Entrepreneur, Author, and Meditation Practitioner Len Foley shares invaluable insights into how to succeed in work and relationships using meditation as a powerful tool.

An Abridged version of this conversation is available in video format on Youtube

In this episode, host Agnes sits down with Kelsang Sama, a Buddhist nun, to delve into the deeper concepts of freedom and personal transformation. Together, they explore the difference between cutting ties with the external world and cultivating true inner freedom. While society often emphasizes the importance of shedding external constraints—such as material possessions, relationships, or status—Kelsang Sama emphasizes that genuine freedom lies in mastering one’s inner world and breaking free from self-imposed mental limitations. Her story is one of self-discovery, where the external world’s expectations were set aside in favor of exploring deeper, more authentic truths about herself and the nature of existence. Throughout the episode, Agnes and Kelsang Sama discuss the transformative power of meditation, mindfulness, and the Buddhist teachings that helped her release attachment to external validation and find a more lasting sense of peace. This conversation offers listeners an inspiring perspective on how freedom isn't about escaping the world, but rather about understanding and transforming the mind. 00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:00:22 External vs. Internal Freedom 00:02:38 Freedom from Expectations 00:03:47 The Illusion of External Freedom 00:05:20 Searching for Life’s Meaning 00:06:04 The Emptiness of Material Pursuits 00:07:56 Dependency and Fragile Freedom 00:11:59 Meditation and Mental Freedom 00:12:34 Conflict and Inner Freedom 00:14:20 Imagination as a Tool for Change 00:19:06 Overcoming Fear of Change 00:20:42 Embracing Impermanence 00:25:56 Holding Space for Global Suffering 00:30:02 The Global Family and Responsibility 00:45:10 Beyond Physical Identity 00:50:07 Living Without Regrets 00:53:00 Conclusion and Farewell Book references How to Transform Your Life ~ https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Kelsang Sama is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Manchester in the UK. https://kmcmanchester.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y

Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en

Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu

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In this episode, we sit down with Gen Thekchen, a Buddhist monk who was invited to teach meditation to prisoners in Canada. He shares his remarkable journey of teaching controlling the mind behind bars, revealing how the inmates’ surprising resilience and unwavering determination to master their minds in such a tough environment inspired him. Tune in as Gen Thekchen reflects on the profound lessons he learned from the very people society often overlooks. Book references How to Transform Your Life ~ https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl The New Eight Steps to Happiness ~ https://tharpa.com/uk/the-new-eight-steps-to-happiness Gen Thekchen is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Ottawa https://meditateinottawa.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #BuddhismBehindBars #MeditationInPrison #BuddhistMonkJourney #InnerPeaceInToughTimes #InspiringStories #ResilienceAndMeditation #LessonsFromInmates #BuddhistPodcast #MeditationForChange #OvercomingChallenges #mindfulnesspodcast Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.

Happy New Year Everyone! While we continue our break from our usual conversation episodes, please enjoy Kadam Adam briefly explaining and then guiding a meditation on how our life is precious, rare and meaningful. This beautiful contemplation energizes us and inspires us to seize the very essence of each day - an excellent way to start the new year. Full epsiodes resume next week.

While we take a brief break over the festive season, please enjoy this bonus episode: a beautiful guided meditation on love and kindness called equalizing self with others.

Full conversation episodes will resume in mid January, but check in again next week for another guided meditation.

We live in a world that constantly tells us we need to do more, be more, and achieve more. We set insanely high standards for ourselves, pushing to be successful in every area of life—yet, even when we reach those goals, we're left feeling like it’s still not enough. The truth is, we’re never truly satisfied. We’re always chasing the next milestone, believing we have to be better to be happy. But this constant pressure, this endless pursuit of perfection, is rooted in a disproportionate sense of self-importance. It’s a mindset that makes true fulfillment nearly impossible. In today’s episode, we dive into the power of accepting failure and embracing success—how both can be stepping stones for growth, learning, and ultimately, happiness. Join us as we explore how to let go of the pressure, enjoy the wins, and learn from the setbacks, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life. Book references How to Transform Your Life: https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl Gen Lekma is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Southampton https://meditateinsouthampton.org.uk/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #OvercomeFear#FearOfFailure #SelfImprovement #PersonalDevelopment #Motivation#SuccessMindset #ConfidenceBuilding #MentalHealth #GrowthMindset #LifeSkills Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.