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by Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel
On Open Question Podcast, Buddhist teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, explores topics central to the Mahayana view - emptiness, dependent arising and bodhicitta - using a fresh mix of language, storytelling and guided inquiry. Elizabeth invites listeners to establish a practical understanding of these topics to enhance their daily lives. Elizabeth has studied and practiced Buddhism since 1985 under the guidance of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. After completing a six year retreat, she was appointed Retreat Master at the Samten Ling retreat center in Colorado. Elizabeth is the author of two books, The Power of an Open Question and The Logic of Faith. She is a teacher in the Mangala Shri Bhuti lineage, and is the founder/president of Middle Way Initiative, an educational non-profit.
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- Sep 24, 202627 min
OQ 703 - TWO TRUTHS: NOT TWO, NOT TRUE
In episode 703, Elizabeth asks the question: "If the absolute nature is not to be found within the nature of appearances themselves, where else would we find it?" She takes us on a journey to explore this question through the Buddha's teaching on dependent arising, Nagarjuna's two truths, and a curious teaching she received directly from her own teacher. The investigation reconciles common confusions about the essential teaching of the two truths.
- Apr 17, 202622 min
OQ 702 - What Am I Looking At?
Elizabeth has a curious encounter at the local post office, which ignites a profound inquiry into what keeps us from the nature of appearance.
- Feb 10, 202623 min
OQ 701 - The Great Escape
In episode 701, Elizabeth takes us through a classical teaching on the 12 links of dependent origination, which explores the genesis of our confusion, the dazzling spectacle of samsara, and how we can free ourselves from it. "When we feel confused about why we are practicing" she suggests, "just look at the wheel of becoming and it will remind you that there is nothing mystical about liberation. It is very matter-of-fact and within our reach."
- Sep 2, 202524 min
OQ 603 - DISRUPTION!
Elizabeth explores absolute bodhicitta through the story of the 11th century spiritual quest of Naropa. His training, under Mahasiddha Tilopa, illustrates the necessity of disrupting delusion in the context of spiritual awakening. At the heart of it all lies a deep examination of the meaning and experience of what is real.
- May 8, 202522 min
OQ 602 - Sujata's Offering
In the context of a recent pilgrimage in India, Elizabeth opens up the topic of "engaged" bodhicitta and the six paramitas. She weaves in the story of Sujata, the young woman known for generously offering a bowl of sweet milk-rice to Siddhartha who was debilitated after years of austerities. Revived and refocused, Siddhartha then made his way to the shade of a pipal tree and attained enlightenment, becoming The Buddha. Join the pilgrimage and explore India's conspiracy of great giving.
- Feb 14, 202523 min
OQ 601 - Across The Valley
In episode 601, Across the Valley, Elizabeth uses the analogy of two communities situated on opposite sides of the valley where she lives to consider our tendencies towards fundamentalism and rightness. "What happens" she asks, "when everyone feels absolutely right?" The Bodhisattva Vow is a commitment to create connection with others, without bias, by looking inward at the mechanisms of reification, and then applying the Buddha's Middle Way Beyond The Extremes.
- Dec 4, 202422 min
OQ 505 - Looking Into the World
In this episode Elizabeth reflects upon the provocative poem by renowned Buddhist teacher, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, entitled, "Looking Into the World." "It's not a cozy poem," she says, "It's an incantation to NOT trust, a reflection on loneliness, and a tribute to the freedom and confidence that comes from standing on our own two feet." You have to put your familiar views aside to explore this one!
- Sep 21, 202423 min
OQ 504 - Hook And Ring
Devotion is one of the many expressions of faith. When understood clearly, devotion can hasten the process of awakening for the student on the spiritual path, ripening and maturing them in a simple and direct way. Elizabeth brings us through various definitions of devotion, explores devotion as an experience, and considers the cultural and interpersonal challenges that can arise through misunderstanding the nature of the teacher/student dynamic.
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About Open Question
On Open Question Podcast, Buddhist teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, explores topics central to the Mahayana view - emptiness, dependent arising and bodhicitta - using a fresh mix of language, storytelling and guided inquiry. Elizabeth invites listeners to establish a practical understanding of these topics to enhance their daily lives. Elizabeth has studied and practiced Buddhism since 1985 under the guidance of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. After completing a six year retreat, she was appointed Retreat Master at the Samten Ling retreat center in Colorado. Elizabeth is the author of two books, The Power of an Open Question and The Logic of Faith. She is a teacher in the Mangala Shri Bhuti lineage, and is the founder/president of Middle Way Initiative, an educational non-profit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Open Question as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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How often does Open Question release new episodes?
Open Question publishes occasional. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
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Open Question covers topics including Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Buddhism, Philosophy, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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