As someone who has recently returned to the path, great health struggles and chronic illness have served as major catalysts for reestablishing a regular hourly routine of meditation each day. I've been at it for a month, in addition to going to a Buddhist community center once a week for teachings and guided meditation, and the benefits are already very perceptible. The mind is truly limitless and is not bound to the limitations of my corporeal form, and I try to view my difficult circumstance as a profound teachable experience that can help bring me closer to truth, rather than a burdensome curse. Thank you for this wonderful interview, this brilliant lady's energy is absolutely infectious, and I wish her nothing but good health and wisdom.
@SludgeMan90 What beautiful words. Thank you for this insightful comment and for sharing your experience of re-connecting with spiritual practice. The power of our mind knows no bounds!
I loved how Gen Demo could speak so clearly, humbly and sensitively about something so personal and undoubtedly profoundly challenging. A testament to the power of Buddhist wisdom practiced steadily and gently over a long time. We're always encouraged to practice meditation like a broad river flowing gently year after year. I feel we're seeing an example right here of what the results of doing that look like.
@kelsangtara1237 Thank you for your beautiful comment - Gen Demo is such an incredible example of what happens when someone really practices the teachings and meditations Buddha taught.
As an Ordained Buddhist with the Triratna Buddhist Movement, I appreciate what is being shared here. I have also forwarded this link on to 10 of my Order Members who live with long term health difficulties... because it speaks to our shared journey with the universality of suffering. Sadhu.
@maitrikashin3906 Thank you so much for commenting. It's wonderful to hear the thoughts of someone from another Buddhist community. I do hope that those you've forwarded this to find great benefit from this conversation. May all suffering quickly cease _/\_
Thank you so much for speaking about your journey of M.S with us and for sharing what has helped you. As someone who has been recently diagnosed with a chronic pain condition I am feeling inspired by listening to you 🙏 as someone who has been studying and practicing Kadampa for a couple of years I feel even more hopeful after listening to you that my practice will help me too Many thanks and warm wishes to you
@JulieB-b4t We're so happy to hear this conversation has served as inspiration in the face of a challenging diagnosis. One of our other conversations focuses particularly on chronic pain - it's called 'How to find peace in chronic pain'. You may like to check this out too. All the very best with your practice. The value of Kadam Dharma really shows itself when suffering and adversity strike.
As a 52-year old with a 29-year old chronic illness, I found this podcast to be a balm: Kadam Adam's gentle questions and Gen Demo's clarity, lightness and depth. I particular appreciated her saying that when we have bad days (and for many of us, most days are bad days), it's ok to just engage in "meditative-like" practices like reading a paragraph of a Buddhist book and engaging in contemplation. For my tired mind, it was very healing to just get this permission.
@michelekatrinathorsen9965 This is very beautiful to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your experience of this conversation. We're so happy that it's had a healing, affirming impact on you and provides encouragement amidst the profound challenges of chronic illness.
If pain is big in our life, we'll also get the chance to touch into the vastness of space that is able to hold it all. And being gentle is the way of opening to it. Thank you for offering this rich and inspiring conversation. I feel so supported and strengthened on my own way with chronic illness. May this podcast reach and resonate with many 💕
Thank you for this video which will be helpful to so many. 😊 I am so moved and inspired by the way in which Gen Demo is taking Dharma deep into her heart and experiencing its healing effect. I have also been touched by Kadam Adam’s kindness in offering gentle and encouraging advice to a friend with chronic health issues regarding her spiritual practice. Love and blessings to you both! 🌟
@catherinemitchell944 Thank you for such a kind, thoughtful comment. We certainly hope this inspiring story will bring benefit to many as more and more people connect with it. They are both such wonderful examples!
So many good, practical ideas are shared here. I loved Gen Demo's use of her own condition, which is invisible to many, to remind herself of how everyone is dealing with things that we can't see, and how that leads to compassion. Wonderful insights!
Thank you so much for the wisdom, humility and compassion in this episode. Many people who are suffering from chronic mental or physical pain can relate to Gen Demo's experience.
So many pieces of wise advises for difficult situations!Even when physical or mental pain is too much for us to bear ,just engaging in a meditative contemplation brings great results.I will never forget this!
This is a wonderful talk! It helps so much to see how applying the teachings to our daily life helps us grow spiritually. Showing how any little bit of meditation practice helps in the daily situations. I have the same experience in seeing that the body is going to do what it does and our mind can accept it and be at peace. This is so beautifully explained here. 😊 thanks for sharing this with the world. We had a woman with MS in our Sangha in the past and she used Dharma to help when her body stopped moving. It was good to know she had a spiritual practice she could rely on to help stay peaceful. Even just remembering the pictures of Buddhas helped her.
It's a lot like getting older, if you think about it. None of us know what's going to happen tomorrow. Living in gratitude, help others when possible, and trust God/Buddha/ Universe . I'm 83 now, and resonate with what she's discussing. None of us will get out of here alive.
Three years, you say? Just a thought: did you take the recommended procedure, by any chance? Many millions of people have become disabled, or worse, since having that. There are good doctors who have been working very hard to find a remedy for that. You can find the information if you know where to look.
@nonayobiznez5311 Thank you for your thoughtful, concerned comment. Part of Buddhist practice is to seek all appropriate medical care for whatever we are experiencing. Just because we're trying to train our minds doesn't mean we go to the extreme of ignoring valuable medical advice or potential remedies. Whilst I can't speak for Gen Demo directly, I'm certain she will be exploring every medical avenue available to her.
@michaelcharlespackenham8620 This is such an interesting comment. I think everyone has days, weeks, maybe years when they would absolutely agree with this. And in a sense, Buddha did as well. The first words of his first teaching were 'You should know sufferings' and he spoke of how life contaminated by the inner poison of unpeaceful states of mind, so called 'delusions', is in the nature of suffering. Gen Demo, the nun in this video, is such a great example of how the practice of meditation helps us to overcome our unpeaceful states of mind and thereby dramatically change our perception of an instance of significant suffering. Thanks for watching!
@@modernbuddhismpodcast Phew! I'm glad you took it the way I meant it. After I posted it I thought maybe it would be taken as someone just being snarky. I have chronic lung disease. I was in the hospital for a year a while back and barely made it out. I'm actually living at IKRC Grand Canyon and Gen Demo is coming to be our resident teacher in January. I'm so excited to meet her. Like her, my disease has made me stronger and helped me to make great strides along the spiritual path. It has helped me to realize that I am not this body. It's very hard to breathe but I've never been happier!
@michaelcharlespackenham8620 Wow! Thank you so much on behalf of everyone reading this for sharing your experience. It's wonderful that you've been able to transform this adversity into the spiritual path. "It's very hard to breathe but I've never been happier!" This is hugely humbling and inspiring. And I rejoice that Gen Demo will soon be your teacher!
As someone who has recently returned to the path, great health struggles and chronic illness have served as major catalysts for reestablishing a regular hourly routine of meditation each day. I've been at it for a month, in addition to going to a Buddhist community center once a week for teachings and guided meditation, and the benefits are already very perceptible. The mind is truly limitless and is not bound to the limitations of my corporeal form, and I try to view my difficult circumstance as a profound teachable experience that can help bring me closer to truth, rather than a burdensome curse. Thank you for this wonderful interview, this brilliant lady's energy is absolutely infectious, and I wish her nothing but good health and wisdom.
@SludgeMan90 What beautiful words. Thank you for this insightful comment and for sharing your experience of re-connecting with spiritual practice. The power of our mind knows no bounds!
I loved how Gen Demo could speak so clearly, humbly and sensitively about something so personal and undoubtedly profoundly challenging. A testament to the power of Buddhist wisdom practiced steadily and gently over a long time. We're always encouraged to practice meditation like a broad river flowing gently year after year. I feel we're seeing an example right here of what the results of doing that look like.
@kelsangtara1237 Thank you for your beautiful comment - Gen Demo is such an incredible example of what happens when someone really practices the teachings and meditations Buddha taught.
Wonderful and extremely helpful. Thank you so very much.
@michaelacarr1931 So glad you found it useful Michaela! We're loving making these episodes and sharing them with people.
As an Ordained Buddhist with the Triratna Buddhist Movement, I appreciate what is being shared here. I have also forwarded this link on to 10 of my Order Members who live with long term health difficulties... because it speaks to our shared journey with the universality of suffering.
Sadhu.
@maitrikashin3906 Thank you so much for commenting. It's wonderful to hear the thoughts of someone from another Buddhist community. I do hope that those you've forwarded this to find great benefit from this conversation. May all suffering quickly cease _/\_
Woke up with my own chronic illness and pain. This is timely and very helpful.
@stevef7814 So glad this episode helped you!
How inspiring. I have a chronic illness similar to M.S, which I have let completely consume me. I hope I can develop a positive mind like Gen Demo ❤
@The_Modern_Buddhist Wouldn't that be amazing - I wish you very success!
Thank you both so much for sharing. I have also MS. Almost 16 years. Is very hard but meditating helps me dealing with it!🙏🙏🧡 from the netherlands
@anouk2115 SO glad to hear meditation is helping you deal with MS, Anouk. Really glad you found the channel.
Thank you so much for speaking about your journey of M.S with us and for sharing what has helped you. As someone who has been recently diagnosed with a chronic pain condition I am feeling inspired by listening to you 🙏 as someone who has been studying and practicing Kadampa for a couple of years I feel even more hopeful after listening to you that my practice will help me too
Many thanks and warm wishes to you
@JulieB-b4t We're so happy to hear this conversation has served as inspiration in the face of a challenging diagnosis. One of our other conversations focuses particularly on chronic pain - it's called 'How to find peace in chronic pain'. You may like to check this out too. All the very best with your practice. The value of Kadam Dharma really shows itself when suffering and adversity strike.
Such a strong example of dealing with difficulties and patient acceptance. Thank you so much for sharing your journey 🙏🏼🙏🏼
@MrsOlga2012 She is so inspiring isn't she, Olga. Thank you for your kind words.
As a 52-year old with a 29-year old chronic illness, I found this podcast to be a balm: Kadam Adam's gentle questions and Gen Demo's clarity, lightness and depth. I particular appreciated her saying that when we have bad days (and for many of us, most days are bad days), it's ok to just engage in "meditative-like" practices like reading a paragraph of a Buddhist book and engaging in contemplation. For my tired mind, it was very healing to just get this permission.
@michelekatrinathorsen9965 This is very beautiful to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your experience of this conversation. We're so happy that it's had a healing, affirming impact on you and provides encouragement amidst the profound challenges of chronic illness.
If pain is big in our life, we'll also get the chance to touch into the vastness of space that is able to hold it all. And being gentle is the way of opening to it. Thank you for offering this rich and inspiring conversation. I feel so supported and strengthened on my own way with chronic illness. May this podcast reach and resonate with many 💕
@christina-bp6vd Dear Christina, thank you for sharing this beautiful response to the episode!
Thank you for this video which will be helpful to so many. 😊 I am so moved and inspired by the way in which Gen Demo is taking Dharma deep into her heart and experiencing its healing effect. I have also been touched by Kadam Adam’s kindness in offering gentle and encouraging advice to a friend with chronic health issues regarding her spiritual practice. Love and blessings to you both! 🌟
@catherinemitchell944 Thank you for such a kind, thoughtful comment. We certainly hope this inspiring story will bring benefit to many as more and more people connect with it. They are both such wonderful examples!
So many good, practical ideas are shared here. I loved Gen Demo's use of her own condition, which is invisible to many, to remind herself of how everyone is dealing with things that we can't see, and how that leads to compassion. Wonderful insights!
@timlarcombe374 Thank you for your kind words Tim - and yes, what a beautiful insight so eloquently and skillfully described!
Thank you so much for sharing this very insightful conversation. What she has done is so amazing - her strength and authenticity are very inspiring.
@mere_name She really is such an extraordinary example isn't she!
🥰💗🙏🏻 Thank you for sharing everything, but especially the story of your experience with the intern. It was very moving.
@meredithbrownwishpathheali4356 Thank you for your kind words - yes that story is SO powerful isn't it!
Thank you so much for the wisdom, humility and compassion in this episode. Many people who are suffering from chronic mental or physical pain can relate to Gen Demo's experience.
@amybuttell9578 Thank you for your kind words, Amy
I am so inspired by Gen Demo's example. Such a beautiful and profound talk.
@KathiaRabelo-c1l Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Couldn't agree more! What a steadfast, peaceful and compassionate example.
Just wonderful example of using the practice to reduce pain and suffering! ❤Thank you!
@ISLFinancial So glad you enjoyed it, Ike!
Thanks for sharing your story of courage and resilience!
@lenfoley3291 It's such a moving and inspiring story isn't it!
So many pieces of wise advises for difficult situations!Even when physical or mental pain is too much for us to bear ,just engaging in a meditative contemplation brings great results.I will never forget this!
@clarabudescu8969 Thanks for sharing your main takeaway from this conversation. Glad you enjoyed it!
So inspiring and encouraging in many ways. Thank you very much for this 🙏
@kelsangleksang6304 Thank you for watching and supporting us!
A goldmine of wisdom. Thank you. This was very inspiring.
@katnip198 Thank you for watching and your encouraging words :-)
So touching and inspiring! Thank you for this interview ❤
@yangjunhua9469 So glad you enjoyed it - do check out our other episodes.
Super inspiring! Thank you Gen Demo for sharing your journey and such a personal topic in such an easy and beautiful way!
@eduardmonteagudo7795 Thanks for your lovely comment. What an extraordinary conversation this was!
This is a wonderful talk! It helps so much to see how applying the teachings to our daily life helps us grow spiritually. Showing how any little bit of meditation practice helps in the daily situations. I have the same experience in seeing that the body is going to do what it does and our mind can accept it and be at peace. This is so beautifully explained here. 😊 thanks for sharing this with the world. We had a woman with MS in our Sangha in the past and she used Dharma to help when her body stopped moving. It was good to know she had a spiritual practice she could rely on to help stay peaceful. Even just remembering the pictures of Buddhas helped her.
@chandramerod160 Thank you for sharing that Chandra! May everyone find the tools they need to deal with the challenges life presents.
Thank you for sharing your story and wisdom on how to transform our suffering 🙏.
You and this amazing podcast 👏 🙌 are phenomenally so inspiring. ❤
@shobanasukun4447 Thank you for your support - we're loving sharing these inspiring examples.
Thanks so much, so very helpful🧡
@sombradevenecia3665 So glad you found this helpful - Thank you for commenting.
Wonderful.
@JardineKarate1 Thanks for commenting! We're glad you enjoyed this inspiring interview.
What a wonderful podcast..and I so love around minute 27 "Everyone has the potential to be strong" and the being "soft strong" comment. Great wisdom.
@kelsangdragpa2390 Thanks for highlighting this quote. Such practical advice for redefining what it means to be a strong person. Thanks for tuning in!
Thank you!
@GraceRose-us6jb Thanks for tuning in to this powerful interview!
@@modernbuddhismpodcast Thank you to you!
So very inspiring! Thank you.
@oankali08 It's an amazing interview isn't it! So much wisdom to take away and implement in the face of our own adversities. Thanks for watching!
Beautiful thank you so much Adam and Gen Demo ❤
@patrickobrienstr Thanks for watching!
these podcasts are so precious!!! please never stop creating them🥰
@b.e-q1m So happy to hear you're enjoying them so much! Please spread the word.
Thank you for this inspiring podcast. ❤
@kadampameditationcentreott6659 Thanks for tuning in!
Obrigada por enfatizar a importância da meditação.
@vitoriaborgo5821 Obrigado por seu comentário!
I can often do mantra, even if I can't do other practices.
@mindyshively4947 Thank you for sharing that
Extremely helpful podcast thank you so much ❤
@robinalexander1765 Thank you very much for tuning in. We're so happy to hear you found it so beneficial.
Namo Amitabha 🙏🙏🙏I pray《The Chant of Metta 》 to all of sentient beings. 🙏🙏🙏
@xiaoqingling1500 Thank you for your beautiful prayers!
She is so pretty 😍
@carolinebielby5924 Thank you for watching Caroline - More episodes with Gen Demo coming in the future!
It's a lot like getting older, if you think about it. None of us know what's going to happen tomorrow. Living in gratitude, help others when possible, and trust God/Buddha/ Universe . I'm 83 now, and resonate with what she's discussing. None of us will get out of here alive.
@homemoviesandotherstuff3419 Beautifully said. Thank you for this thoughtful comment. We're so happy this conversation resonated with you.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and showing this inspiring example!
@RebeccaGauthier Thank you for watching!
🙏🙏🙏
@irenechan8545 Thank you Irene :-)
Three years, you say? Just a thought: did you take the recommended procedure, by any chance? Many millions of people have become disabled, or worse, since having that. There are good doctors who have been working very hard to find a remedy for that. You can find the information if you know where to look.
@nonayobiznez5311 Thank you for your thoughtful, concerned comment. Part of Buddhist practice is to seek all appropriate medical care for whatever we are experiencing. Just because we're trying to train our minds doesn't mean we go to the extreme of ignoring valuable medical advice or potential remedies. Whilst I can't speak for Gen Demo directly, I'm certain she will be exploring every medical avenue available to her.
Importante question.
💗🌸
How can we be sure that after brain dies, something continues?
@dimitrisjim1216 That's a really important question - we'll explore it more in future episodes.
Please seek sunlight, Gen Demo. Your mitochondria are sunlight deficient. ❤
@TerriblePerfection Thank you for watching and caring.
Life is a chronic illness.
@michaelcharlespackenham8620 This is such an interesting comment. I think everyone has days, weeks, maybe years when they would absolutely agree with this. And in a sense, Buddha did as well. The first words of his first teaching were 'You should know sufferings' and he spoke of how life contaminated by the inner poison of unpeaceful states of mind, so called 'delusions', is in the nature of suffering. Gen Demo, the nun in this video, is such a great example of how the practice of meditation helps us to overcome our unpeaceful states of mind and thereby dramatically change our perception of an instance of significant suffering. Thanks for watching!
@@modernbuddhismpodcast Phew! I'm glad you took it the way I meant it. After I posted it I thought maybe it would be taken as someone just being snarky. I have chronic lung disease. I was in the hospital for a year a while back and barely made it out. I'm actually living at IKRC Grand Canyon and Gen Demo is coming to be our resident teacher in January. I'm so excited to meet her. Like her, my disease has made me stronger and helped me to make great strides along the spiritual path. It has helped me to
realize that I am not this body. It's very hard to breathe but I've never been happier!
@michaelcharlespackenham8620 Wow! Thank you so much on behalf of everyone reading this for sharing your experience. It's wonderful that you've been able to transform this adversity into the spiritual path. "It's very hard to breathe but I've never been happier!" This is hugely humbling and inspiring. And I rejoice that Gen Demo will soon be your teacher!
Are those fake candles?
@maaikevermoen1727 We'd probably say pleasing ambient lighting with a low fire risk... thanks for watching and commenting
@@modernbuddhismpodcast😂😂😂