Episode 8 There Is a Monk on My Couch: A Conversation with a Tibetan Monk on Peace, Wisdom, and Loving-Kindness

In one of the most meaningful and profound episodes of the Begin Within podcast, I had the incredible honor of interviewing a Tibetan monk at my home office while the monks were creating a world peace mandala at the Inner Work Center. The title of this episode, "There Is a Monk on My Couch," reflects the awe I felt when realizing the unique and sacred opportunity before me—what would you ask a monk sitting on your couch?

This conversation takes listeners far beyond a typical introduction to Buddhism. Instead, we dive deep into the personal journey of the head monk and his story of escaping Tibet as a young boy, along with the other monks. He shares the harrowing experience of trekking across the Himalayas in the dead of night, sleeping by day, without food or water for six weeks, in search of freedom. Many perished on the way, making the survival and spiritual journey of these monks all the more profound.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Escape from Tibet: The head monk’s heart-wrenching yet inspiring story of fleeing Tibet as a child, enduring a dangerous six-week trek across the Himalayas to find freedom.
• What is Wisdom?: A deep exploration of the monk’s perspective on wisdom and how it can be practiced in any life, regardless of one's religion.
• Day in the Life of a Monk: Ever wondered what monks do on a daily basis? I ask him about the simple yet disciplined life in the monastery, from their meditative practices to their studies of loving-kindness.
• Monk’s View of Western Culture: His thoughts on Western culture in the United States—his response may surprise you.
• Spiritual Teachings for All: We discuss whether you can practice the elements of Buddhism and maintain the religion you were raised with. The wisdom shared applies universally, no matter where you are on your spiritual path.
• Loving-Kindness and Compassion: The monk’s teaching on the 51 layers of the mind, and how the essence of Buddhism is to align the mind with the heart, cultivating feelings of joy, equanimity, and compassion.

The episode closes with a special moment—chanting prayers for world peace, recorded live during the closing ceremony of the World Peace Sand Mandala at the Inner Work Center. As you listen, you’ll be immersed in the monks' sacred chants, allowing you to feel the energy and blessings of peace they offer to the world.

A Humbling Experience: Throughout the interview, conducted in the monk’s native language with the help of a translator, I found it a meditative practice to sit with the energy of his wisdom. Even when I didn’t immediately understand the words, being in his presence was profoundly moving.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of loving-kindness, joy, and compassion as guiding principles.
• Understanding that the heart and mind can work together to help us live from a place of feeling, not just thinking.
• The importance of inner peace in creating outer peace.

Support the Monks: If you were moved by this episode, you can directly support the monks and their monastery by donating via the link below. Your contribution helps them continue their work and spread peace in the world.

Links:

• Support the Monastery and the Monks: https://www.drepunggomangusa.org/
• Learn More About the Inner Work Center: Innerwork Center