Redesigning the Dharma (RTD) explores the evolution of contemplative practice from traditional models (Proprietary Dharma) to open sourced approaches to contemplative practice and Dharma communities. As an American expat who has lived in Thailand for over ten years, I’m interested in both how The Dharma is evolving in Western countries, as well as how Buddhist traditions and practices are evolving in more traditional contexts in Asia.
While RTD has a clear Buddhist bent, it’s also for those interested in conversations between other contemplative traditions and Buddhism, as well as the dialogue between various traditions and schools within Buddhism. Finally, the podcast will also consider how to work with plant medicines such as Ayahuasca and Soma through Buddhist and contemplative perspectives.
See all episodes at SahajaSoma.com/redesigning-the-dharma.
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Redesigning the Dharma (RTD) explores the evolution of contemplative practice from traditional models (Proprietary Dharma) to open sourced approaches to contemplative practice and Dharma communities. As an American expat who has lived in Thailand for over ten years, I’m interested in both how The Dharma is evolving in Western countries, as well as how Buddhist traditions and practices are evolving in more traditional contexts in Asia.
While RTD has a clear Buddhist bent, it’s also for those interested in conversations between other contemplative traditions and Buddhism, as well as the dialogue between various traditions and schools within Buddhism. Finally, the podcast will also consider how to work with plant medicines such as Ayahuasca and Soma through Buddhist and contemplative perspectives.
See all episodes at SahajaSoma.com/redesigning-the-dharma.
An Experiential Path To Awakening with Justin Kelley, PhD from Tergar Institute
Redesigning the Dharma
56 minutes
1 year ago
An Experiential Path To Awakening with Justin Kelley, PhD from Tergar Institute
Episode 16 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Justin Kelley, PhD, the Executive Director at Tergar Institute (https://tergarinstitute.org/) and Tergar Schools (https://tergarschools.org/). Raised in rural Massachusetts, Justin’s transformative journey began in Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal. This discussion dives into the role of the scholar-practitioner, his extensive research in Buddhist philosophy and meditation, his role as executive director in the Tergar community, the importance of balancing traditional and contemporary learning methods, and the challenges and adaptive strategies for transmitting Vajrayana Buddhism in the modern world.Episode Highlights:* 00:00 Introduction to Justin Kelley, PhD* 05:24 Justin’s Journey with Buddhism* 19:44 Meeting Mingyur Rinpoche* 27:20 Tergar Institute & Tergar Schools: Mission, Curriculum, and Approach Towards The Tradition* 34:57 Adapting Vajrayana Teachings and Discussing Power Dynamics in Traditional Institutes* 46:16 Psychedelics & The Importance of Stabilizing The ViewGuest Bio:Justin Kelley, a scholar-practitioner deeply engaged in both the academic and practical realms of Tibetan Buddhism, was raised on a farm in rural Massachusetts. His path took a transformative turn when he spent a decade immersed in Tibetan refugee communities across India and Nepal, where he dedicated himself to studying Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, and meditative practices.In 2021, Justin earned his PhD from Rice University’s Department of Religion, under the mentorship of Dr. Anne C. Klein, a distinguished professor of Religious Studies. His scholarly interests are expansive, encompassing the meditative and philosophical systems of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, phenomenology, contemplative studies, and learning theory.Justin's research is particularly focused on the nuanced processes of personal transformation—how these transformations are cultivated and the outcomes they yield. His dissertation explored Longchen Rabjam’s ontology of purity within the framework of the Great Completeness (Dzogchen), contributing to a larger project aimed at tracing the genealogy of purity throughout Buddhist history.In addition to his work in Buddhist theory and practice, Justin is passionate about the learning process and the art of pedagogy. His teaching philosophy is grounded in a transformative approach, emphasizing engaged and applied pedagogies that foster inclusive and empathetic learning environments. Whether in a classroom or digital setting, Justin is committed to creating educational experiences that honor the full spectrum of human experience.Currently, Justin serves as the executive director of two interrelated organizations: Tergar Schools and the Tergar Institute. At the heart of both organizations is the seamless integration of Tibetan Buddhist theory and practice with contemporary approaches to learning, with Tergar Schools focusing on primary and secondary education and the Tergar Institute on continuing and higher education.TERGAR INSTITUTE (https://tergarinstitute.org/) | TERGAR INSTITUTE ON FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/tergarinstitute) | TERGAR INSTITUTE ON INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/tergarinstitute)TERGAR SCHOOLS (http://www.tergarschools.org/) | TERGAR SCHOOLS ON FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/tergarschools) | TERGAR SCHOOLS ON INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/tergarschools)
Redesigning the Dharma
Redesigning the Dharma (RTD) explores the evolution of contemplative practice from traditional models (Proprietary Dharma) to open sourced approaches to contemplative practice and Dharma communities. As an American expat who has lived in Thailand for over ten years, I’m interested in both how The Dharma is evolving in Western countries, as well as how Buddhist traditions and practices are evolving in more traditional contexts in Asia.
While RTD has a clear Buddhist bent, it’s also for those interested in conversations between other contemplative traditions and Buddhism, as well as the dialogue between various traditions and schools within Buddhism. Finally, the podcast will also consider how to work with plant medicines such as Ayahuasca and Soma through Buddhist and contemplative perspectives.
See all episodes at SahajaSoma.com/redesigning-the-dharma.
