Explore every episode of the podcast Echoes & Stories of Dharma

Series 2 - Episode 10

With Josh, of Integrating Presence, I am being asked to introduce you to Bhutan, Vajrayana and the upcoming Global Peace Prayers Festival to be held 4th to 19th November 2025.

(Ai assist:) overview of Bhutan's history, including its self-imposed isolation until the 1970s, the influence of Padmasambhava (the "second Buddha"), and how Vajrayana Buddhism integrates compassion, wisdom, and power into daily life and governance.The festival, centered around honoring the 70th birthday of Bhutan's fourth king on November 11, has evolved from a single Kalachakra empowerment into a two-week event featuring large-scale pujas (rituals), mantra chanting for protection and peace, a three-day Kalachakra mandala ceremony (focusing on non-duality and interdependence), global prayers dedicated to the king, and a nuns' ordination ceremony to advance women's roles in Vajrayana. The event aims to promote global peace amid ongoing conflicts, drawing on Buddhist concepts like bodhicitta (Buddha nature in all beings) and the power of mantras to counter greed, hatred, delusion, ignorance, and jealousy.They address misconceptions about Bhutan, such as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF, now $100/day, covering most travel costs for high-value, low-volume tourism). The conversation emphasizes the festival's timeliness in a world of war rhetoric, climate change, and AI-driven modernity, advocating for bridging ancient devotional practices with contemporary tools like a mantra-logging app (Guru App) to engage youth and foster a "butterfly effect" of positive energy. Participation options include in-person attendance (with visa and travel details), live streaming via Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) on YouTube, virtual mantra contributions, or organizing local watch parties. The episode concludes with reflections on preserving pure Dharma amid technological shifts, encouraging discernment and inner peace.Overall, the podcast blends educational insights on Bhutanese Buddhism with calls to action for global harmony, making it appealing for Buddhists, spiritual seekers, and those interested in sustainable societies. The tone is conversational, respectful, and occasionally light-hearted www.globalpeaceprayers.org Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Official live streams: / @bbsbhutan / bbschannel2 globalpeaceprayers.org/old/registration.php Travel Agent: IntrekParo: bhutanintrek.com email: intrekparo1@gmail.comWhatsapp: +97577227840mantra app: guruapp.bt (will launch on November 4th the initial day of event)FB page: / 61579817360896 IG: / gppbhutan Enlightened Leadership the Book of sitting PM: penguin.sg/book/enlightened-leadership/ Integrating Presence on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/integrating-presence/id1556570867

Series 2 Ep 9

Reflections on Nepal’s events from the Dharma point of vue.

Announcement and refresher after a long silence.

Episode #9 - Musings on experiencing tremors in Bangkok on Friday 28th March as a result of the EQ in Myanmar - The grandiose gatecrashing of impermanence in one’s life is something to always be ready for.

Series 2 - Episode 8 - Dylan’s experience at Plum Village France, is a journey of self discovery and exploration in finding balance with a new practice diverging from his foundational Thai Forest Tradition Vipassana he is accustomed to. Our converation browses various topics such being at ease with a practice while keeping precepts and discipline.

Series 2 Episode 7 - Join me as Vivien unpacks her experience of spending one full month in self retreat at Wat Boonyawad - a secluded monastery of the Thai Forest Tradition.

Ajahn Dtun is a Maha Thero from the Ajahn Chah lineage -

About Ajahn Chah

Previous conversation with Vivien

Series 2 Episode 6: Vagaboots is a photographer and graphic designer from Italy and while you listen to him you can get a glimpse of his stunning photography.

The love for long-distance walking is a character traits of Vagaboots, who in a previous episode told us about his walk on foot across India - Here he tell us all about how and why he joined the Maha Khumb Mela in Prayagraj and eventually how he had to walk away from it -

Join us on IG, FB, YouTube too.

Season 2 Episode 5 - Bangkok Series

As she landed in Bangkok, we meet Vivien at Wat Po in Bangkok, sit down and started a 5 hours long exchange of ideas on practice, experiences of living Monasteries and the more. An excerpt of our conversation is shared as she shares insights and hindsights on self-retreats. We will meet her again when she exits the retreat.

Mentioned here is Wat Boonyawad

Find us on IG, FB, YouTube and Apple Podcasts Dhamma on The Sidewalk.

Season 2 Episode 4 - Bodhgaya Series

With Thukten Yeshi from Bhutan, we meet again to talk about his recently published novel The Monk Without Dharma - How will Tompo, the protagonist realise the emptiness of all phenomena and reach the rainbow body?

The brilliant reader-friendly fiction with short paragraphs is a genuine self-discovery journey on the realisation of the emptiness of all phenomena.

Available on Amazon and in Nepal at Tibet Bookstore on Tridevi Margh

See also : Season 1 Episode #27 Nothing Is As It Appears

Episode #3 - Bodhgaya Series - What is it like to follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama and photograph him for a significantly close distance? This is what Neal Watkins did for 15 yrs + and here he tells us a bit about his experience also with various sanghas in India. Join me in welcoming Neal to the podcast.

Mentioned in the conversation:

Kalachakra

Root Institute for Wisdom Culture - Bodhgaya

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Taking Refuge meaning

Spiti Valley

Teaching Archives of the HHDL

Follow us on IG - FB - Apple Podcasts - YouTube

Episode #2 Bodhgaya Series - Connecting body and mind thru subtle practices that awaken mindfulness - Arkanhom is an newly established Association based in France and Jean-Pierre is its President.

Episode Language: French

Website under construction

Episode #1 - Bodhgaya Series - Antoine is from France and with him we embark on a magical wheel of yoga known as Thrul khor - Here in the special location that is Bodhgaya, with lots of background sounds, dive in this special sacred form of yoga .

More about Trul Khor

Finds us on IG - FB - and YouTube as Dhamma on the Sidewalk

Episode #36 - [French] In talented African storytelling tradition, Venerable Panñabodhi, a Theravadin Monastic, unveils how Buddhism landed in the Congo back in the ‘60s - and what brought him today to be invited at the Vajrayana Kadampa Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Filled with facts woven with resilience, courage and determination the storytelling navigates the journey of threading Buddhists waves in Southern Congo.

Mentioned:

Akong Rinpoche

Phra Visuddhivides of Wat Thai Dhammaram - Waterloo - Belgium

Venerable Panñabodhi

Episode #35 - Gautam lives to serve others. Inspired by Buddhist precepts of not killing, not lying, not taking that which is not given, not having sexual misconduct and no taking intoxicants. Established in 2011, Metta Nepal serves the needs of under-privileged groups, especially children.

With 4 teams of volunteers named after the Brahmavihara - the Sublime Qualities - Metta, Loving Kindness; Mudita, contentment for others, Karuna, compassion, Upekha, Equanimity - Gautam lives by the urgency of serving.

Mentioned in the conversation: Phra Visuddhivides - Abbot of Wat Thai Dhammaram - Waterloo, Belgium

Monks and Nuns from Malaysia and Singapore from the Mahayana Tradition.

Contact Gautam Maharjan FB

Contact Metta Nepal FB

Metta Nepal on YouTube

Short Footage of Metta Nepal scholarship program

With Episode #34 we continue the Food Musings - this time adding notes about Verses being chanted before taking a meal. But really, why is food so important?

The Anumodana Chant at the end is from Amaravati Buddhist Monastery and is available here

Find us on FB, IG, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube

Episode #33 - A second meeting with Shiva Rijal, a University professor at Kathmandu University where he reads, teaches and inspires his students on Shakespeare and spirituality with a particular focus on Buddha’s teachings. Shiva loves to analyse and ponder about the human condition and how the human tragedy, a beloved topic of work for Shakespeare, is actually equivalent to samsara - life as it is described in Buddhist wordings.

The conversation is open ended and unfiltered - Hope you enjoy it. ~The book mentioned half-way in the conversation is Ed Douglas - Himalaya - a Human History

Finds us on YouTube - Spotify - Apple Podcasts - FB and IG ( sorry no Tik Tok)

Previous episode on Shakespeare, Shiva and the Buddha is Episode #23.

Episode #32 - Renunciation, the precepts, keeping them. A few more musings.

It is the end of the year - I have had a difficult 2 months - and I emerge with new ideas for 2025 -

Episode #31 - Just a few musings on living on precepts -

Buddhism is not about seeking happiness - rather entraining the mind at removing that which empedes serenity to settle in.

Episode #30 - Experiencing the death of the elder and musing on Bardo chants, funeral chants and lightness of compassion.

Funeral Chanting are available at Amaravati Website: https://amaravati.org/teachings/chanting/

Conversation #29 - Ancient insights on stress, anxiety and suffering for modern living straight. We talk compassion, generosity, kindness and mindfulness with Dr Tony Fernando. Another book on mindfulness?! Life Hacks from the Buddha, is rather a fun and lively book on how to hack your mindset and make contentment the GPS of your mind.

Dr Tony Fernando is a practising psychiatrist, sleep specialist, and former Buddhist monk. With a PhD in compassion, inspired by the HHDL, he has been incorporating the Buddha's teachings into his own life and work as a doctor for the past 20 years

⁠https://tedxauckland.com/people/tony-fernando/#top⁠

⁠calm.auckland.ac.nz⁠

⁠https://www.amazon.com/Life-Hacks-Buddha-content-chaotic/dp/1775542394⁠ 

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-fernando-md-phd-038a33a1/⁠

In this Conversation #28 with Michael Kewley - aka as Pañnadipa - we explore the meaning of Pure Dhamma, in a nutshell and how Vipassana or a practice of being aware and present to what is, can help us simplify our lives and reveal the depth of the Four Noble Truths.

Michael, writes, teaches and conducts retreats, find more about him on his website and FB

Conversation #27 takes us into the magical world of Tantric Buddhism with Thukten Yeshi and his Novel “The Monk without Dhamma”. Embark with us on a journey across the Himalayas and be inspired by how the narrative takes us into the secret realm of Dzogchen. From storytelling to fiction literature, the novel offers an advanced intellectual discourse on Buddhism, delving into subjects such as the true nature of existence and the origin of the universe, while enthralling readers with its story.

The Monk Without Dhamma is available on all major online Outlets (Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Ingramsparks.)

The Monk Without Dhamma on FB

Dhamma On The Sidewalk is on FB, IG, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts

Conversation #25 with Dr Dimple Arora, of Urban Ayurveda ( Bangkok) and Golden Awareness - is a reminder that the core Buddhist principles of Metta, Mudita, Karuna and Upekha (Kindness, Sympathetic Joy, Compassion and Equanimity) are a driving force for wellbeing for ourselves and others.

Find her at www.goldenawareness.com

Conversation #24 with Dr Dimple Arora of Urban Ayurveda and Golden Awareness - Based in the heart of the Sukhumvit district of Bangkok - Dr Dimple Arora, has not only navigated the establishment of a Wellness Holistic Clinic on her own, she also has maintained a steady thread of empowering people in understanding their optimal health potential thru blending traditional ayurvedic science with the latest scientific research findings. Watch out, her enthusiasm might stain on you…😊

Find her here: Golden Awareness on FB, IG YouTube A New Age Manual for Mothers

Website

Follow up to S1 E15 - With Shiva, Conversation #23 dives straight into Drama and Theatre plays with a lens of Buddha’s teachings. Reading the human condition as portrayed by Shakespeare while putting reading glasses of how the buddha’s teaching help solve the riddle of human condition: Suffering, Impermanence, Attachement, and sense of self. More on this: www.accesstoinsight.org or https://thebuddhaswords.net

Find us on YouTube - Spotify - Apple Podcasts FB and IG ( no TikTok ever)

Episode #33 is another open ended conversation on Shakespeare… .

Conversation #22 - What happens when altruism and Buddhism meet at the Dental Clinic? When top-notch facilities combine with care and compassion? Ever talked Dhamma at the Dentist Office? Listening to Dr Neil Pande, founder of Healthy Smiles Clinic in Kathmandu, is a reminder that it is possible to be a medical professional, care for others and genuinely sculpt a positive dent in the universe while maintaining high standards of safety, hygiene and protocols. Find us on IG, FB, and YouTube

With Robin from Agastya Ayruveda conversation #21 presents the ancient practice of Kalaripayattu, a martial art that originates in Kerala, India.

Interested about Kalari Massages?

Check Robin here: http://www.agastyaayurveda.com/

Kalari Massages are available by appointments only.

With Venerable Khenpo Pema Letho, conversation #20 dives straight into the origins of Vajrayana, browses through main highlights, and then continues with visualizations techniques and tips for a nourishing daily visualization practice. More Bhutan Conversations: Episodes #17,#18,#19 Resources: Vajrayana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayana Oddyana ;https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oddiyana Malaya mountains: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaya_Mountains Rigsum:  https://www.rigpawiki.org › index.php?title=Lords_of_the_three_families  Dudjom Rinpoche:https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Dudjom_Rinpoche  Dudjom Yangsi Tenzin Dorje https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Dudjom_Tenzin_Yeshe_Dorje Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche:  https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Dzongsar_Khyentse_Rinpoche Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche: https://shechen.org/spiritual-development/teachers/shechen-rabjam-rinpoche/

Unfiltered, unedited, conversation #19 is Part #3 of the conversations with Ven. Thinley Jamtsho about some chunks of my personal journey and at being at a junction… There is a lot more about keeping the precepts, and actual seated practice, these here are only a few highlights. Resources:  Abhayagiri: http://www.abhayagiri.org  Amaravati: http://www.amaravati.org Birken Forest Monastery: http://www.birken.ca Temple Forest Monastery: ⁠https://forestmonastery.org/⁠ Tisarana: ⁠https://tisarana.ca/⁠ Chithurst Forest Monastery: http://www.cittaviveka.org

Find us on IG and FB - Dhamma On The Sidewalk

Conversation #18 with Ven. Thinley Jamtsho is Part 2 of the series Conversations in Bhutan - An introduction to the DrukPa Kagyu Lineage - https://www.rtabhutan.org/zhabdrung-ngawang-namgyel-the-founder-of-bhutan/ https://shechen.org/spiritual-development/teachers/shechen-rabjam-rinpoche/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phajo_Drugom_Zhigpo

Conversation #17 with Ven. Thinley Jamthso, at a street-side cafe in Thimphu, is a chance to hear a determined monastic reveal some inside stories about his monastic journey and as Dhamma teacher in Bhutan.

Part 2 of Conversations in Bhutan

#bhutan #pilgrimage #monasticisminbhutan #thimphu #teachingdhamma

The Land of Thunder Dragon is the focus of our next 3 to 4 episodes… Stay Tuned.

When you keep meeting the same person at a coffee lounge and one day he pulls out of his bag three bran new copies of the Nikayas ( Anguttara, Samyutta, Digha) - Buddha’s discourses - you cant help but encouraging him to read an additional book....

Wrapping up 10 weeks of Pilgrimage on the trails of Buddhist Holy sites in India before moving to Bhutan.

Insights from a Conversation with Lama Matthieu Ricard held at Shechen Monastery, Kathmandu, Saturday 27th January 2024.

The world’s happiest Monk encourages us to give a kick to our karma and not wait for things to happen just because there is a “karma”. Karma is action and wholesome actions are exactly that which activate good karma.

Here we go…

Shechen Monastery: https://shechen.org/

Matthieu Ricard: https://www.matthieuricard.org/en/about/

Insights and reflections on a six-weeks long full immersion in Bodhgaya energies, a meet-up with the HHDL and surroundings atmosphere of the world’s most Buddhist city, the city of enlightment, a holy place with contrasts, paradoxes and lots of good vibrations. When this happens, the karma activates its energies and you got to flow with them...

Conversation #13 with Ani-La is a refreshing moment with a young novice Nun recently ordained in the Gelug-pa school of the Tibetan Tradition. Considering that Mahayana Buddhism offers a variety of ways for women to enter the Monastic life it also encourages them to develop the aspiration of studying Dharma and Tibetan language as their male peers. Ani-la demeanour expresses determination and lightness and it is pleasant to listen to her telling her how she came about to choose this journey.

The conversation was recorded outdoors, on a busy roadside cafe of Bodhgaya. Mindfulness and concentration are definitely up for this one.

The conversation is available in French (look for Conversation #12)

Nalanda Monastery (Fr): http://nalanda-monastery.eu

Kopan Monastery (Nepal); http://www.kopanmonastery.com

This episode is both in French and English - Published separately. (look for Conversation #13)

Conversation #12 est une exclusive en français pour nos auditeurs francophones. Ani-la est une nonne novice de l’ecole Gelug-pa de la traditition Tibetaine. Le Boudhisme Mahayana offrant d'amples opportunités moniales pour les femmes, Ani-la nous presente le parcours qu’elle a choisi: apprendre le Tibetain et poursuivre des études approfondies du Dharma.

Ecoutons-la ensemble!

https://nalanda-monastery.eu

http://kopanmonastery.com

Conversation #11 is all about compassion in action. From the slums of Central India to Tasmania and back again to India, the dedication that Ayya Yeshe puts forward for being by the side of underprivileged, looking after the betterment of their livelihoods and maximise their chances for a stable future out of poverty is inspiring. Her determination is fierce and fills her purpose as a Buddhist Nun, either when she advocates for women in robes or when she opens up about how the three poisons ( greed, ill-will and delusion) that continue to feed the engine of our world.

https://bodhicitta-monastery.com/

https://bodhicitta-vihara.com/

Shop ethically and support a Member of the Bodhicitta Family: https://bodhicitta-vihara.com/shop/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/537645493857957

Conversation #10 is entirely dedicated on Eco-Dhamma, interconnectedness between humans and the planet. With Pallavi a #verifiedchampion on Sustainability and small business owner of the The Ecoloop Shop in Dubai, we also scan on the recent COP28 final report.

This conversation advocates clean energy, green buildings, passive houses, and carbon zero footprint and recalls most of the critical yet small behavioural changes that all of us can re-learn in our lives. 

Published in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, December 22d 2023. 

Pallavi’s Podcast and Shop

More on Eco-Dhamma:

- David Loy, books or podcasts.

- Theravada Maha Thera Ajahn Sucitto: Buddha-Nature, Human Nature;

Conversation #9 with Swamini Vishwa Nireeshwari Lakshmi Priya Mata is a full immersion int hepower of devotion of oneself to a guru. With beautiful and to some extend emotional energy Swamini shares how she unfolded her connection to her Guru and resolved to follow him, fully.

The next 15 minutes are a powerful reminder that once connected to a Guru, the flow is all about devotional practice. Let’s listen to Swamini...

Find us on IG: dhamma_on_the_sidewalk

Find us on YouTube: Dhammaonthesidewalk108

Dhamma Capsule on Happiness: Isn’t the why more important than the what? Why is that.

Reflections and suggestions.

Find us on IG: dhamma_on_the_sidewalk

Find us on YouTube: Dhammaonthesidewalk108

Conversation #8 with Vagaboots is a storytelling account of a 1,811km walk across India turned into a pilgrimage. A fresh account roadsides adventures sprinkled with the exploration of the mind as the meditative journey unfolded.

Antonio’s resolve to follow his heart revealed a multitude of facets of the cultural background of India as well as the simplicity of accepting what comes and leaving what isn’t no longer needed.

The storytelling is also a photographic journey available to browse on his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/antoniodivicophoto

Let’s listen to Antonio

https://www.instagram.com/iamvagaboots/

Find us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dhamma_on_the_sidewalk/

YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50KYNF345j552UPaSvU9Qw

Conversation #7 is an insightful and powerful connection with a man whose relentless energy is entirely dedicated on serving the poor and disinherited with sublime qualities of the heart: Metta ( Loving Kindness), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy), Karuna, (Compassion), Upekhā, (Equanimity). On the sidewalks of suburban Kerala, with a skeleton team, he drives around and feeds the poor. That is his happiness and noone or nothing can stop him… Let’s listen to Ram. Generosity for Anna Khshetra: contact Rama Rajesh via WhatsApp: +919895334516 Gratitude Inn, Papansam Temple Road, Varkala, Kerala, India - Agoda and Booking.com availability.

There is a Hindi Version of this Episode available with the same title +Hindi

There is a Tamil Version of this Episode available with the same title + Tamil

This is the Tamil Version of Conversation #7: an insightful and powerful connection with a man whose relentless energy is entirely dedicated on serving the poor and disinherited with sublime qualities of the heart: Metta ( Loving Kindness), Mudita, (Sympathetic Joy), Karuna, (Compassion), Upekhā, (Equanimity). On the sidewalks of suburban Kerala, with a skeleton team, he drives around and feeds the poor. That is his happiness and noone or nothing can stop him… Let’s listen to him.

Generosity for Anna Khshetra: contact Rama Rajesh via WhatsApp: +919895334516

Gratitude Inn, Papansam Temple Road, Varkala, Kerala, India - Agoda and Booking.com availability. 

A Hindi Version is available here: 

A Tamil Version is available here:

This is Hindi Version of Conversation #7: an insightful and powerful connection with a man whose relentless energy is entirely dedicated on serving the poor and disinherited with sublime qualities of the heart: Metta ( Loving Kindness), Mudita, (Sympathetic Joy), Karuna, (Compassion), Upekhā, (Equanimity). On the sidewalks of suburban Kerala, with a skeleton team, he drives around and feeds the poor. That is his happiness and noone or nothing can stop him… Let’s listen to him.

Generosity for Anna Khshetra: contact Rama Rajesh via WhatsApp: +919895334516

Gratitude Inn, Papansam Temple Road, Varkala, Kerala, India - Agoda and Booking.com availability. 

A Hindi Version is available here: 

A Tamil Version is available here:

Conversation #6 with Gennarino Deo reveals the powerful healing opportunity within spirituality. With a blend of Hinduism, Sioux Lakota mantras and many books the conversation navigates along his many books, journeys and the words of the wise men he met.

WhatsApp: +39331800827

FB: Deo Gennarino

Email: deogennarino@gmail.com

Books:

Vivere Senza Calzini: Living without Socks 2013

Gioia: Joy 2014

Sono Vivo: I am Alive 2015

Si Salvi Chi Puó: Help Thy Self 2016

Molti Sogni: Many Dreams 2017

Black or White 2018

Magic Horse 2019

Liberté: Freedom 2020

Rinascita: Rebirth 2021

Il Ponte: The Bridge 2023

Giorgio Cerquetti: https://www.cerquetti.org/

Libera Condivisione ONLUS: https://www.cerquetti.org/#lco

Mariano Romano (Writer, Lakota Shaman)

https://www.macrolibrarsi.it/autori/_mariano_romano.php

Who we are and what we do.

In this conversation #5, together with Robin we explore some of the multiple layers of connection between the roots of Hinduism, traditional practices, naturopathy, Ayurveda, Kalari massages and the simplicity of a non-harming way of life. When Robin speaks about his practice his generous heart shines through when with simplicity and large smile he reveals, giving to others is spirituality! Let’s listen to Robin.

Dhamma Capsule on Generosity - A brief conversation with Tony, the Godless Traveller, brings up fearless generosity as a spirit of travel.

Check http://www.thegodlesstraveller.com