In this intimate conversation, eminent Tibetan Buddhist master and scholar Ringu Tulku Rinpoche traces his extraordinary life shaped by exile, rigorous study, a lifetime of practice and teaching across cultures, leading him to this very moment.

He describes his early years studying and practicing under Khenpo Tsöndrü, the Sixteenth Karmapa, and his main teacher Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, as well as a variety of teachers from the Kagyu Nyingma, Geluk, and Sakya traditions lending to his rimé (nonsectarian) training. Rinpoche also highlights two major lay influences: Professor N. C. Sinha, who shaped his understanding of history and ethics, and Freda Bedi, who nurtured his English, cross-cultural awareness, and early teaching activity.

Reminiscing on his early education, Rinpoche describes his experiences studying at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath and later his unanticipated 8-year appointment translating textbooks into Tibetan for the education department in Sikkim, followed by 17 years of teaching Tibetan Language and Literature at the college level before “retiring” and continuing his teaching internationally.

Since 1990, Rinpoche has been traveling and teaching Buddhism at over 50 universities, institutes, and Buddhist centers in Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America, as well as participating in interfaith dialogues and academic conferences, making him a true nomad and advocate of the nonsectarian impulse.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

*Photo of Rinpoche courtesy of Gerry McCulloch.

Timestamps

00:00:38 – Growing up in Kham

00:05:19 – Early memories and inspiration

00:12:27 – Meeting his root guru, Digo Khyentse Rinpoche

00:25:32 – The friendship between Khyentse Rinpoche and the 16th Karmapa

00:27:41 – Non-Buddhist influences (Professor N. C. Sinha and Freda Bedi)

00:32:32 – The transition from student to teacher

00:41:06 – Teaching internationally

00:54:09 – The production of the Lazy Lama Looks at Buddhist Meditation book series

00:57:15 – Current projects and activities

01:03:50 – The most important teaching

Books by the Author

• Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation
• The Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgön Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet
• Confusion Arises as Wisdom: Gampopa’s Heart Advice on the Path of
• Daring Steps: Traversing the Path of the Buddha
• Mind Training

This episode features author, theologist, and Community Dharma Leader, Pamela Ayo Yetunde. Hear about Ayo’s upbringing and early roots in the church and Black Christian community, and how her love of music and poetry spawned a deep appreciation of the spiritual and symbolic elements hidden within artistic compositions. Ayo discusses influential figures, authors, and musicians from Gandhi, bell hooks, and Audre Lorde to American singer and songwriter, India Arie. In particular, she cites the pop icon Prince as having a significant influence on her life and work, underscored in her recent book Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality and This Thing Called Life. All these early experiences and more ripened Ayo to explore the heartfelt dimensions of healing and spirituality, starting with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh followed by Insight Meditation teacher Gil Fronsdal and her work early on with the Zen Hospice Project alongside beloved volunteer coordinator Eric Poché. The cumulation of these experiences and more are what brought her to This Very Moment.

In addition to discussing her life and work, this interview focuses on the intersection of music and spirituality, aligned with Ayo’s current exploration of theolyricology, a term coined by Ayo meaning “the study of song lyrics about God, gods, spirituality, and/or the divine.”

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Ayo Yetunde and her work

00:52 – Early life, church roots, and spiritual beginnings

06:10 – Music, poetry, and creative expression as formation

13:45 – Hospice work and being with death and grief

22:30 – Black Buddhist organizing and community building

32:05 – Editing Black and Buddhist and shaping collective voice

41:20 – Theolyricology: studying song lyrics about the divine

52:10 – Wisdom, practice, and sustaining spiritual life

01:06:40 – Closing reflections and where to find Ayo’s work

Books by the Author:

• Casting Indra’s Net
• Black and Buddhist

This episode features Dungzin Garab Dorje Rinpoche, the son and dharma heir of his father, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. Learn about his upbringing and early introductions to the deepest layers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. From his early studies to empowerments and teachings from some of the most revered Buddhist masters, Rinpoche shares stories about how the Buddhadharma took root in his heart, leading him to become a renowned throne holder in the Dudjom lineage in This Very Moment.

In this interview, Rinpoche recalls early memories of living and studying Buddhism in Darjeeling at Kangyur Rinpoche’s gompa as a young boy, followed by intensive study at Mindrolling and Palyul. He describes how his connection with his father developed as he matured. Slowly he began to witness his father’s teachings and the vision he had for him with more clarity, transforming their relationship from father and son to teacher and disciple. Likewise, he reminisces his remarkable familial connection with Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche (paternal grandfather) and Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche (maternal grandfather), as well as the challenges and auspicious connections required to build the Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery and his extensive dharma activities seen today.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Intro & guest overview: Garab Dorje Rinpoche, Throma Nagmo/Chöd, and his remarkable family lineage.
• 05:00 — Early life in Bhutan: strict upbringing, morning prayers, and how his father shaped his discipline.
• 20:00 — Entering monastic life: being sent to monastery/retreat settings, adapting to training, and first major influences.
• 30:00 — Formal studies & turning points: philosophy training, teachers, and the weight of responsibilities amid personal loss.
• 40:14 — Building for the sangha: renting land, plans for temples/hostels, and the Singapore fundraising story tied to his mother’s passing.
• 54:24 — Founding Throma lay groups: how and why he began organizing Throma/Krodhikali practice communities in Bhutan.
• 60:17 — Propagating Dudjom lineage today: vision for temples, nunneries, monastic education, and challenges like fewer young monks.
• 70:02 — Initiations explained: Root vs. Supreme Initiation, samaya commitments, and why practitioner cards are required.
• 80:00 — Teaching on the road + stories: traveling to students, benefits/miracles of practice, and reflections on lay vs. Dharma perspectives.