The CyberSangha Podcast

Episode 73 · Series 4 — 2024 CyberSangha Dialogues

With Guy Desbiolles, Alejandro Chaoul & Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

In an online broadcast, HeartMath practitioner Guy Desbiolles and prominent Tibetan meditation teacher Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche come together to discuss cardiac coherence, a practice that relies on simple breathing exercises to bring the nervous system into a state of equilibrium. How can we use this simple, effective tool to manage stress, control our emotions, and experience other benefits to our physical, emotional and mental health? Hosted by Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D.

Episode 72 · Series 4 — 2024 CyberSangha Dialogues

With Ido Portal, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and Alejandro Chaoul

What happens when a world-renowned movement teacher and a Tibetan meditation master meet to talk about the body, mind, and freedom? In this lively conversation hosted by Alejandro Chaoul, Ido Portal and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche explore how movement can unlock “the issues in the tissues,” awaken joy, and support emotional and spiritual healing, while stillness deepens clarity, presence, and inner freedom. Drawing from martial arts, capoeira, Bön Buddhist practice, and real-life stories of pain, aging, and burnout, they share practical insights on making everyday life a 24-hour practice—whether you are walking, hanging from a bar, or sitting on a cushion. This dialogue is an invitation to rethink what it means to “practice,” and to discover how befriending both movement and stillness can transform your relationship to your body, your emotions, and your life.

Episode 71 · Series 4 — 2024 CyberSangha Dialogues

With Eric Garland, Ph.D., and Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D.

Can we ease our physical and emotional pain simply by increasing our sensitivity to natural, healthy pleasures? In Dr. Eric Garland’s MORE research, participants learned a savoring practice in which they intentionally focused on the sights, sounds, smells, and touch of a pleasant experience, such as a beautiful sunset or their connection to a loved one. In appreciating and absorbing their positive emotional response to these sensory impressions, their pain and craving for opioids lessened. Eric and Alejandro will discuss how savoring relates not only to mindfulness meditation, but also to dzogchen meditation and its experiences of oneness, or non-duality.

Episode 70 · Series 4 — 2024 CyberSangha Dialogues

With Ed O’Malley, Ph.D., and Geshe Tenzin Wangyal

How do the light of day and darkness of night impact our experience as human beings, including the quality of our sleep? What is light, from the perspectives of both modern science and ancient Tibetan wisdom? Ed O’Malley and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche explore the implications not only of sunlight, but also of the clear light of awareness and the five pure lights described in the dzogchen teachings of Tibet. Join us for a fascinating inquiry into our universe of light and dark.

Related: “Sleeping, Dreaming & Well-Being: a Scientific & Spiritual Exploration of Sleep, Part 1” with Danny Lewin, Ph.D., and host Geshe Tenzin Wangyal. Learn more & view recording.

Post-broadcast summary: Ed O’Malley discussed the importance of circadian rhythms and light on human sleep patterns, emphasizing the negative effects of light pollution and the benefits of natural daylight. He underscored the role of healthy sleep patterns for overall health and longevity, citing recent research to support this claim. Lastly, he and Rinpoche explored the interconnection between inner and outer light, traditional practices that integrate the two, and the cultural significance of circadian rhythms.

Episode 69 · Series 4 — 2024 CyberSangha Dialogues

With Danny Lewin, Ph.D., and Geshe Tenzin Wangyal.

How do modern science and ancient Tibetan wisdom define the different states of sleep? What is the best advice for improving sleep and circadian health and being more aware while dreaming? What can researchers learn from the ancient practices of dream and sleep yoga? Psychologist Danny Lewin, Ph.D., former director of Clinical Sleep Medicine at the National Center on Sleep Research, joins Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche in an in-depth discussion of the health implications of sleeping and dreaming of the deities.