Reflections on Buddhism
Reflections on Buddhism is a monthly discussion with local Buddhist teacher Tenzin Chogkyi and Mathew Divaris (host) that bridges the worlds of Buddhist thought, current events and the latest research in the field of positive psychology.
Tenzin Chogkyi (she/her/hers) is a teacher of workshops and programs that bridge the worlds of Buddhist thought, contemplative practice, mental and emotional cultivation, and the latest research in the field of positive psychology. She is also a certified teacher of Compassion Cultivation Training and the Cultivating Emotional Balance program.Tenzin is especially interested in bringing the wisdom of Buddhism into modern culture and into alignment with modern cultural values such as racial and gender justice and environmental awareness. She feels strongly that a genuine and meaningful spiritual path includes not only personal transformation, but social and cultural transformation as well. She loves interfaith collaboration and is a volunteer for the Interfaith Speakers Bureau of the Islamic Networks Group in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to her monthly radio show called “Reflections on Buddhism on KSQD 90.7 she also finds time to create her Unlocking True Happiness podcast which you can check out at unlockingtruehappiness.org where you will also find her current teaching schedule. She is currently based on traditional Awaswas Ohlone land, in what is now known as Santa Cruz, CA.
HOSTS
Mathew Divaris’ (he/him) journey to Buddhism started with a moth-eaten copy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s “The Art of Happiness,” and followed a fairly haphazard course for several decades until he had the good fortune of attending teachings by Venerable Tenzin Chogkyi. He is self-admittedly a fairly poor student, yet is constantly amazed at the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in navigating the joys and tribulations of the time in which we live. In his free time, Mathew is a marketing consultant, dog rescue volunteer, enthusiastic gardener and cook.
Patrick McGinn has worked as a civil rights attorney, also with animal rescue organizations in various roles, and for the last six years has been living and working at Buddhist retreat centers in the western United States. He moved to Land of Medicine Buddha in January 2018, first as a member of the Service Study residential program, then served as Spiritual Program Administrator, and is currently serving as Operations Manager. Patrick enjoys fostering homeless dogs, hiking, writing, listening to KSQD radio and hosted “Reflections on Buddhism” between early 2020 and late 2021.
Brigitte Reardon is a licensed Massage Therapist, Yoga instructor, musician and world traveler. She has a strong passion for holistic health, volunteerism, music and travel. Throughout her travels she’s learned about various philosophies and religions and found her deepest calling in Buddhist and Hindu practices. Brigitte is originally from Southern California and migrated up to the Bay Area in 2015. Brigitte piloted “Reflections on Buddhism,” which was picked up by KSQD and launched in February, 2019.
EPISODES
Myths about Happiness, and How Understanding Them Can Help Us Manage the Pandemic
This episode was recorded five months into the COVID pandemic. In it, we explore some of the myths of happiness, and how we might be able to find happiness, meaning and connection these days in some unexpected places.
Coping with the Stress of Turbulent Times, Perspectives from Buddhism and Psychology
his episode is an exploration of how to manage our stress during this time of uncertainty, and how meditation can help us transform grief, loneliness and anger. We discuss the roles of compassion (including self-compassion), gratitude, and enthusiasm in our happiness, and how we can access these qualities even in these difficult times.
The Changing Roles for Women in Buddhism, from Ancient Times to the Modern Day
Buddhism originated in India 2,500 years ago, and flourished for centuries in Asian countries with strictly patriarchal and hierarchical cultures. As Buddhism takes root in the modern world, how is the role of women, both monastic and lay, changing to stay relevant to our modern cultures, in which equal rights for all genders is valued? What are some of the challenges in terms of gender equality we still face as Buddhists, and how do we move forward? These important questions will be discussed in this episode.
Social Justice Activism and the Monastic Life
The ultimate goals of Buddhism are liberation and enlightenment, becoming free of suffering through eliminating its causes, karma and mental afflictions. Some Buddhist practitioners and lineages...
Coping in Times of Crisis
At the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, our lives changed overnight and in completely unexpected ways. With the implementation of shelter in place orders and workplaces and schools closing down,...
The Roots of Addiction
For this episode, we are joined by Buddhist student and therapist Amy Cayton, who specializes in the treatment of addiction. We discuss the root causes of addiction, both from psychological and...