusses the reasons we resist change and the barriers in our mind that prevent us from truly absorbing transformative teachings. Book reference How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Turning fear of ageing Into wisdom
Our culture denies the reality of aging and death, causing us to fear them. This excerpt offers a refreshing perspective, encouraging us to look directly at these inevitable sufferings. Learn how to transform this fear into a powerful “wisdom fear” – a joyful, positive motivation to break free from the cycle of pain. Based on the book How to Transform Y
What do you want from relationships?
In this teaching extract, Kadam Morten explores how our relationships offer a powerful opportunity to find deeper meaning in life. Rather than pursuing the limited goals we often seek in our connections with others, we can learn to see these relationships not as obstacles to a spiritual life, but as essential opportunities to train the mind and cultivat
A wisdom solution for loneliness and grief
Discover one of the main sources of our pain: desirous attachment. This teaching explains how this sneaky mental habit masquerades as a path to happiness, but is in reality deceiving us. Attachment exaggerates the good qualities of someone and erases the bad thereby creating a person who seems to be the key to our happiness but is not! Gen Gomlam explai
Learning Resilience
From a Buddhist perspective, the first step toward true resilience is accepting that hardship, stress, and change are a natural part of being human. Rather than fighting reality or clinging to the idea of “getting back to normal,” resilience invites us to meet life as it is — knowing that we will be changed by our experiences, and that’s okay. What we n
Understanding true love
What is true affectionate love? In this extract, Gen-la Khyenrab introduces the beautiful mind of affectionate love, using the analogy of a mother’s delight in her child to illustrate this warm, open-hearted feeling. Discover the main reason we struggle to feel this for everyone and learn the profound yet simple training to change it. Based on the book,
The power of aspiration
Why We Struggle To Slow Down
Explore why our lives feel so complicated and why we’re constantly searching for external happiness. This extract discusses the pitfalls of our ‘always on’ culture and reveals why true contentment requires a shift in focus. Discover the importance of balancing outer accomplishments with inner development to find lasting peace. Based on the book How to T
Making connections
In today’s fast-paced world, surrounded by constant noise and distraction, it’s easy to feel disconnected from those around us. This sense of isolation can breed misunderstanding and mistrust. In this podcast, Gen Demo explores how recognising our shared humanity can help us foster empathy, build deeper connections, and cultivate greater understanding i
Do you know a happy mind?
A thought provoking episode in which Gen-la Dekyong encourages us to think carefully about what the nature of the mind. She explains that true happiness is impossible unless we understand our mind and learn how to work with it effectively. Without this understanding, we often search for happiness in the wrong way—leading to frustration rather than peace
The power of patient acceptance
A wonderfully practical episode helping us to understand how it is lack of patience the brings stress and unhappiness in our life. We see how by accepting difficulties in our life we come to experience joy and peace. This podcast is an extract of a talk given at KMC Canada based on the book How to Solve our Human Problems by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Escaping the prison of your own mind
We live in a “luxurious prison”—comfortable but deceptive. If we don’t recognize our distorted mental constructs, we stay trapped. But by training the mind through spiritual paths and developing renunciation, we can escape suffering and help others do the same. Gen Devi explains Samsara based on the book How to Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyats
Freedom from the pain and fear of loss
In this moving episode, Gen Gomlam explores the deep emotional pain that arises from our attachments to others. Whether through loss or the fear of losing someone, attachment often becomes a source of ongoing suffering that robs us of inner peace. Gen Gomlam gently challenges us to look beyond the surface of grief and recognize that it is not loss itsel
Learning From The People Who Challenge You
Kadam Morten talks about how to make sure our relationships are not just harmonious but an opportunity for spiritual growth. Our relationships, even the most challenging ones, become powerful tools for transformation when we understand the benefit of having those challenges in our life. Then, every interaction becomes an opportunity to grow, turning lif
Finding balance in an unbalanced world
In this talk given at Tara KMC Dublin, Kadam Adam Starr encourages us to find balance in our lives—particularly the balance between inner and outer development. He explains that it is through finding this balance that we gain the ability to enjoy our good conditions and achievements, develop harmonious relationships, and, especially, the strength to dea
Are the body and mind the same?
In this podcast, we explore the profound question: Are the body and mind one and the same? Drawing on the logical insights of the Buddha, we examine how the body and mind are, in fact, distinct entities. Understanding this difference can transform the way we experience and live our lives. Join us as we reflect on compelling reasons and everyday examples
The Power of Genuine Confidence
Gen Demo illustrates the difference between deluded pride and genuine confidence, revealing three essential forms of self-confidence: in our potential, in our positive actions, and in our ability to overcome obstacles. Through these insights, we learn to cultivate a stable mind free from arrogance or self-doubt. Based on the book How to Understand the M
Free yourself from stress
In this talk Gen Devi shows how our self-centered view is at the heart of our experiences of stress. She encourages us to go beyond surface-level stress triggers and explore the deeper mental habits related to grasping at the self, to see how we create the inner tension and unhappiness we experience as stress. Based on the book How to Transform Your Lif
True Happiness: A Buddhist Journey Inward
What if the happiness you’ve been chasing isn’t out there—but within? Join us for an exploration of the Buddhist view on happiness, which challenges the direction of everyday life. This talk explores why the joy we seek can’t be found in material things or fleeting experiences—and how inner peace is not just a spiritual idea, but a practical path to las
Taming your inner critic
Kadam Bridget strongly encourages us to monitor our minds throughout the day as a way to prevent negativity and unhappiness. Our inner voice can often be harsh and discouraging. In this talk, we explore the Buddhist understanding of negative self-talk, learning that such thoughts are temporary—but we increase their harmful impact by holding onto them an
Acceptance through wisdom
In this talk, Gen Khedrub guides us in understanding the power of acceptance in creating harmony in our relationships, and in cultivating happiness and peace of mind within ourselves. Together, we explore the vital difference between genuine love and clinging attachment, discovering how wisdom in our relationships allows us to accept others as they are—
The source of our pain - Desirous Attachment
In this inspiring talk, Gen Gomlam explores the difference between love and attachment, revealing how attachment—often mistaken for love—can quietly sabotage our relationships. With warmth and clarity, she shows us that attachment isn’t our ally; it’s actually the hidden poison eroding connection and harmony. But there’s good news: Gen Gomlam introduces
Unmasking False Confidence
In this talk Gen Demo helps us understand the difference between deluded pride and true self-confidence. This episode explores how exaggerating our qualities leads to insecurity and critical mind towards others. On the other hand true confidence gives us freedom to learn, grow, improve and feel comfortable about who we are. Learn to spot the difference
Joyful Focus: Taming Your Mind's Habits
In this enjoyable podcast, Gen Chodor, Resident Teacher of KMC Canada, explains how to improve our meditative concentration. Discover the four essential steps of meditation: seeking, finding, holding, and remaining. Understand that distraction isn’t the harmless interruption we often assume but rather the primary obstacle to deeper spiritual practice. L
Unlock Peace: Stress Comes From Within
Discover why stress isn’t caused by external events but primarily by your internal reaction. Learn the Buddhist perspective on identifying the true source of problems – your own mind – and understand why controlling your inner world, not the outer one, is the key to lasting peace. This podcast is an extract from a talk by Gen Devi given at KMC Switzerla
Don't worry what people think
In this podcast, we look at the impact of being overly attached to others’ opinions of us. Gen Lekma examines how constantly seeking external validation creates a fragile sense of self that’s vulnerable to criticism and rejection. We see that when our self-worth depends on others’ approval, we develop chronic anxiety about how we’re being perceived. By
Is universal compassion possible?
In this podcast, Kadam Lucy explores the transformative potential of universal compassion in our divided world. Drawing from ancient Buddhist wisdom and contemporary examples, she examines whether extending compassion to all beings—even those we find difficult—is truly achievable or merely an idealistic aspiration. Based on the book Universal Compassion
Know The Mind; Heal Your Life
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
Overcoming Loneliness through Meditation
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 o
What is truly to blame?
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—ho
Beyond Appearances: the Wisdom of Emptiness
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 pow
Buddhist Teachings Offer Hope
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 diff
The nature of your mind is extraordinary
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 footste
Self Confidence, Acceptance and Peace
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
The key to beating distraction
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 cultivat
A Life of Profound Purpose
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
Making new habits for happiness
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 achie
Healing our vulnerabilities
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 genui
Where and how we can find true happiness
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 is
Taking Control of Your Future
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
What is the function of meditation?
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 mast
A simple path to optimism
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
Practicing beneficial states of mind
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 so
Our longing for peace actually destroys it!
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 sho
Changing our Relationships
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 oth
Why Lasting Happiness is Possible
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
Preparing your mind for meditation
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 mi
Making Wise Choices
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 a
Inner Development
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 refle
What is distraction?
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
Training in Pure Love
Painful Feelings
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
I myself must make myself happy
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 b
Bringing More Joy to Our Life
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 Ge
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