The second part of the conversation with Reka Gawa focuses on exploring Tibetan cuisine beyond momos. Reka Gawa is an established Tibetan food entrepreneur and the founder of Himalaya Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland. Through her cafe, she promotes Tibetan culture and Buddhist principles of compassion and kindness. She also initiated the "pay it forward scheme" to feed the homeless. The episode features a discussion between Tenzin Chodon and Reka Gawa about Tibetan food and Reka's journey as an...

Do you love exploring different cuisines? Do you want to explore Tibetan cuisine? If yes, then this episode is for you. Tibetan food doesn’t start and end with momos. There is so much variety! In this episode, Tenzin is in conversation with Reka Gawa, an established Tibetan food entrepreneur who is the founder of Himalaya Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland. With the cafe, she is not only spreading Tibetan culture but also the Buddhist principles of compassion and Kindness. She also started the “pay...

Mental health issues are one of the leading challenges in the world today. We live in an age where hustle culture is touted and mental well-being is severely ignored. It is imperative for us to take care of our body and mind. To gain more insights on how we can master our mind for happiness, Tenzin is in conversation with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul. He is the director of Tibet House, New Delhi which is the cultural centre of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He has been the official...

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of mental health. In today's world, mental well-being is often overlooked amidst the constant pressure of hustle culture. It is essential to prioritize our mind and body's health to lead a happy and fulfilling life. To help us gain a deeper understanding of how we can achieve this, Tenzin is in conversation with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul, the director of Tibet House in New Delhi, which serves as the cultural center of His Holiness the 14th...

This is part 2 of our conversation with the renowned Tibetan singer/songwriter Techung. The music of Tibet is as serene and beautiful as its picturesque landscape. If you thought that there is only one kind of music in Tibet, you are absolutely mistaken. Each province in the region has its own style of music. To dwell deeper into this and truly understand the beauty of traditional Tibetan music, Tenzin is in conversation with the award-winning Tibetan singer/songwriter - Techung. Techung is...

The music of Tibet is as serene and beautiful as its picturesque landscape. If you thought that there is only one kind of music in Tibet, you are absolutely mistaken. Each province in the region has its own style of music. To dwell deeper into this and truly understand the beauty of traditional Tibetan music, Tenzin is in conversation with the award-winning Tibetan singer/song-writer - Techung. Techung is the co-founder of the San Francisco-based Chaksampa Tibetan Dance and Opera Company....

“When I am conducting live translations of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s speeches, I always try making the audience feel that they are hearing directly from His Holiness” - says Geshe Thupten Jinpa in this episode with Tenzin Chodon on Waking Up Closer To Tibet. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 1985. He is a celebrated Tibetan Buddhist scholar, leader and author who has translated and edited numerous books by H.H....

Are you multilingual or a polyglot? Does the study of language intrigue you? Do you want to learn more about the Tibetan language? Then this episode is for you. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has been the principal English translator for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama since 1985. He is a celebrated Tibetan Buddhist scholar, leader and author who has translated and edited numerous books by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has also done live translations of His Holiness’s...

Despite tumultuous situations, His Holiness has always practised and preached the message of love, forgiveness, compassion and secular ethics. For his dedication towards peace, His Holiness was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1989. In an age where tolerance and acceptance are at their lowest, how can we build resilience? What role have the Buddhist teachings played in the life of His Holiness? Why is Tibetan Buddhism known as the science of the human mind? Know about it all, as...

How old is the relationship between India and Tibet? How did Buddhism spread from India to Tibet? What role has ancient India's Nalanda University played in this regard? If you are intrigued to know the answers to these questions, then this episode is for you. The quest for unique narratives about Tibet continues in Season 2. In this episode, Tenzin is in conversation with His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama as His Holiness elucidates the history of Tibetan Buddhism and language. This is part 1...

Did you know that there are approximately 39 Tibetan settlements in different states of India? Many Tibetans have been living in exile for over 60 years. Their settlements are often known as “Little Tibet'' due to the vast population of Tibetans living and the reflection of its rich culture in these settlements. From Buddhist monasteries to temples, from traditional food to clothing, you will get to experience the Tibetan way of life up-close! The two largest Tibetan settlements in India are...

Did you know that consuming certain Tibetan precious pills on auspicious days based on the lunar calendar enhances the efficacy of these pills? What is the relationship between the planetary system and the consumption of the precious pills/Rilbus? Tune in now to know it all, as Tenzin continues her conversation with Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar and Jalpa Vithalani on the topic of Tibetan Medicine.

Did you know traditional Tibetan physicians diagnose diseases and illnesses with pulse reading? The art of pulse reading comes from the system of Tibetan medicine/Sowa Rigpa. Sowa-Rigpa in Tibetan translates to Science of Healing. It is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world. Want to learn how we can heal ourselves holistically and improve our vitality? Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks to two special guests - Dr. Dorjee Rapten Neshar, a renowned Tibetan Medicine Doctor and Jalpa...

Who is Milarepa and why is his story an integral part of Tibetan folklore? This is the story of an ordinary man in Tibet whose life was filled with misery and challenges but with his grit, he was able to attain enlightenment. Because of hardships in his life, Milarepa resorted to black magic in his early days. Realizing his misdoings, he sought out on the path of Buddhahood. He became one of the most celebrated Yogis of Tibet. His story is a reminder that if you truly believe in what you want...

How can films help us understand Tibetans, their culture and life as refugees in exile? Cinema is not only known to be influential in shaping our perspectives, but is often also a reflection of our culture. Tibetans have their own distinct narrative and culture. Tibetan filmmakers act as a catalyst in bringing unheard Tibetan stories from the lens of its people into the spotlight. In this episode, Tenzin speaks with – Tenzing Sonam, an Award-winning Tibetan Film Director who is amplifying...

Tibetan music is the music of Tibet and is a reflection of its culture. The music can transport you imaginatively to the Himalayas. The tradition of singing Buddhist parables among Tibetans is over centuries old. Because of the high altitude, singing was a more convenient and entertaining form of communication for nomads and farmers. The most interesting thing about them was that even though they were illiterate, they would remember all chapters from the Tibetan epics by heart and would sing,...

Apart from the scenic Himalayan landscape and the rich flora and fauna, what makes Tibet truly special is its people - the Tibetan people. There is an intriguing folklore in the culture that Tibetans originated from the union of an ascetic monkey and Goddess Tara who was disguised as a demon. Sounds intriguing? If you have been fascinated by Tibetans, then this episode is for you. From the origin of Tibetans to their lifestyle in exile, Tenzin discusses them all, with renowned Anthropologist,...

Tibetans don't eat momos every day. Tibetan cuisine doesn't end at momos! In fact, it consists of a wide variety of dishes. Tibetan food reflects the beautiful Himalayan culture. The staple food is Tsampa - barley flour made with butter, sugar, and tea that is consumed in either a ball form or in a porridge-like consistency which is rich, creamy, and oddly satisfying! Want to know more about the cuisine and try Tibetan food? Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks about the same.

Ever seen beautiful scroll paintings with striking images of Buddhist deities and mandalas telling stories? That is the Thangka Art. The tradition of Thangka in Tibet is over centuries old. Buddhist deities or figures are either painted or sewn on specific fabrics like cotton and silk. Many Buddhist narratives are told through this form of art and it is believed that our ancestors preserved the knowledge of enlightened beings and displayed these narratives in the form of images. Just...

The Tibetan New Year is around the corner. And it is called – Losar in Tibetan. Losar is the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar/luni-solar calendar. This year, in 2022, Losar is on March 3rd. How do Tibetans celebrate their new year? Why is it celebrated for over 15 days? What significance does it hold? What are the vibrant traditions that add to the beauty of this festival? Know about it all as Tenzin speaks on the same .

On 27th May 2021 His Excellency, Penpa Tsering became the democratically elected President/Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, the Tibetan government in exile was established in Dharamshala, India. A Sikyong plays a pivotal role as the political and administrative head of the Tibetan administration in exile. In this episode, Tenzin speaks with His Excellency, Penpa Tsering about the Central Tibetan Administration and his vision for the...

Tibetan Spiritual Leader and Nobel Laureate, H.H The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso is globally known for his message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. He is believed to be the reincarnation of The 13th Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso. Dalai Lamas are believed to be the manifestations of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion who vows to be reborn to help humanity and the world. Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks about reincarnation and the story of The Dalai Lama.

The Tibetan culture is known to be deeply influenced by Buddhism. But, how did Buddhism reach Tibet? What is Tibetan Buddhism? In this episode, Tenzin asks the renowned Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Master and Scholar H.H. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche these questions. Tune in to know what makes Tibetan Buddhism so unique.

Often known as the roof of the world, Tibet and its people have a very distinct culture and way of life. What is the story of Tibet and who are Tibetans? Tune in now, as Tenzin speaks on the same.