A Mother, Healer, and Teacher: Bel Cesar's Remarkable Life with Lama Gangchen
Release Date: 10/27/2023
Filmmaking and Spirituality: Bringing Lama's Vision to Life with Andrea Velloso
Life with a Lama Healer
Please join me in this episode with Andrea Velloso, a Brazilian filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and visionary artist. In the early 1990s, Andrea met Lama Gangchen, who invited her to produce and direct a documentary exploring his teachings and the interdependence of the elements across diverse locations: the Andes Mountains, Tibet, and the Amazon. This collaboration led to the creation of the award-winning documentary , which delves into the Buddhist concept of "dependent arising" — the profound idea that all phenomena are interconnected and arise in relation to one another. In this...
info_outline
Morning Peace Meditation (with Lelia O’Connor)
Life with a Lama Healer
Hello friends, it's Lelia O”Connor I'm so grateful you’re here. With everything going on in our lives it’s easy to disconnect from our bodies and inner self. In today's meditation, we're going to reconnect with ourselves. I like to call it Connecting with our Inner Compass, that deep inner calm, inner knowing and inner wisdom that is available to all of us when we slow down, take some deep breaths and reconnect. So, get comfortable, take a deep breath and let's begin this inner journey of reconnection together. Be peaceful…be happy, Lelia Lelia...
info_outline
How to Live a Life of Purpose & Happiness with Gabriella Lo Re
Life with a Lama Healer
In this inspiring episode, we are joined by Gabriella Lo Re, a longtime senior student of Lama Gangchen, renowned meditation master and healer. Gabby has dedicated her life to the dharma, embodying wisdom, compassion, and boundless energy. She worked with Lama Gangchen for over 25 years and currently serves as the Director of Programs at Albagnano Healing Meditation Center in Italy, where she helps guide others on their spiritual journeys. A meditation master in her own right, Gabby is known for her calm presence, clarity of mind, and deep compassion. Gabby shares her experiences from a life...
info_outline
How to be Peaceful in times of Conflict
Life with a Lama Healer
In this week's episode, we talk with Dr. Nina Meyerhof, founder of Children of the Earth, a worldwide organization that empowers youth working for peace. She also is the founder of the One Humanity Institute (OHI) for peace and regeneration in Auschwitz, Poland. Nina’s innovative work in peace and sustainability through educational methodologies has reached young people in over 100 countries. She has won many awards including the Mother Theresa Award, International Educators Award, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and recently had a school named after her in Kenya. Nina's...
info_outline
Transforming Mental Health: Dr. Rogier Hoenders and Lama Gangchen’s' Holistic Approach
Life with a Lama Healer
In this week's episode, we talk with Rogier Hoenders, an integrative psychiatrist and head of research and clinical affairs at the Centre for Integrative Psychiatry Lentis in Groningen, the Netherlands. Rogier shares his transformative experiences since meeting Lama Gangchen in 2004, including their global travels, conferences, and retreats that deeply influenced his holistic approach to mental health. Lama Gangchen taught Rogier the importance of seeing the positive in every situation and being open to the vast wisdom of traditional medicines, healing and spirituality. Lama Gangchen...
info_outline
Carmen's Symphony for Peace
Life with a Lama Healer
In this week's episode, we talk with Carmen Iodice, a super talented singer and musician with the United Peace Voices and the creator of the Mantra Symphony for Peace. Carmen shares her incredible journey from Gubbio, Italy where she first met Lama Gangchen in 1986. This meeting changed her life, leading her to combine her musical talents with spiritual practices to spread messages of peace and healing. We delve into Carmen's experiences and how Lama Gangchen nurtured her and others' talents, encouraging them to use their abilities for spiritual growth and for the benefit of others. Carmen...
info_outline
On the Road to Shambala with Cláudia Proushan
Life with a Lama Healer
Today we join with Cláudia Proushan, an accomplished artist, writer and photographer from São Paulo, Brazil, who holds a Fine Arts degree from FAAP and studied Chinese painting in Paris. Focusing on art and spirituality, her books "Lights of the Galilea" and "Tibet, in the Heart of the Himalayas' beautifully feature her stunning photographs and watercolors. She has exhibited her work globally and is a recipient of the “Peace Media Award”. Claudia shares her 35 years of experiences travelling widely with Lama Gangchen, highlighting travels to Tibet, Mongolia, and China, and regularly...
info_outline
Healing Heart and Mind: Thonla Sonam's Wisdom
Life with a Lama Healer
Today we are super happy to be talking with Thonla Sonam who was born in Tibet and is Lama Gangchens nephew. He founded a Tibetan incense business in Nepal and in 1999 he moved to Milan at Lama Gangchen’s request where he and his wife founded a beautiful shop called Tibet Milano selling goods from the Himalayas. These days Thonla can be found on Facebook and where he has a very big following for his divine Tibetan singing bowl meditations. He also offers courses and workshops throughout Europe. Always kind and loving, Thonla exudes wisdom, compassion and inner joy. In our...
info_outline
Bodhisattva's Calling: Jeanne Gregory's Compassionate Actions
Life with a Lama Healer
Today we delve into the inspiring journey of Jeanne Gregory, from London, England. Introduced to Lama Gangchen in 1995, Jeanne's path as a nurse and pain therapist intersected profoundly with Lama's teachings. Despite being a single mother of six, she embraced the dharma wholeheartedly, leading to the establishment of a self-healing group to share Lama's profound healing methods. Jeanne's experiences have led her to the noble task of assisting the sick and dying, guiding them towards peace during their transition, embodying the essence of a true Bodhisattva. “Even with all the...
info_outline
Dreams, Blessings, and Love: Betty Voon's Path with Lama Gangchen
Life with a Lama Healer
This week, we are delighted to have Betty Voon on the show, a native of Malaysia. Her journey with Lama Gangchen began in the 1990s at the age of 18. A year later, she sought Lama to be her teacher, initiating a lifelong commitment to studying and collaborating on foundation activities. Known for her kindness and patience, Betty contributed to translations, assisted sick patients visiting Lama, and played a role in Peace Media, collaborating with founder Sunny Koo on books and films promoting peace. Currently, she actively participates in the Malaysian Medicine Buddha Center in Kuala Lumpur....
info_outlineToday, we are privileged to introduce you to a remarkable individual, Bel Cesar, whose spiritual journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Bel, the mother of Lama Michel and the founder of the very first Lama Gangchen meditation center in Brazil and in the west, has dedicated her life to the profound teachings of Lama Gangchen Rinpoche.
Bel's journey into the world of spirituality is woven with threads of profound significance. With a background as a Brazilian clinical psychologist, she has spent decades working with a method known as Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine, helping individuals heal psychological traumas. Since 1992, she has been a steadfast pillar of support for those facing the end of life. Her extensive experience includes a 16-year tenure as the President of the Dharma Peace Center and 18 years of partnership with Peter Webb, where they conducted activities in Ecopsychology at the Clara Luz Life Site in Itapevi, São Paulo.
This conversation is made even more special as Bel's husband, a brilliant translator, assists in bridging the gap by translating our dialogue from Portuguese to English. As we explore Bel's journey, we delve into her profound insights and life experiences, guided by the teachings of Lama Gangchen Rinpoche, a spiritual mentor of immeasurable wisdom and compassion.
“I was speaking to Rinpoche on the phone and I told him I found a way to stare negativity in it’s face, and he responded," Yes! Look but don’t touch” ( You can look at negativity but don’t get close to it and touch it)
-
Lama Michel's Awakening: Lama Gangchen's successor, Lama Michel, experienced a spiritual awakening at a tender age of 5, guided by inner voices and destined for a unique journey.
-
Precious Jewel: Bel's role in Lama Michele's life was one of silent support, allowing him to make the choice to study with Lama Gangchen, nurturing this precious spiritual connection.
-
Gathering of Hundreds: Bel recounts her experiences arranging meetings for 350 people during Lama Gangchen's first visit, all eager to meet this special Lama Healer..
-
Liberation from Seeking Permission: Lama Gangchen's advice liberated Bel from the need for permission, empowering her to trust her own instincts and inner wisdom.
-
A Terminal Diagnosis That Never Came: Bel's powerful story of awaiting a terminal diagnosis that never arrived, a transformative experience that led her to work with terminally ill individuals.
In Brazil's heart, where mystic rivers flow,
Bel Cesar's spirit found its vibrant glow.
A mother and teacher, guiding souls with grace,
In Lama Gangchen's teachings, she found her place.
With wisdom deep, she tread a sacred way,
Co-founding centers, where minds found their ray.
From death's embrace, she offered solace sweet,
A gentle soul, life's wonders to release.
In Bel's bright presence, we find pure grace,
A beacon of compassion, in every place.
Her journey's wisdom, shared with open heart,
A testament to lives she's helped to chart.
As we conclude this illuminating episode, we're reminded of the transformative power of service, compassion, and the profound connection between psychology, spirituality, and our relationship with the world around us. Bel Cesar's life is a testament to the capacity of the human spirit to touch the lives of many and make the world a better place. Join us again for more inspiring conversations on "Life with a Lama Healer."
TUNE into the next episode of Life with a Lama Healer, to hear more truly remarkable conversations about the life and times of Lama Gangchen Rinpoche.
SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on our upcoming episodes, “ Life with a Lama Healer” in Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you like to listen. Every 2 weeks we’ll post a new episode and continue these inspiring conversations.
SPONSOR an upcoming episode or season. Please support this podcast by making a donation for this volunteer driven podcast. More info: www.lamahealer.com
ASK a Question for a future episode or share an experience you had with Lama Gangchen at:
Many Thanks to Illaria Ceccerelli and Gloria for their beautiful recordings of Lama Kyen!
EXPLORE more of Lama Gangchen’s teachings, where you can find our books, YouTube streaming channel, CD’s, retreat centers and further resources visit:
www.lamahealer.com