Buddhist Monk: Why You Feel Lost In Life & How To Reinvent Yourself | Gelong Thubten

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What if the most courageous, compassionate thing you could do in life, was to learn how to be with yourself? It’s a powerful, perhaps surprising idea put forward by this week’s guest, the Buddhist monk, meditation teacher and author Gelong Thubten.
Thubten became a monk back in 1993 after suffering from severe physical and mental burnout whilst following his dream of becoming an actor in New York City.
His new book, A Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk’s Guide to Fearless Living, draws on what he’s learned over the past 30 years. Its premise is that we can embrace life’s difficulties as opportunities for personal transformation, using hard times to cultivate resilience, kindness, and happiness.
We begin our conversation talking about distraction and addiction, two states that are very closely linked. When we distract ourselves by scrolling, overeating, or drinking for example, says Thubten, we’re pushing away emotional pain or discomfort - even if we may not realise it. But the discomfort is really in the pushing. If we can learn instead to sit with what’s making us uncomfortable, those emotions start to transform.
So, how exactly are we meant to do this? Thubten explains that one way, is through the practice of meditation and learning how to process negative emotions in the moment, rather than only understanding them in retrospect.
The most common misconception is that meditation needs a clear mind. But thoughts are inevitable, and the goal is not to push them away. If we use meditation to sit with our thoughts, rather than escape them, the transformations really start to happen. We become less controlled by negative emotions and start to cultivate positive ones. Meditation can unlock our innate self-compassion and this, in turn, improves our relationship with ourselves and with others.
Thubten insists that you can’t fail at meditation, because it really just means ‘being you’. The more we meditate, the less we run away from hard times and fear, and the more we become our true, contented selves.
Thubten is an excellent communicator and I hope you enjoy this really special episode.
#feelbetterlivemore
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Connect with Thubten:
Website www.gelongthubten.com
Twitter / gelong_thubten
Instagram / gelongthubten
Thubten’s books:
Handbook for Hard Times: A monk's guide to fearless living amzn.to/3RATiln
A Monk's Guide to Happiness: Meditation in the 21st century amzn.to/48HuFtJ
#feelbetterlivemore #feelbetterlivemorepodcast
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

[@DrChatterjeeRangan]

Looking for shorter clips or content? Check out my @DrChatterjeeClips channel

[@redwarrior2424]

___

[@maybeme94]

Thank you so much!

[@jSpirituS7]

Brilliant I’m addicted to your podcast… unfortunately and fortunately

[@Ressa9]

I recognized that I got addicted to distraction and recently removed myself from a social group and all social media except YT. I increased my use of social media to cope with being mistreated in my marriage and through my divorce. These platforms are programmed to provide hits of dopamine to make you feel good. I’m so incredibly balanced now and able to improve other areas in my life like my parenting and physical health.

[@Call_Upon_YAH]

*These words are not mine.* These are the words the Ruach HaKodesh (YAHUAH's Set-Apart Spirit) uttered through me when I prayed to YAHUAH; asking him what *he wants* me to say, knowing the truth. He with ears, hear: "Know that YAHUAH is the name of the Most High and YAHUsha is the name of The Son. Come out of her, my people, who have fallen into her deceit. Who know not my name and say they love me. I have made myself known. I have heard you and I am here. There are many who are yours to be saved. I am he who knows all that you are. Come to me, here are they who are mine. Make haste to come, here are we. Give in to them who speak of me, they are yours. I am here for you. Know that all is for them, here are we. Give not to them that are against me. I am he who sees all you do. Come to me out of her, all are here for me. Do what I say. Out of her, come. All are here." Exodus 3:13-15 KJV 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. John 5:43 KJV 43 *I am come in my Father's name,* and ye receive me not: *if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.* 2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and *touch not the unclean thing;* *and I will receive you.* Isaiah 52:6-7 KJV 6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 KJV 1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Romans 10:1-3 KJV 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:13-17 KJV 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 *How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?* 15 *And how shall they preach, except they be sent?* as it is written, *How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!* 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. *For Esaias saith,* Lord, *who hath believed our report?* 17 *So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.* Nahum 1:7 KJV 7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and *he knoweth them that trust in him.* Hebrews 3:15 KJV 15 *While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.* Isaiah 52:11 KJV 11 *Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing;* go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. John 14:15 KJV 15 *If ye love me, keep my commandments.*

[@kdd3925]

So happy for you. I know all of that was very hard to get through.

[@chrisnam1603]

@@aruncedric7910 we need something to help us thru hard times, or company during certain times. for some of us this 'is' the company, one doesn't know the life of a person, despite her story. a guru, therapist etc can be addiction as well 'in that way'. if it makes a person happier, healthier, it's positive. that's a way to look at it as well.

[@olupotdeogracious9192]

You are more than your thoughts, you are not your pain, suffering, anxiety name them let it sink in, 🙏🙏🙏

[@opticalman6417]

addiction isnt rooted in a distraction dont give this doctor any credit becuase he got a couple of words at the start of his name humanity been fed lies on a monumental scale about everything his profession is doing more half than good pedling lies on to patients people health records these days are full of nonsense he doesnt deserve any credibility addiction its down to lack of connection to others and trauma you have provide it by saying you was abused in your marriage your suffing from trauma

[@colincurbishley6050]

Ha ha...I arrived at that Buddhist monastery in Scotland its called Samye Ling. Thubtan and I were among 20 others taking vows for a year. I stayed 10 years and completely reinvented myself. Good to see Thubtan sharing the teachings and benefits he discovered...👍🙏

[@Prohitd]

I went to the website of the Monastery mentioned, but couldn’t find the 1 year stay mentioned in the video. Any pointers towards where I can learn more about engaging in something similar (to being/becoming a monk) myself? Thanks 🙏

[@samsungjamuna9906]

Prove it. Explain one of the pitaka.

[@colincurbishley6050]

You come across as a person who needs others to verify you sense of identity. The monastery is called Samye Ling is a Tibetan Buddhist Karma Kagyu lineage.. They don't study the same texts as the Theravada tradition. Go well..🙏

[@dianadeejarvis7074]

​​@Prohitd read the Q&A page of the monastery site more carefully because it is mentioned.

[@smitkapse8069]

​@@colincurbishley6050Vinaya pitaka, lays the rules for all Buddhist monk. If you practicing it for 10 years,then surely you must have heard of it. Pitakas include Buddha's own words.

[@Lee-255]

I’m only 1/4 way into this conversation, but I want to thank you both. This is one of the best examples of ‘a conversation’ I have witnessed. You listen deeply and respond deeply to each other’s point. There is no interruption. There is ‘just’ a beautiful flow of energy, sharing, understanding and wisdom. So even without the high level content you are offering, the context in itself is deeply spiritual and uplifting. What a beautiful gift this is for your audience ❤ Thank you so much for this 🙏 And now, I will continue to enjoy your conversation ☺️

[@ginafarley6190]

One thing that helped me is realizing I could meditate in short amounts of time. Don’t turn it into a goal of xx minutes, just do it when you can

[@the.bonsai.samurai]

This is true. And something is better than nothing

[@gemmawalker5137]

But how?? Please tell me, I have so mush stress and anxiety inside me I can't just take myself off to a quiet space, close my eyes and 🧘‍♀️ well not worry... I've tried breathing techniques but nothing works? I just end up sitting in my own head worrying even more 🤦🏻‍♀️ How are you meant to meditate its so so hard 😢

[@Gr8ful4Life]

@@gemmawalker5137have you listened to Eckhart Tolle or Dr. Joe Dispenza? Those are just two of many amazing individuals who have helped me with excessive thoughts/anxiety. Definitely life changing and worth every minute you put into it. You can do this! The first thing one should understand is that your mind/thoughts are not you. Every thought doesn’t deserve our attention and if the thought doesn’t align with the life you want to live, change the signal, because you have that power. Good luck on your journey! 🙏

[@Bomber411]

​@@gemmawalker5137"you can not fail at meditation". Please start by listening to this whole podcast in its entirety. All your answers are within. ❤

[@binitarana4178]

​@@gemmawalker5137 VIPASSANA will help you sister. Giogle vipassana meditation. That can be your 1st step to peace and contentment.

[@georgekojoamissah347]

We suffer in the present moment for future events because we do not believe that we have what it takes to handle the pain that will come with the event. Fear of the unknown is the cause of our suffering. Meditation is our tool to deal with pain. This assurance takes away emotional pain. ❤❤❤

[@gardenlover9663]

I read a book called Letting Go which suggests allowing the emotion. I allow the anger/sadness/etc, to flow through me, and most of the time it only lasts several seconds. ALLOW. This talk is amazing, and I am learning more. Thank you.

[@KeishaKiger]

What’s the author

[@gardenlover9663]

@@KeishaKiger David R. Hawkins

[@jenmdawg]

I can confirm his statement that we all have an infinite, perfect happiness in our core that needs nothing and is never boring. It’s also possible in the midst of despair. My partner and I were both meditators - and I had been doing it for 15 years when he died suddenly and traumatically in front of me. . A few weeks before he died I had “found” this internal bliss and was amazed I could summon it… the night he died I went into a meditation because I was going to kill myself otherwise (the pain was beyond my capacity) and there it was. It’s been a year and some months and I’ve struggled in ways I never wanted but this peace is always there - it’s a kind of knowing that defies description but I can promise anyone anywhere that if you seek it, you will find it.

[@ZabinaBuff1983]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry for the trauma you experienced & thankful for the blessings that came from it. ❤

[@jenmdawg]

@@ZabinaBuff1983 I kind of give the impression it takes years of meditation to find this peace but I’ve been in group sessions where first time meditators find it. What I learned is not one of my sessions - however hard or seemingly useless - were ever a waste of my time. In fact, that I was a reluctant meditator paid off when I truly needed it most. I’m also a rascal, stubborn and undisciplined but no one is exempt from this birthright.

[@TK-xi1jb]

Thank you for sharing ur experience and wisdom. Pls continue and share with more people like me who is ignorant.

[@joyconnell1318]

I love your wife, totally agree with choosing positivity! The question is where to find something healthy on television? Now I switch on videos and read and write. 🤷‍♀️

[@ronbarton7799]

I'm very sorry for your loss. If you don't mind, what type of meditation practice do you do ? How long did it take to be able to find that place within?

[@Lisa-eh1is]

What happens in our life is secondary. How we react to it is primary.

[@joytulip2]

I am grateful for the tough times that helped me to find my inner strength, beauty, truth…over addictions, distractions and “chasing butterflies”…hard to watch the ones I love who continue to distract and chase

[@user-vb5nh9gc2s]

the thoughts become louder

[@MoniqueDiCarlo]

Happiness seems to be connected to something outside ourselves, stuff, or experiences. Joy is within me. Joy is so much deeper and significant than happiness which seems to constantly be fleeting.

[@theinngu5560]

Beautiful. I have been meditating for 25 years plus…living on ethical precepts and it gives such a wonderful anchor. Not always easy but when I see how people suffer so much…and don’t always realise it…needing, wanting and discontent, I have no doubt that it’s the path to liberation. I hope that all can find the way to contentment. This is a lovely video. Thank you so much. 🙏🏼🌹

[@InSouthernMaine]

Finally. Having consulted myriad guides during my decades-long struggle to be freed from the prisons of my own making - and failing even beneath fleeting moments of apparent success - the truth, the simplicity of this conversation alone has penetrated the veil of resistance. I am stepping off the hamster wheel today. With profound gratitude.

[@NelaCopey2959]

I love how you express this! I can definitely relate. Best of luck~. Check out the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. I sense you might have a similar experience with him. Dr. Chatterjee has interviewed him two times.

[@worldview730]

Wow, meditate on that

[@janeknight3434]

I’m listening to this to distract myself from my thoughts so I can sleep. I listen to audiobooks or talks every night for that reason.

[@lisajohnson6351]

I hope you can find the peace he talks about by accepting with compassion your thoughts

[@Jutho529]

So true! I used food and media to distract myself from life’s stress, after my dad passed away and my mom’s health is deteriorating.

[@SBecktacular]

The paradox is We wouldn’t get this good teaching without the technology 🤷🏼‍♀️🤔

[@aaaaancly]

What a ahame that this message gets through to so few. So many people are struggling with life and spend their days fire fighting with no spare time to watch these podcasts and start ro meditate and contemplate life qnd death. Im lucky to be one of the few who has spare tine and a mind that wants to be better. Namaste and spread the message.

[@beholden1663]

What do you mean by “ firefighting” In the context you commented on?

[@aaaaancly]

@@beholden1663 I mean struggling to keep on top of everything....you put a fire out and it starts up somewhere else.....your child is sick and as they recover your car breaks down....

[@parulsinha3092]

Was his voice always like this or it became like this after he became a monk? There's a stillness and softness in it that's rare to hear. And I love how clearly he explains something and then stops, because people usually keep adding to what they said. Beautiful podcast.

[@stillnessspeaks4080]

Not as relaxing as Eckhart Tolle. That guy has relaxing down pat. I fall asleep within a few minutes.

[@techfren]

00:00:00 - addiction to distraction, underlying cause 00:02:29 - habit of chasing pleasure, avoiding hardship, 00:04:34 - Summary: Habitual reactions and perceptions shape 00:06:34 - mental health struggles, partying, burn 00:08:30 - recovering from burnout, becoming a 00:10:37 - early twenties, New York, running away 00:12:43 - dealing with emotions, burnout, 00:14:43 - "Unhappiness as a pathway to 00:16:50 - working with sensations in body 00:19:02 - Summary: Reframing suffering as an 00:21:00 - compassion, changing energy, dealing with 00:23:18 - extreme lifestyle changes, burnout recovery 00:25:11 - Monk life, communication, behavior, 00:27:11 - Summary: Effects of running away, giving 00:29:18 - Dependency on externalities, low-grade add 00:31:28 - consumer influence, advertising, external validation 00:33:37 - Self-disgust, self-loathing 00:35:49 - Summary: Finding contentment, being intentional 00:37:58 - consumption addiction, sustainable happiness 00:40:01 - Mental health, normalcy, rebellion 00:41:57 - Meditation misconceptions, struggle, 00:44:09 - Meditation, study, retreat, 00:46:17 - struggle with meditation, self-disg 00:48:26 - self-dislike, solitude, finding oneself 00:50:21 - identity, becoming a monk, renunciation 00:52:13 - Summary: Choosing to remove externalities, 00:54:15 - "Benefits of meditation, misconceptions" 00:56:28 - Summary: Changing the way you relate to 00:58:23 - distraction strengthens, meditation mindset changes 01:00:33 - Mindful breathing and meditation distractions. 01:02:13 - Mindfulness meditation benefits 01:04:22 - Transformative horror, lifelong monk, teaching 01:06:30 - prison, solitary confinement, mindset, 01:08:38 - "Prison as Meditation Retreat" 01:10:37 - Summary: Using mindfulness to reframe and 01:12:38 - "Viewing stress as growth" 01:14:49 - Acceptance, meditation, stress, strength 01:16:59 - struggle with acceptance, discomfort, suffering 01:19:12 - Summary: Suffering, dissatisfaction, 01:21:22 - ego, book promotion, awareness, helping 01:23:40 - Emotions in Buddhism: fear, anger 01:25:49 - fear as driving force 01:27:40 - Understanding and managing emotions through meditation. 01:29:51 - Emotion and meditation, transformative practice, 01:32:03 - Meditation benefits, anger and its 01:34:05 - Anger and finding freedom. 01:36:12 - Opportunities, transforming ourselves, anger 01:38:28 - Emotions, vulnerability, meditation, growth 01:40:30 - overcoming depression, giving compassion 01:42:30 - "pain as compost, gratitude, different 01:44:54 - Summary: Running away, meditation practices, 01:47:10 - compassion, meditation, self-impro 01:49:19 - unconditional love, parent-child relationship, 01:51:26 - expanding love through meditation generated with timestampgenius.com

[@gods_monsters]

This is terrible and hard to read. Defeats the purpose of writing it in the first place.

[@poetryjones7946]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@rayman107]

🤚

[@ronbarton7799]

Thanks for that

[@RSLtreecare]

Spot on, I follow a Buddhist practice. I have been chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for 36 years. Even morning and evening, also practice this during the day if extra focus is required. There's a study, a background literature, which has been translated. This helps provide clarity. It's helped me overcome a number of issues, also give me strength to focus your mind. I have overcome health issues. In 1987, I had an accident, a skull fracture. From that, I had to relearn everything. I studied conservation, I support people with learning disabilities, I have been interested and follow Zoe team, plus I have been working on local food groups.

[@knackfarm]

After rolling my eyes one too many times when a friend mentioned 'meditation' she loaned me Gelong Thubten's first book and I loved it! He brought meditation back from the brink of airy fairy (where it sat in my view) to something accessible, enjoyable and which makes a nice addition to my generally peaceful world.

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

That's awesome! Great share ❤

[@dawnholly]

What is the name of the book?

[@knackfarm]

@@dawnholly A Monk’s Guide to Happiness - stellar read, I bought the book for my own library and am rereading it now. Seminal for me was the point where he explains meditation and that it’s not about ‘clearing’ your mind.

[@yadayadayehayeha]

i am here feeling lost like in the world of thinking i am alone, my voice might speak but wishing someone who will truly understand and listen to me. It's far and few 😢 nobody likes to be in the loop or a cross road of feeling lost. if any of you feel that, i am sending grateful loving energy to those who can feel it. thanks for the space and time for me to share

[@rodgersmasuta9622]

We are indeed addicted to distraction. The desire we have to consume to feel complete or adequate. Wow. I am enough. This was a deep conversation. Thanks

[@Finn-ex8kl]

As an insomniac who loves to listen to your videos when I can’t sleep (but also trying to get back to sleep as your voice is so soothing) there are waaaaaaaay TOO MANY ADS in your videos. Like 5-10 times the amount of other podcasters on KZbin. It’s seriously annoying. You’re my fav podcaster but it’s ridiculous how many ads there are. Great chat though 😊. I’ll meditate on it…

[@christinecoghill2679]

Get youtube premium. Get rid of Netflix.

[@joanasaad915]

Listen through the app Halt- no ads and free.

[@echomikekilo63]

Oof! The podcast i needed to hear today. I very recently got curious about what was going on in my mind and body that was triggering me to engage in behaviours antithetical to my personal goals. I’ll probably have to listen to this more than once.

[@LaurieR2255]

I am usually spellbound by Dr Chatterjee's podcasts. I couldn't get past the first 5 minutes of this one.

[@echomikekilo63]

@@LaurieR2255 Two weeks ago, I might have passed it over, too. :)

[@Call_Upon_YAH]

*These words are not mine.* These are the words the Ruach HaKodesh (YAHUAH's Set-Apart Spirit) uttered through me when I prayed to YAHUAH; asking him what *he wants* me to say, knowing the truth. "Know that YAHUAH is the name of the Most High and YAHUsha is the name of The Son. Come out of her, my people, who have fallen into her deceit. Who know not my name and say they love me. I have made myself known. I have heard you and I am here. There are many who are yours to be saved. I am he who knows all that you are. Come to me, here are they who are mine. Make haste to come, here are we. Give in to them who speak of me, they are yours. I am here for you. Know that all is for them, here are we. Give not to them that are against me. I am he who sees all you do. Come to me out of her, all are here for me. Do what I say. Out of her, come. All are here." Exodus 3:13-15 KJV 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. John 5:43 KJV 43 *I am come in my Father's name,* and ye receive me not: *if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.* 2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and *touch not the unclean thing;* *and I will receive you.* Isaiah 52:6-7 KJV 6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 KJV 1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Romans 10:1-3 KJV 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:13-17 KJV 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 *How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?* 15 *And how shall they preach, except they be sent?* as it is written, *How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!* 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. *For Esaias saith,* Lord, *who hath believed our report?* 17 *So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.* Nahum 1:7 KJV 7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and *he knoweth them that trust in him.* Hebrews 3:15 KJV 15 *While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.* Isaiah 52:11 KJV 11 *Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing;* go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. John 14:15 KJV 15 *If ye love me, keep my commandments.*

[@michaelsmith9714]

Look into vasanas. It is past karma hanging around. Kind of like a stinky gym bag. It is empty but still smells like old socks. Tantra is a suggested way to get rid of the smell

[@echomikekilo63]

@@michaelsmith9714 I'll do that. Thanks!

[@robertlindberg815]

I have listened to a lot of mindfulness teachers and buddhist monks about meditation and how to face and deal with our feelings, but Gelong Thubten explained it so easy and clear. Meditating can be stressful for beginners and the feeling of failure is close. But now I feel meditating is closer to me. Communication is an art and this was just that. Thank you for a very good podcast with good questions that I think answered a lot of questions for many people around.

[@jasg7017]

I love this because is such a respectful and mature conversation regarding very sensitive topics. Is so interesting to see two people who are so different and still are finding common ground to talk about consciousness.

[@lucafresi6739]

Remember you are amazing!

[@b.rice_psychnp9395]

This podcast is the best explanation of what meditation is actually about! So good!! Very very well done!! Thank you both!! 🙏🏽✨💫💙

[@lindajames7759]

Rangan you are such a wonderful interviewer, someone who truly wants to understand how the world works and how we, humans, operate. Many thanks ❤️🇬🇧

[@Philip-dy3ww]

People don’t need red pill 💊 videos. More often than not , we need this - a dose of Buddhism

[@patriciaaudin4334]

Hi have have your book very good I had a severe accident which took me 18months to recover I did this alone I discovered I didn't need the distractions of the world I have my moments but I'm learning to let go I would love to go to the monastery but I'm nearly 70now lol thankyou for your talks

[@designingmindy6175]

Such a powerful and beautiful interview! Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤🥰

[@Cannalovelife]

I love you bro. Thank you so much for the vid . Peace ✌🏽 ❤

[@tobiaskevorkazito4072]

Wow you are an awesome interviewer. I’m an old man and I only mention that so you know the gravitas of when I say you’re as good as David Frost… just bought the book 🌸🦋🙏🥊

[@stillnessspeaks4080]

This Monk is very relaxing to listen to.

[@SEKHMET-7777]

I feel like the Western hemisphere has been lied to as far as everything to do with meditation and how badly we all need it. But if you search the scriptures, Jesus is constantly talking about practicing the single eye. Thank you so much for having him on your channel blessings❤❤

[@MaTeTris]

The Western hemisphere is undergoing a huge pandemic of mental issues.

[@theinngu5560]

@@MaTeTris when one lives without the boundaries of ethics, mental illness is the result.

[@hermes537]

Gelong, towards the end, describes what I visualize as "becoming ONE" with the other personality that had been living inside him all the time. It is probably the way I see my own life: the coming together of the various aspects or personalities in me. In classic psychology this could be described as having multiple (two, in this case) personalities. The depressive one is often the one that survived the traumas in one's youth/childhood, and very hard to get them to let go. I call it the mini-hitler because it demands absolute obedience. A buddhist monk would describe as being compassionate to it. My own method, being a fervent taoist, is to relinquish its grab on me, being able to acknowledge its presence and applying the taoist philosophy of wu-wei, no reacting... also identifying with a higher part of me, the one that puts its trust in the Tao. I used to be a catholic monk in my youth, and the dynamic had to do with prayer, grace, repentance, etc. The important part for me is to be able to be a witness of when the presonality takes over, so that I can detect it and have a conversation with it, and not be overwhelmed by it.

[@titussteenhuisen8864]

When the outer circumstances connect with the inner that gives happiness. Happiness that is formed through harmony.

[@mellmoi7571]

Fabulous and priceless insights!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@blissfulbaboon]

This is the best explanation of meditation that I have ever heard! THANK YOU.I always thought I was a failure but thanks to this interview,I finally get it and what its really about.What a fantastic interview.Thank you for this wisdom❤❤❤

[@lorraineneville2907]

I love how he justified his use of caffeine.

[@SisterSunnyFreeSpirit]

Constant consuming, acquiring, grasping and clinging really does program the mind to keep doing more of the same. #SpiritualityisScience 🧡 Thank you for a nurishing chat!

[@adrianhayton9883]

I find myself looking at myself again after a huge vulnerability going on. Decided to take two steps back and look at my life. Thank you for sharing 🌟🙏🏻

[@ginafarley6190]

Thank you both! Fascinating and so helpful ❤️

[@heenab4898]

Ohhh what a beautiful message to wind off.... "You cannot fail in meditation, because you are not doing anything but undoing " ❤ I loved that and I kinda expected that answer when I heard the words failed in meditation by you. ❤ thank you for such an amazing podcast 🙏🏽😊

[@CrueLoaf]

This podcast changed my life for the better. Thank you.

[@jeanniecampbell1374]

Beautifully said ..Ohhhwww its tough when they /we were the child that was abandoned ,we seem to spend a lifetime wanting to be loved ...worked on this for so like I seem to have love for strangers maybe because they walk away ..still working it out as I want to be strong enough to give love and not expect or yearn for it back .

[@marianking1379]

I get you so much ,

[@eddiemoney61]

Nice stress is a killer what help me was Bible study I went every day it helped me a lot with my daily life. I can relate to what he's saying

[@musicisagoodvibe]

Simlifying life is a skill and challenge for many these days...I like looking like an exotic by reading a paper book on the tube, while everyone else's face is on their phone... 😂😂❤❤❤❤🙌 someone has to remaind others...👀🙌❣

[@hyperfreshspace7943]

this resonated with me so much, that there s no space here to express, thanks a tonne!

[@seungheehong2857]

I love this interview. Love both interviewer and the interviewee. The questions are like from my mind and the answers are like something that i have been seeking for for a long long time.

[@SDG12483]

He hit the nail on the head. Ppl are so sick and miserable that they need to see others dependent on something to stimulate out the inner consciousness of healing.

[@fr9340]

Thank you for another incredible episode! I am 28 and been listening to you for 5 years. I can honestly say you changed my life and trajectory by making me more aware of my health and well-being. Please don’t stop; I and many others are in need of such positive and enlightening convos ❤

[@sigeamdal2128]

Thank you so much for this! What a wonderful man! My meditations are so much more dedicated and motivated after listening to your interview with Thubten. Clarifying and inspiring!!! Thank you.

[@lmansur1000]

Fear is not only wanting to get something or not... fear, bottomline, is concerned with our survival - with our life and not dying. It is Core. It is the strongest emotion and the main tool for Ignorance.

[@aaronhermanson3494]

We're all addicted to something...Choose your addictions wisely. 😉🤘👊

[@CrueLoaf]

Yup, he’s addicted to meditation.

[@SusanJohnsonsuzvj]

This was such an amazing interview, especially the part about meditation. I struggle with meditation. Focus on your breath, even if your mind is wandering. I wish I could do a long silent retreat, in hopes of being able to really listen and understand myself better. I am constantly stimulated and distracted by my phone and devices. I like how he explains that meditation isn't just going in the zone like when we work out or working on a creative project. There were so many helpful bits of wisdom that clicked for me, especially, changing my perspective on pain and discomfort. I am a pretty solitary person, but in a retreat, you're around other people, even if you're not communicating or talking. I wonder how that works. You're solitary but not alone.

[@user-kl2fm1zd2y]

Thank you so much for this high quality interview. It was a pleasure listening to you. I appreciate the authentic and honest way of presenting your experiences and challenges. That gives people real guidance on how to deal with their own difficulties instead of pretending being invulnerable or distracting themselves. Thank you for being truly inspiring 🙏🏼

[@angelacalhoun3937]

I am glad if concentrating on suffering works for you. I have found qigong is what moves me away from those mental and physical deep deep pains

[@neasahayes6044]

Going through what he described during his retreat right now and it feels like it will never end but I see what he means by running after things while simultaneously running away and it being a cycle one can only be broken intentionally.

[@andretsolaki7934]

The work you do Rangan is absolutely amazing! Another insightful fantastic podcast!❤❤

[@bethraflowers5799]

❤❤❤ Love it: growing the love inside of ourself to then project out to others in every area of life! This is my favorite meditation. Thank you

[@user-rb7ud2lr2e]

One of the best talks ever… so calming, bringing hope and positiv energy

[@katayounnadjafian7648]

Dear Rangan, ❤ Your deep, polite and touching conversations with Your guests, full of fascinating epiphany moments ... Thank You and Your lovely wife/producer and best wissen for both of You from Cologne, Katy

[@SIERRATREES]

This is a great talk. OK - its my favorite topic as I'm an avid reader and studier of ancient wisdoms and contemporary mindfulness teachers like Ekhardt Tolle. I love the message here of working with the desire side of things and being vigilant of technology. The move to go into a monastery was obviously something so beneficial to do on so many levels, and ultimately purifying by allowing the hurly burly of modern life to be taken away, so that the true nature can be found. And the the irony is, that if we desire less, and remove so much mental clutter, our resources can be freed to be more creative, perhaps with higher quality thoughts but less of them. I find myself often thinking, I need to change my situation, and do this, and/or try that, and so on, but in fact I now know that i simply don't need to change externally. With more mindfulness and appreciation, my situation becomes great, its a matter of thinking about it the right way, and as you say, "changing the relationship with your thoughts"

[@jamesroof6150]

The world did indeed change so much from 2005-2009 with the explosion of "smart" phones, social media, phone on 24/7 and in a constant state of anxious expectation of our phones to "notify" us of something, constant comparing ourselves to each other and constant stream of negative fear based world news. Always being distracted from our inner self. The more my phone is off the better I am🙏❤

[@RAHIWAadeyNayGdiniyu]

“ coming back to the breath!” I really like that. It is very helpful.

[@sisterdiggins]

This was an excellent conversation! Just what I needed.

[@andydufresne299]

"Once you change your philosophy, you change your thought pattern. Once you change your thought pattern you change your attitude. Once you change your attitude it changes your behavior pattern. And then you go on into some action" - Malcolm X, Ballot or the Bullet, 1964

[@eustachiouslong5225]

It’s lack of connection from family and community and self

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

this!

[@FMT2003]

💯 agree!

[@kevintobin9737]

Thanks so much for these podcasts Rangan. Genuine and helping so many people. And thanks introducing me to Gelong Thubten. Look forward to listening to his latest book.

[@daveg4335]

Absolutely amazing conversation. Two beings sharing how "THEY" have chosen to BE, which provides each of us a doorway to choose to visit or walk through. THANK YOU. You both are to be honored for your Truth and Sincerity.

[@trinascalf9518]

Thank you for going past the superficial problems and answers that most focus on. Great session

[@FeelingFrequencies]

Thank you I loved this and just discovered your channel when this showed up in my feed so new subscriber. I had something happen to my health a few years ago and this put me on the path of meditation and I have fully recovered and start each day with a meditation practice now. I'm also currently doing a 14 month yoga program that has quite a bit of breath work in the various practices so love the bread crumbs of life that appear. When I have an important decision to make I ask myself what would love have me do 🙏

[@tanakaren1822]

Oh thanks so much Belong & Dr C. This is such a good reminder- just love myself through it all, all emotions, pain & thoughts. I've experienced how it really works, yet needed this very real, explorative & accepting conversation to give me the boost I needed. Thank you!

[@lmansur1000]

The bottom line of our suffering is that we take things personally. In Buddhism, they teach: "Nothing whatsoever is to be considered as I or mine". Of course easier said than done BUT when you think about it, really it is usually not about us but the other persons perception and behavior; BUT if it was us, then we need to improve and correct our own perception and behavior. We can really free ourselves if we realize that nothing is personal even when it seems so. To me, that is a tool that corrects one's perspective and upgrades our skills and/or dealing with issues.

[@EvansGambitAtomicZangi]

Great interview with Tony Shalloub. Very informative.

[@naclap0301]

The best explanation regarding how to practice meditation I have ever heard

[@perandersson4528]

Wasted time watching Netflix, wasted time leads to a wasted life.

[@sheejaeldo9311]

Wonderful podcast with two wonderful human beings wanting to help and benefit people. Thank you for your good heart and mind in discussing various issues and how to resolve them.

[@shardialiify]

I wish i could become a monk. I know i can but i still love the game of life too much and that is ok too...

[@AleksaHoff]

He is so calm and humble, the energy

[@strangerrose538]

Thanks for the video. A very interesting story: a clear expression of what Gelong has been through becoming a monk, and how meditation and the Buddhist way works.

[@freddysvendsen3145]

Love your work Rangan, I am sometimes listening to your conversations all day while working. :)

[@seramarie76]

Great piece. is it not human nature to want something especially something we cannot have? Animals in general as well..like a toddler. Then as an adult it goes from wanting to getting and on to the next Like a specific space to for it... Knowing this I am at peace with it.

[@queenalabama1736]

Unbelievably implacable life changing advice, thank you very much for both of you ❤

[@ullaodk]

Thank you so much to the two of you. This conversation brougth me valuable insigths. The funny thing is, I realised that I am already practicing some of the things, that Thubten describes, and it helps me.

[@aaronyoung3280]

I just want to say thank you, to both of you... I really enjoyed the conversation and the message's.

[@user-bs9bs6ki3o]

Thank you both so much for this podcast ❤️🙏

[@thervan1243]

Two amazing people! Love this so much!

[@ellenmetropole1941]

The nature of life is for more and more. But what is the most is an inward experience of unbounded awareness. Once well established in unbounded awareness, the vast diverse field of activity becomes enjoyable and balanced. Our choices become better and more life-supporting. Suffering is not necessary, not normal, or natural. Happiness is the purpose of life. There are simple techniques for transcending all limitations, simple not complicated. Simple. Simple. Simple.

[@lisawinfield543]

Sakymuni Buddha taught about the four sufferings, Birth, Old Age, Sickness and Death. We can escape them

[@lmansur1000]

Love this conversation !! Very very helpful!

[@janetlee4421]

I loved this podcast and found it very helpful. Thank u, it was a pleasure to see 2 balanced minds communicating.❤❤ .

[@christinebuckingham8369]

Thank you for this most wonderful, thoughtful and insightful conversation. 💖🙏💖

[@paulanoonanread3752]

I just wish you would of let Gelong talk more, instead of constant interruptions by yourself about yourself. Just saying thank you ❤

[@62Deepblue]

This Podcast is called, @Dr Rangan Chatterjee!!

[@sandratomlin1477]

This is a wonderful message. I thoroughly enjoyed all of this message. I especially want to thank you for acknowledging that non-parents can love "like a parent' I am on my way to getting the book and meditation. Happy birthday to me!!!

[@raewynurwin4256]

Dear Doctor Chatterjee, I so enjoyed this podcast. Loved that you loved it too.

[@magdalenatouzalin6249]

It’s an interesting and authentic interview in particular about compassion, anger (who’s suffering?) and love. Thank you

[@arianeelsammak5155]

I love your podcast! So deep, informative and much needed. :)