In this podcast, Gen Menla explores the benefits of concentration and mindfulness, helping us understand that they are not rigid, static states of mind, but dynamic practices that help us to evolve through the cultivation of our inner good qualities. We also learn how training in concentration brings both physical and mental comfort, fostering greater well-being and stability. An extract from a teaching given in KMC Dallas based on the book How to Understand the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

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.

One of the methods for improving and extending our mind of love is to realise we are all connected to each other, we are not islands, isolated from each other. In this podcast Gen Menla explores the Buddhist teaching that all beings have been our mothers in previous lives and have shown us great kindness. When we develop this view we feel an incredible sense of connection and awaken our mind of affectionate love. He encourages us to adopt this view simply because it brings great happiness. An extract from a teaching given in KMC Texas based on the book Joyful Path of Good Fortune by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

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